Ohio’s Youth-Led Political Movement Seeks Founding Leader to Expand Civic Engagement
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new chapter in Ohio’s civic landscape is taking shape as Beyond the Ballot, a Gen Z-driven advocacy organization, launches its Ohio affiliate. The group is recruiting a Chapter Founder and Executive Director to establish its presence in the state, marking a strategic push to empower young leaders in local and state-level policy reform. The role, posted on the nonprofit job platform Idealist, offers a unique opportunity for an experienced organizer to shape a movement focused on social, economic, and environmental justice—all while building a chapter from the ground up.
The initiative reflects a broader trend of youth-led political engagement in the U.S., particularly in swing states like Ohio, where grassroots efforts have gained traction in recent election cycles. Beyond the Ballot’s mission centers on a “bottom-up” approach, prioritizing community-driven advocacy over top-down political structures. For Ohio, this means creating a platform where young voices—often marginalized in traditional politics—can influence policy on issues ranging from climate action to economic equity.
The Chapter Founder and Executive Director will serve as the Ohio chapter’s inaugural leader, responsible for recruiting members, establishing operational frameworks, and aligning the chapter’s work with Beyond the Ballot’s national bylaws. The position is part-time, requiring a commitment of 10–30 hours per week, and is open to volunteers with a passion for civic engagement. Once the chapter reaches “operational status,” the founder may also have the option to run for the elected position of Chapter Director, a transition outlined in the organization’s operating guidelines.
The Mission: Why Ohio?
Beyond the Ballot’s decision to expand into Ohio is no accident. The state has emerged as a critical battleground for youth voter turnout and progressive policy advocacy in recent years. According to data from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), Ohio saw a 10% increase in youth voter participation between the 2018 and 2022 midterm elections, outpacing national averages. This surge in engagement has coincided with high-profile state-level debates on issues like reproductive rights, education funding, and climate policy—areas where Beyond the Ballot’s platform aligns closely with Gen Z priorities.
The organization’s focus on state and local advocacy is deliberate. As national political gridlock persists, many young activists have shifted their energy toward municipal and state governments, where policy changes can have more immediate, tangible impacts. In Ohio, this strategy has already yielded results: In 2023, youth-led campaigns successfully pushed for the expansion of civic education requirements in public schools, a victory cited by Beyond the Ballot as a model for its own work. The Ohio chapter’s founder will be tasked with replicating and scaling such efforts, with an emphasis on coalition-building across diverse communities.
“We are building a movement that reclaims our future,” the position description states. “This isn’t about waiting for change to approach from the top. It’s about young leaders stepping up to shape the policies that affect their lives—now.” The language underscores Beyond the Ballot’s commitment to intergenerational equity, a core principle of its national platform. The Ohio chapter will join existing affiliates in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where the organization has already established a foothold in local advocacy networks.
What the Role Entails: Building a Chapter from Scratch
The Chapter Founder and Executive Director’s responsibilities are as much about institution-building as they are about advocacy. Key duties include:
- Recruitment and Membership: Identifying and engaging potential members, particularly young leaders from underrepresented communities, to form the chapter’s initial base. This includes outreach to college campuses, high schools, and local advocacy groups.
- Operational Development: Establishing the chapter’s governance structure, including bylaws, meeting protocols, and financial management systems, all in alignment with Beyond the Ballot’s national standards.
- Strategic Planning: Developing a localized advocacy agenda that reflects Ohio’s unique political and social landscape. This may involve collaborating with existing organizations, such as the Ohio Voter Project or Sunrise Movement Ohio, to amplify shared goals.
- Fundraising and Sustainability: Securing resources to support the chapter’s operations, including grants, donations, and partnerships with local businesses or philanthropic organizations.
- Public Engagement: Organizing events, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness of the chapter’s work and mobilize community support. This could include voter registration drives, policy forums, or direct actions like rallies or lobbying days at the Statehouse.
The role is designed to be flexible, with a time commitment of 5–15 hours per week, making it accessible to professionals, students, or retirees with a passion for civic engagement. While the position is unpaid, it offers a rare opportunity to shape a political movement from its inception—a prospect that has drawn interest from organizers with backgrounds in social work, education, and nonprofit management.
One notable aspect of the role is its potential for long-term leadership. Once the Ohio chapter achieves “operational status,” the founder may choose to run for the elected position of Chapter Director, a transition that would formalize their leadership within the organization. This pathway reflects Beyond the Ballot’s commitment to internal democracy and member-driven governance, a model that sets it apart from more hierarchical advocacy groups.
Who Is Beyond the Ballot?
Beyond the Ballot is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2020 with the goal of empowering young leaders—particularly those from marginalized communities—to engage in transformative policy advocacy. The organization’s work is rooted in four pillars: social justice, economic equity, environmental sustainability, and political reform. Unlike traditional political organizations, Beyond the Ballot emphasizes a “bottom-up” approach, where local chapters drive the agenda based on the needs of their communities.
