DART Center Reviews

Pros

Today, I got an email from a community member who was at our action holding the police accountable for fair treatment of people with mental health illnesses. We demanded policy change and training and it was all implemented because of the work of the DART affiliate I organize with. The woman’s email explained how a severely mentally ill man was threatening police and they were able to safely call to have him transported to the hospital. This work saves lives. And, taking part in it gives my life meaning.

Cons

Each affiliate has their own pros and cons in the DART network but I’ve never worked anywhere more committed to growth and evaluation. I thing that growth and evaluation can be difficult, you will have to have difficult conversations in the community and within the organization, but the fruit of that work is very real.

Pros

The work has the capacity to be extremely meaningful, and engaging people of faith around the power dynamics in their communities and seeing long term change can be very rewarding. Pay and benefits are pretty good for the field, and other organizers within the network are smart, passionate, and bring joy to a difficult job.

Cons

Unattainable goals are used as accountability mechanisms and organizers are given so much to do that work-life balance is extremely difficult

Pros

Pay is good insurance a few great coworkers at other organizers

Cons

If you're Black or Queer RUN!!!! almost impossible standards, nominally encourage work life balance but expect your life to be your job, expect you to undergo abuse from your clients (specifically homophobic and racist people), do not respond well to criticism. I believe I was "laid off" because a week or two before I held the CEO accountable for what I believed to be a moral contradiction.

Pros

- It's easy to feel powerless with all of the problems facing the world today; this organization gives me the chance to build power so that we can press for change starting at the local level. That is invaluable. - Working with inspiring colleagues -- both the organizing staff and the grassroots leaders have incredible stories and work hard to live out their values. - Continual growth -- not a day goes by where you aren't learning something new. This is due both the nature of grassroots organizing and the continual training from DART.

Cons

It can feel as if there is a lot at stake with this work, so there is stress that comes from that. But I'd take that any day over feeling like my work didn't matter!

Pros

good start to begin organizing

Cons

hours can be long, tiring

Pros

Help people build power in their community work for social justice

Cons

Long hours Bureaucratic issues with central staff

Pros

very fulfilling role and nice coworkers

Cons

long work hours and weekends

Pros

Working at two different DART affiliates has been a blessing to me. I get to live out my values each and every day and have built really meaningful relationships with community members as well as other organizers across the country. I have been a part of getting real results and see the world improving around me. I am really honored to be involved in this work.

Cons

Some campaigns take years to win so you'll want to go in knowing that you're going to take some hard hits along the way but that it's worth it.

Pros

This job is incredibly fulfilling. To work with people day in and day out and see their growth and excitement when they realize they can change their community for the better is truly a privilege. I love getting to meet people of all different walks of life and help them connect with one another. I've worked in other non-profits before, and I always felt burned out and hopeless. But working for DART gives me so much hope that if people work together, we can change any injustice we're confronted with. I find it exciting to be part of issue campaigns where we're winning big things like $100 million for affordable housing, or state laws that give children second chances instead of arrest records. I also enjoy getting to work with other organizers and the supportive atmosphere and camaraderie . Fair compensation, with good benefits/healthcare/vacation package

Cons

When you first start, it can be hard to figure out a good work-life balance. It's a job where there is always more to do so you have to be disciplined about scheduling (and taking) your time off.

Pros

A great opportunity to live out your values, lots of room for professional development

Cons

Long hours, often have to work nights and/or weekends