Civic Engagement Followship

• Civic engagement refers to active participation in community and societal issues, including voting, volunteering, advocacy, and other activities aimed at contributing to improving society and promoting the common good. 

• Community organizing focuses on building relationships and collective power to address issues affecting your community. Community organizing looks to those closest to the problem to make decisions to improve their communities.

A fellowship is an educational experience that focuses on developing and supporting an individual's academic and/or professional development. Its purpose is to provide resources and mentorship for personal and professional growth. Unlike internships, fellowships often focus on self-driven projects and research rather than on gaining work experience.

This fellowship is specifically designed to give you the tools and training necessary to serve the AAPI Texan community in a bigger capacity than you ever thought possible. Some benefits of our fellowship: 

• Professional development: Enhance key skills such as public speaking, project management, grant writing, and more through the Civic Engagement Fellowship Institute.

• Practical experience in advocacy/organizing: Apply your knowledge by collaborating with peers to design and implement a community capstone project, putting your skills into action.

• Personal confidence: Winning a fellowship like ATJ’s, will ultimately boost your confidence, and motivate you to take up leadership positions.

• Expanding your networks: Gain access to ATJ’s extensive network of community organizations and leaders, opening doors to future opportunities.

• Alumni program: Upon completing the program, join the ATJ Advocates network—our youth alumni program—connecting you to continued professional development and leadership opportunities.

Fellows will be required to attend all of the following meetings or trainings with the exception of the Fellowship Meet & Greet.

• Participant Orientation (Virtual): April 22 from 6 -7 PM

**For selected applicants under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must attend.

• Fellowship Meet & Greet (Optional/Virtual): May 12 from 6 - 7 PM

• Fellowship Institute (In Person): June 14-16 in Austin, Texas

• Mid-Fellowship Check in (Virtual): Thursday, July 16 from 6 - 8 PM CT

• Fellowship Graduation (Virtual) : August 9 from 10 AM - 1 PM CT

There is no cost to you! This program is an all-expenses paid fellowship with the opportunity to gain project funding for your capstone project. 

Note: Previous cohorts had received a stipend, but no capstone funding on in-person learning experiences.

1. Civic Engagement Fellowship Institute: An all-expense paid, 2.5-day workshop in Austin, TX where fellows will develop their skills as organizers and become better leaders for their communities. In previous years, this program was 100% virtual, with weekly Saturday sessions. The new in-person institute is replacing the Saturday sessions. 

2. Changes to capstone projects: Fellows will work in groups of 2-3 to apply their organizing skills to the community capstone project that aligns with ATJ’s legislative priorities. Fellows will learn how to create a project plan and execute their plan. In past years, fellows were allowed to work alone; however, we recognize that organizing does not work in a vacuum and that our communities are stronger when we work together.

3. Project funding and sub-granting: Through practicum-based learning, fellows will learn about the grant writing process and apply for funding for their projects from ATJ.

The Civic Engagement Fellowship Institute will set up fellows with the skills they need to execute their capstone projects. At the end of the institute fellows should:

1. Understand how the diversity of the AAPI community and how different issues influence the quality of life for AAPIs

2. Build relationships with peers, community leaders, organizations, and agencies to strengthen their impact

3. Identify an issue in their community and build a plan to create a meaningful impact

• To achieve these goals, fellows will develop their skills in relational organizing, critical thinking, project management, grant writing, and more

The capstone project allows fellows to apply their knowledge and skills from the institute to a project that will educate, inspire, and mobilize their community. Fellows will work in groups of 2-3 to execute a capstone project addressing one of ATJ’s legislative priority issues.

Through their capstone project, fellows will create a thorough project plan, apply for funding from ATJ, and execute their projects. Each group will be mentored by a facilitator and have ATJ’s networks available to them. Past capstone projects include town halls, workshops, resource guides, zines, and documentaries!