We are delighted to announce that the NAACP is joining forces with The Groundwork Project to launch The Organizing Accelerator — a transformative initiative. This year-long program offers training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to social justice advocates, civil rights activists, and community organizers from historically marginalized and under-resourced communities. The Organizing Accelerator is designed to blend the renowned civil rights efforts of the NAACP with Groundwork Project’s distinctive approach to bolstering grassroots activism in historically excluded communities nationwide. Through this effort, we’re committed to identifying, supporting, and empowering organizers who may lack access to conventional training programs, mentorship, national networks, and access to capital. While there are numerous fellowships available for emerging civic leaders, The Organizing Accelerator stands apart by focusing on: - Places where civic infrastructure, contemporary civil rights movements, and pro-democracy endeavors are woefully underfunded.
- Emerging social justice advocates, civil rights activists, and community organizers who possess a robust grassroots network within their communities but have yet to receive advanced training and engage with national networks.
- A curriculum deeply rooted in the experiences of organizing in locations with movement histories, where today’s movements for racial equity, social justice, and democracy preservation face their most formidable challenges.
Our commitment is unwavering. We aim to create a program, curriculum, and overall experience that are authentically created by organizers, for organizers. Below are some preliminary details: - The program will span 3 months, commencing in June and concluding in September. It will encompass two in-person weekends in Boston, MA, and Jackson, MS. In addition, Fellows will engage in virtual skills training, workshops, and networking opportunities. All fellows will receive a stipend for the program’s duration, and all expenses related to travel and participation during the in-person weekends will be fully covered.
- Fellows will have access to fundamental and advanced organizing skills training, guidance from a senior mentor to serve as a sounding board and guide, and the chance to apply for a mini-grant upon completing The Organizing Accelerator, in support of their ongoing and future community organizing projects.
- Applications for the 2024 program open on Thursday, May 23, and will be reviewed continuously. We request all submissions be completed by Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. For those interested in applying, please visit theorganizingaccelerator.org or check out the 2023 pilot year recap for comprehensive information about the application process and an in-depth overview of the program.
- The Organizing Accelerator will operate as a 501c3 project, overseen jointly by the NAACP and Groundwork Project’s fiscally-sponsored 501c3 fund.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to receiving your application soon. | 