From practice to power: learn how to build power in YOUR community!
About our program: Our 12-week Community Organizing Fellowship program is designed for young people (and those young at heart!) who want to learn how to build power with and alongside their peers and work together to make lasting change in their communities while building their own unique set of skills.
Community Organizing fellows are paid $15/hr and will learn the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for themselves and their community on behalf of issues they care about.
Fellows will get hands on experience through:
- weekly classes
- immersive DEIJ workshops
- voter registration
- voter mobilization shifts
- statewide networking opportunities
Applications for the Summer 2023 fellowship, you can apply here: https://forwardmontana.rippling-ats.com/
Priority Deadline May 1, accepting more on rolling basis until the start of the fellowship
Want to know more? See our frequently asked questions below:
Who is this fellowship for?
- No prior experience necessary! We are looking for young people (or those young at heart) who want to make change in their community. Whether you’re in school, working, volunteering, or just looking for a new opportunity, this is for you!
- We’ll be hiring for the Summer 2023 Fellowship in each of the following communities; Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula
- All ages welcome! If you are in high school, we recommend starting with our High School Fellowship Program
- Must be based in the community you are applying in (Billings, Missoula, or Bozeman )
Is the fellowship a paid position?
YES! Fellows will be paid $15/hr for 10 hours a week over 12 weeks
What is the time commitment?
- The Community Organizing Fellowship runs from for 12 weeks. Fellows must be able to participate in all 12 weeks of the program and are expected to commit to 10 hours per week, including some weekend and evening commitments.
- Weekly classes will be held each Wednesday from 6-8pm.
- There will be three mandatory DEIJ trainings throughout the program.
What does the class schedule look like?
- Classes are Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm.
- The dates are: 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, and 8/9
- The dates are: 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, and 8/9
- Some sessions include:
- Field Tactics and Community Organizing
- Story of Self and Public Narrative
- Self and Community Care
What does the fellowship entail?
- Commitment of 10 hours per week with some preset meeting times
- Attend weekly classes (may not miss more than two classes over the summer)
- Work with a Field Manager to create and manage a personal work plan
- Attend and help plan Forward Montana and Forward Montana Foundation events as needed
- Conduct voter registration shifts in the field with your team
- Support issue advocacy work in your community
- Have FUN building community and young people power in your town/city!
What does the application process look like?
- The application is an online form that you’ll need to submit all at once. If you don’t have regular access to the internet, please let us know and we can provide a paper application.
- Your local field manager will review applications and reach out for an informal interview via phone or Zoom.
Still have questions/want to know more?
Please reach out to your local field manager!
- Greg Lynch, Bozeman Field Manager: greg@forwardmontana.org
- Pari Kemmick, Billings Field Manager: pari@forwardmontana.org
- Jana Richter, Missoula Field Manager: jana@forwardmontana.org
Can’t commit to the fellowship but still want to be involved?
That’s OK! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at Forward Montana. Check out our volunteer opportunities here!