The group gained national attention during the 2022 midterm elections, when its chapters in Michigan and Pennsylvania played key roles in mobilizing youth voters. In Michigan, Beyond the Ballot’s efforts were credited with helping to flip several state legislative seats, contributing to the passage of progressive policies like the Reproductive Health Act, which expanded abortion access in the state. The organization’s success in these states has fueled its expansion into Ohio, where it sees an opportunity to replicate its model in a state with a growing youth activist base.
Beyond the Ballot’s leadership team includes a mix of seasoned organizers and young activists. The organization’s national director, Jasmine Rosales, is a former community organizer with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and has been a vocal advocate for youth political engagement. The Ohio chapter’s founder will report directly to Beyond the Ballot’s Director of Chapter Operations, ensuring alignment with the national organization’s strategic vision.
The Broader Context: Youth Political Engagement in Ohio
Ohio’s political landscape has undergone significant shifts in recent years, driven in part by the growing influence of young voters. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center report, Gen Z and Millennial voters now make up a larger share of the electorate than Baby Boomers in many states, including Ohio. This demographic shift has coincided with increased activism on issues like climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, all of which are central to Beyond the Ballot’s platform.
The state’s political environment has also develop into more polarized, with recent legislative battles over issues like transgender rights, gun control, and education funding drawing national attention. In 2023, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access, a victory that was widely attributed to strong turnout among young and suburban voters. Beyond the Ballot’s Ohio chapter aims to build on this momentum, focusing on issues that resonate with Gen Z, such as student debt relief, climate action, and voting rights.
However, the organization’s work is not without challenges. Ohio’s political climate has grown increasingly conservative in recent years, with the state legislature passing a series of restrictive voting laws and education policies that have drawn criticism from progressive groups. In 2024, the state enacted a law HB 183, which imposes new identification requirements for voter registration, a move that voting rights advocates argue could disenfranchise young and low-income voters. Beyond the Ballot’s Ohio chapter will likely need to navigate these obstacles while advocating for policies that expand, rather than restrict, civic participation.
How to Get Involved
The Chapter Founder and Executive Director role is open to applicants with a demonstrated commitment to civic engagement, advocacy, or nonprofit leadership. While prior experience in organizing or political campaigns is preferred, the position is designed to be accessible to those with a passion for social change. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, experience in community outreach, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Interested individuals can apply through the Idealist listing, which includes a detailed job description and application instructions. The position is open to volunteers based in Ohio, with a preference for those located in or near Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati—cities that serve as hubs for the state’s activist community.
Beyond the Ballot also encourages Ohio residents who are not interested in the leadership role to get involved as general members or volunteers. The organization’s website offers resources for those looking to join existing chapters or start new ones in their communities. For young Ohioans eager to make an impact, the Ohio chapter’s launch represents a rare opportunity to shape the future of state-level advocacy from the ground up.
What’s Next for Beyond the Ballot in Ohio?
The Ohio chapter’s success will depend on its ability to mobilize a diverse coalition of young leaders and establish itself as a credible voice in the state’s political discourse. The first major milestone will be achieving “operational status,” a designation that requires the chapter to meet specific benchmarks, including a minimum number of active members and a sustainable funding model. Once operational, the chapter will be eligible to participate in Beyond the Ballot’s national campaigns and receive additional support from the organization’s headquarters.
Looking ahead, the Ohio chapter’s priorities are likely to include:
- Voter Engagement: Expanding voter registration and turnout efforts, particularly among young and marginalized communities. This may involve partnerships with local organizations like the All In Ohio Coalition, which focuses on increasing civic participation.
- Policy Advocacy: Lobbying for state-level reforms on issues like climate action, education equity, and criminal justice. The chapter may also work to oppose policies that restrict voting rights or limit access to reproductive healthcare.
- Youth Leadership Development: Creating training programs and mentorship opportunities for young Ohioans interested in advocacy and political leadership. This could include workshops on grassroots organizing, public speaking, and policy analysis.
- Coalition-Building: Collaborating with other progressive organizations to amplify shared goals. Ohio’s activist ecosystem includes groups like Ohio Voice and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, which have been active in recent policy battles.
The next few months will be critical for the Ohio chapter as it works to establish its presence and build momentum. The Chapter Founder and Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the chapter’s identity and determining its long-term impact. For those passionate about civic engagement, the opportunity offers a chance to be part of a growing movement that is redefining what political leadership looks like in the 21st century.
As Beyond the Ballot’s national leadership has emphasized, the organization’s success hinges on its ability to empower young leaders to take ownership of their political future. In Ohio, that vision is now one step closer to becoming a reality.
Have you been involved in youth-led political movements? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with anyone who might be interested in leading Ohio’s next generation of advocates.