Gen-I Movement Builders Fellowship Deadline EXTENDED

As part of the Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) initiative, the Center for Native American Youth is launching a new fellowship for youth ages 18-24. The Gen-I Movement Builders Fellowship (Gen-I MBF) is a six-month intensive leadership development program that aims to strengthen the voice and role of Native American youth in broader social justice movements. Over the course of six months, five Fellows will gather for two in-person convenings, two virtual convenings, and one Fresh Tracks training expedition. At the end of six months, Fellows will have a small “Innovation Fund” which they will jointly use on a project aimed at strengthening the voice of Native youth in social justice movements.

The goals of this new fellowship program are to:

  1. Educate broader social justice movements about our tribal communities, our challenges, and the strengths Native people can bring to the movements;
  2. Develop strategies together to strengthen the voice of Native youth in broader movements and promote their contributions; and
  3. Inspire other Native youth to take action on the issues that matter to them.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Applicants for the Gen-I Movement Builders Fellowship must meet all the following criteria.

  • Self-identify as Indigenous;
  • Be between 18 and 24 years old by May 1, 2018;
  • Currently reside within the United States;
  • Have demonstrated civic engagement and advocacy for their community and/or Indian Country;
  • Be strong, talented leaders, but not necessarily well connected outside their community;
  • Be interested in advancing their advocacy and activism to broader social justice movements; and
  • Be able to participate in the full programming over six (6) months. The Fellowship is not a full-time commitment, but active and engaged participation during in-person and virtual convenings is required.

HOW TO APPLY:
A complete application includes all of the following materials, which must be submitted online to CNAY by 11:59 PT on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

  • Gen-I Movement Builders Fellowship Application. Requires brief written responses to multiple prompts, a resume or CV, and optional supplemental photos and videos.
  • Adult Recommendation Form (submitted online by an adult recommender). This form should be submitted by a mentor, teacher, or employer over the age of 25 who can comment on the applicant’s leadership qualities, commitment to community, and motivation for participating in the Fellowship. Please check with the youth you are recommending to ensure that you are completing the correct form.
  • Peer Recommendation Form (submitted online by a peer recommender). This form should be submitted by a person 24 years old or younger who can comment on the applicant’s leadership qualities, commitment to community, and motivation for participating in the Fellowship. Please check with the applicant you are recommending to ensure that you are completing the correct form.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE:
The Fellowship is a six-month program in which Fellows will convening for two in-person convenings, two virtual convenings, and one Fresh Tracks training expedition. During the course of six months, Fellows will learn necessary skills and foster relationships to expand their work and elevate their voices and perspectives in broader social justice movements. Fellows will also have a small “Innovation Fund” to start a project or support another initiative aimed at elevating Native American youth voices, perspectives, and presence in progressive movements.

The in-person convenings will take place in Washington, D.C. and New York, NY where Fellows will meet with both tribal and non-tribal organizations, philanthropists, and other activists who will help these young leaders elevate their voices and push their initiatives to the next phase. Fellows will also convene virtually twice during the six months to develop their plans for the “Innovation Fund,” as well as virtually connect with speakers to help their fellows acheive their goals for the program.  Additionally, Fellows will attend one Fresh Tracks training expedition over the summer to connect with other youth activists and further develop their leadership skills.

Program timeline (tentative):

  • June 18-21– First in-person convening in Washington, D.C. (with a day trip to NYC)
  • July – First virtual convening
  • August 10-13 – Fresh Tracks leadership expedition in the Midwest
  • October – Second virtual convening
  • December – Second in-person convening in Washington, D.C.

For questions about the Gen-I Movement Builders Fellowship, contact Bettina Gonzalez at (202) 736-3554 or bettina.gonzalez@aspeninst.org.