Jedidjah de Vries

Vision

I want to combine my training in public policy and research with my experience in community organizing and running strategic campaigns to affect deep systemic change.

Organizing for a just and sustainable future takes building relationships, community, and vision. I love immersing myself in the technical details and then translating those complexities into actionable plans and messaging that connects and resonates.

After spending a number of years running my own business as a violin maker (feel free to ask me about that adventure!) it's time to go back to my roots. I miss being part of a team that's trying to change the world.

Projects

Some recent projects I have been working on:

The Viola Survey

[Data Analysis] [Surveys] [Music]

I conducted an online survey to get insight into how viola players relate to the concept of “size" and help musicians and instrument makers communicate.

Unlike violins, violas are made in a range of shapes and sizes. These variations are important to musicians, both in terms of sound and playability. Instrument makers are interested in meeting the needs of musicians. However, because of imprecise metrics and lack of data it is often unclear what musicians are actually looking for, or even how they think about these variations in violas.

Read the analysis and report back.

Biking Barcelona

[Urban Planning] [Infrastructure] [Bicycles] [Video]

An occasional video series about biking and bicycle infrastructure in Barcelona, where I explore the frustrations and delights of cycling in my city.

Watch the videos on YouTube.

Curriculum Vitae

Download my full CV

Key Skills

Research

Policy research and analysis.
Data analysis.

Organizing

Fundraising.
Communication.
Relationship building.
Facilitation.

Technical

R, SQL, PHP, HTML, Web CMS, Online ads.
Making and repairing violins.

Education

M.Sc. Social Theory and Public Affairs at University of Amsterdam
B.A. Philosophy, Ethics, and Public Policy at UC Santa Barbara
Violin Making & Repair at North Bennett Street School

Experience

Non-Profit & Communication

Web and New Media at Joyce Howerton for County Supervisor

In charge of developing online communication strategy that included email, web, social media, and online ads.

Online Organizing Fellow at MoveOn.org

Used analytic approaches, such as A/B testing, to iterate messages and emails.
Developing new online organizing tools with an eye towards scale.
Worked as part of a large but agile remote team.

Outreach Director at Tri-Valley CAREs

Created and executed comprehensive outreach and communication strategy for a diverse set of stakeholders.
Researched public policy at the intersections of the environment, science, and national defense. Took complex technical issues and explained their impact to the public, generated alternatives, and found actionable interventions.
Lobbied governmental agencies and policy makers.
Fundraising and grant writing.
Volunteer management.

Web & Graphic Communications at The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

Maintained up to date online presence with content, graphics, and coding.

Electoral History

Ran for Lompoc City Council

Endorsed by a sitting Councilmember, ex-Mayor, and the City Employees’ Union
Ran a comprehensive campaign, (fundraising, messaging, volunteer management, etc.)
Achieved targeted goals on specific policy issues, despite not winning

Ran for Santa Barbara Elementary & High school District School Board

Youngest candidate to date to run in district-wide State elections

Violin Making

Self-employed at Jedidjah de Vries Violins

Everything involved in running a business, staying on top of the administrative tasks, doing the necessary outreach to different audiences (dealers, musicians, teachers, etc.), balanced both client projects (repairs, adjustments, sales) and shop projects (production of new instruments on spec, pursuing upgrades/improvements to tools)

Luthier at Metzler Violins