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Abundant Housing Legalize Starter Home Ballot Committee

Context

This year, Abundant Housing MA created a ballot committee to support and promote ballot question 7 also known as  Legalize Starter Homes. The ballot initiative campaign is targeting one of the most pressing shortages in the housing market: a lack of smaller homes intended for first-time homebuyers, young families, and downsizing seniors. These homes are typically more affordable, but are often prohibited by excessively large minimum residential lot sizes. Some Massachusetts municipalities have minimum lot sizes up to 2 acres or more – larger than a World Cup soccer field! That’s why Legalize Starter Homes, or Question 7 on the November 2026 ballot would allow for new starter homes on residential lots of at least 5,000 square feet, as long as they have 50 feet of land bordering the street, and are served by municipal water and sewer. 

Timeline 

Accepting applications on a rolling basis through [Sep.15, 2026]. This is a short-term hourly position with an expected end date of November 4, 2026. 

Overview of Role 

As a canvasser, you will walk door-to-door to talk to voters about this opportunity to address the housing shortage in Massachusetts and make modest, smaller homes possible in our communities. You will be responsible for having a certain number of conversations per day about Question 7 and, importantly, helping voters make a plan to vote. If you’re committed to making housing more affordable and attainable, we encourage you to apply! 

Responsibilities 

In this position, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Work door-to-door to talk to targeted community members about local housing issues. Track and report your conversations daily in a database system. 
• Represent AHMA in the community! 

Required Qualifications 

• Comfortable with and enthusiastic about discussing topics related to Massachusetts politics and public policy (but you do not need to be a political expert). Must have the physical stamina to stand/walk for long periods (up to 5 hours per day) while meeting and talking to people. 
• Availability for at least three 5-hour shifts per week
• Flexibility to work weekdays and weekends as needed
• Ability to memorize and recite provided scripts and statements 
• Ability to collect information such as name, zip code, phone number, and/or email address 
• Consistently meet daily and weekly conversation goals 
• Understand how to use a tablet/phone to sign up for shifts and to track and submit data 
• Excellent communication skills including active listening and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work within a team and independently 
• Good time management skills to fulfill goals within a specific period 
• Valid driver’s license, access to a car, or transportation (to get to shift) is required 
• Smart phone required 
• Candidates who are bilingual in English and either of the following languages are highly encouraged to apply:
  • Spanish
  • Portugues
  • Haitian Creole  

Helpful Skills 

• Previous experience with data entry and reporting functions 
• Previous paid or volunteer canvass experience (including Census outreach work) 
• Telemarketing or retail experience 
• Social service or organizing experience 

Salary and Benefits 

This is a paid hourly position with the Abundant Housing MA with an hourly rate of $25. 

Location/Hours 

This position is located in Massachusetts and is in-person. Canvassers must be available for at least three 5-hour shifts per week during the days AHMA is canvassing, currently Wednesday-Sunday from 1-6pm. 

Anti-Discrimination Commitment 

AHMA is an anti-racist organization and an equal opportunity employer. AHMA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender expression, sexuality, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or income level in any of its activities or operations. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

To Apply 

To apply, fill out our application here. Application questions include your name, pronouns, email address, cell phone number, home address, earliest start date, a 1-page resume detailing work and volunteer experience you believe relevant to this role and two references (their name, relationship to you, phone, and email address).