Movement Leader Fellowship 2027 : Programme Leadership – 17 octobre 2026

Contexte

Applications are open for the 2027 Movement Leader Fellowship (MLF), a leadership development opportunity for experienced social justice leaders who are committed to long-term power building and organizing. The fellowship is designed for leaders with approximately 10–15 years of social justice movement experience who are actively leading campaigns, organizational interventions or other significant bodies of work. Participants will join a community focused on deep study, leadership development and strengthening strategies for social change. The programme is specifically open to candidates based in the United States. The priority application deadline is September 21, 2026, while the final deadline is October 19, 2026.

The Movement Leader Fellowship supports experienced social justice leaders who are navigating increasingly complex responsibilities within power-building organizations. Ideal candidates are expected to be rooted in organizations that create change through organizing and building power, particularly organizations accountable to a base of members within historically oppressed communities. The fellowship is intended for leaders who are already working full-time and have direct responsibility for a team, budget, campaign or another substantial area of organizational work. Participants should also be actively leading or developing a strategic campaign, organizational intervention or significant body of work that they can refine throughout the fellowship.

Missions et responsabilités

• Engage with their organization regarding participation in the fellowship.
• Contribute $500 toward costs associated with the Movement Leader Fellowship, including tuition, travel and coaching.
• Complete one graduate-level academic course, delivered virtually through the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. Classes meet once per week during each semester.
• Attend two immersive week-long retreats: March 21–26, 2027 and July 18–23, 2027.
• Submit several short-answer essays addressing Experience and Commitment, Strategy, Power, and Vision (maximum 500 words each).
• Reflect on how they define power and the questions or challenges they are currently exploring around power building.
• Describe a strategic campaign they are currently leading or shaping, including the people they are organizing with, the purpose they are pursuing, challenges they face, and the political, organizational or personal risks involved.

Profil recherché

• 10–15 years of experience in social justice movements.
• Full-time involvement in a power-building organization.
• Direct oversight of a team, budget, campaign or significant body of work.
• Experience leading or developing a strategic campaign or organizational intervention.
• Responsibility for complex leadership challenges, including managing managers, managing up or influencing across an organization.
• A strong connection to, or personal background in, historically oppressed communities.
• A willingness to engage in deep study and learning with peers.
• The ability to participate fully in all fellowship components.
• Current residence or professional base in the United States.

Conditions et avantages

• LDSJ will cover flights, transportation, meals and lodging costs for the two immersive retreats.
• A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals who have difficulty meeting the contribution fees or whose organizations cannot make the required contribution. The admissions process does not evaluate applicants based on their ability to pay.

Dossier de candidature

• Current resume, preferably in PDF format.
• Information about the applicant’s current organization, role, experience, organizational budget and leadership responsibilities.
• Several short-answer essays (maximum 500 words each) covering Experience and Commitment, Strategy, Power, and Vision.
• A letter of support from a supervisor or board member (recommended at the initial application stage and required if progressing to the interview stage).

Comment postuler

Eligible U.S.-based social justice leaders should complete the 2027 Movement Leader Fellowship application, providing accurate professional and organizational information and responding to all four 500-word essays. Applicants should also prepare their current resume and coordinate with their supervisor or board member regarding the required letter of support. Before applying, candidates should ensure they can commit to the academic course, two immersive retreats and other components of the fellowship.

Priority deadline: September 21, 2026. Final deadline: October 19, 2026.

APPLY HERE