Location: Southern India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh)
Experience: Entry to mid-level grassroots organising experience preferred
Compensation: ₹25,000 - ₹30,000 per month, commensurate with experience
Free Libraries Network
The Free Libraries Network (FLN) is a passionate movement dedicated to defending the right to read and ensuring free public access to knowledge across India. At its heart lies the Right to Read (RTR) campaign, focused on mobilising communities and building alliances that support public libraries as critical spaces for education and equity. Rooted in values of anti-caste equity and educational justice, FLN connects library leaders, civil society groups, trade unions, and student organisations to create a thriving network of informed citizens.
Operating actively in southern India, FLN’s RTR campaign is a vibrant force advocating for the power of reading as a basic right. The organisation works tirelessly to nurture regional alliances that push forward policy initiatives like PNLP24, engage volunteers through innovative campaigns, and amplify voices through regional media. With a nimble and collaborative approach, FLN embraces digital platforms such as WhatsApp for communication and mobilisation, ensuring the pulse of grassroots action resonates strongly across communities.
FLN’s work is more than just advocacy; it is a movement to democratise knowledge, empower the marginalised, and preserve the sanctity of free public spaces for learning. Through dedicated coordination and research efforts, FLN builds bridges between local action and national policy, crafting a future where education is accessible to all, irrespective of caste, class, or language.
Role
Are you passionate about education as a right and ready to mobilise communities for positive change? The Free Libraries Network (FLN) is seeking a Community Organiser to lead the Right to Read campaign across Southern India. This role focuses on building strong alliances, coordinating regional campaigns, and amplifying library-driven advocacy efforts.
Responsibilities
- Lead mobilisation efforts in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh for the RTR campaign.
- Strengthen relationships with FLN member libraries and leaders to promote regional initiatives.
- Coordinate communication via WhatsApp groups and maintain effective stakeholder engagement.
- Build alliances with trade unions, student groups, and civil society organisations to endorse policy initiatives like PNLP24.
- Manage distribution and collection of campaign materials, including postcards.
- Support media outreach by generating regional editorials and campaign updates.
- Participate in public mobilisations and prepare timely reports and documentation.
- Attend national meetings and collaborate with the RTR head office in Delhi.
Requirements
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Experience in grassroots organising, preferably in the education or rights sector.
- Fluency in at least one Southern Indian language (Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu) and working English. Basic Hindi is desirable.
- Comfortable travelling within Southern India and occasionally to Delhi.
- Proficient with WhatsApp, email, and digital tools.
- Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders effectively.
- Commitment to free public access, anti-caste equity, and education as a right.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work with a passionate, values-driven team.
- Engage in meaningful grassroots advocacy with national impact.
- Develop skills in coalition-building and media coordination.
Apply
Submit your CV and covering letter to apply for this role.
