One way AU is building power with the youngest generation of activists for church-state separation is through the Youth Organizing Fellowship, a paid, year-long leadership development program for activists ages 18-25 who want to gain new skills, learn more about church-state separation, and advocate in their communities.
Last month, we reached the halfway point with our current cohort of Fellows. In just six short months, they’ve not only learned a lot but also raised awareness about church-state separation in their communities across the country; hosted events like an on-campus talk on religious freedom in the criminal justice system and a webinar about LGBTQ+ rights in Texas; and written on topics such as challenges to birth control access and the fight against Christian Nationalism.
Applications Open For 2023-24 Cohort Of Youth Organizing Fellows
This month, we’re thrilled to open applications for our next cohort, which will run from September 2023 through August 2024. Please apply to the Youth Organizing Fellowship or encourage a youth activist in your life to apply – the deadline is June 12!
The Fellowship is all about supporting youth activists for church-state separation, not only working with them during the year-long program but equipping them for a lifetime of advocacy. “We are more confident than ever that fighting for the separation of church and state will preserve and protect civil rights for our community,” wrote two of AU’s current Youth Organizing Fellows, Isaac James and Camille Serrano, after joining AU at a conference earlier this year.
AU Hosting Online Information Session For Applicants On May 23
If you want to hear more about the program and how to apply directly from staff and current fellows, you can also join our online Information Session for Applicants on May 23. Click here to register for the info session.
The next cohort of the Youth Organizing Fellowship will be selected this summer and kick off in September with virtual meetings. That will be followed in October with a trip to Washington, D.C., during which Fellows will get to meet AU and each other, learn new skills, and strategize for the coming year (AU covers the costs of the trip). Then Fellows will continue to meet monthly by video for ongoing training and support while organizing events and campaigns in their communities. Applicants should be able to commit significant time to organizing with Americans United and be excited to work in collaboration with youth activists from across the country.
Youth Organizing Fellowship: A Professional Development Opportunity
The Fellowship is also a professional development opportunity to grow as an activist and leader. Applicants to the Youth Organizing Fellowship should bring some knowledge and experience but also be excited to learn more. Skills that Fellows can expect to gain or strengthen during the Fellowship include communication and public speaking; advocacy and organizing skills, such as lobbying and coalition building; and working with people of different faith traditions.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the next cohort of Youth Organizing Fellows at Americans United, go to www.au.org/youthfellows to learn more about the program and how to apply.
