Question 1

What exactly is The Organizing Accelerator?

Accepted Answer

The Organizing Accelerator, powered by the NAACP and Groundwork Project, is a year-round training, mentoring, and networking fellowship program for emerging grassroots organizers, community organizers, campaigners, social justice advocates, and civil rights leaders with twenty weeks of intensive programming period for the 2025 cohort.

Fellows in the current cohort will receive a stipend and have access to fundamental and advanced organizing skills training, access to mentors who will serve as sounding boards and guides, and an opportunity to apply for a mini-grant after they complete participation in The Organizing Accelerator, to support their ongoing and future community organizing projects.

Question 2

When does the fellowship start and what is the time commitment?

Accepted Answer

The 2025 cohort intensive programming period will run from late-May through mid- October, with alumni programming continuing throughout the year.

Question 3

Is the program provided in person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

The program is a hybrid model that includes two in-person “Accelerator Training Weekends” and virtual sessions, along with asynchronous learning opportunities in between.

Question 4

Where will the in-person Trainings take place?

Accepted Answer

Our in-person Accelerator Training Weekends will occur at Harvard’s Kennedy School in Boston, MA, and Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS. These locations are subject to change.

Question 5

What kind of training, networking, and other programming should I expect during the virtual sessions and the in-person Accelerator Trainings?

Accepted Answer

Virtual programming will be centered around professional development skills, to support our fellows in achieving their organizing goals, both short-term and long-term. These sessions will focus on organizing management, strategic planning, resume building, interviewing, different types of organizing jobs, how to utilize self-care and wellness to create a sustainable career in this field, and other topics!

During the in-person Accelerator Training Weekends, fellows will have a chance to dive deeper into topics introduced during the virtual sessions and asynchronous learning. The goal of the in-person Accelerator Training Weekends is to develop a peer-to-peer solid learning community and provide an opportunity for networking. In addition to workshops, in-person programming will focus on leadership development, local organizing histories and traditions, and more.

Question 6

Do I have to attend all in-person Trainings and virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Fellows are required to attend all of the in-person Accelerator Training Weekends and virtual sessions. Travel, lodging, and programming costs associated with in-person Training are included in the fellowship program. Virtual sessions are scheduled to occur weekly (Eastern Standard Time). The Organizing Accelerator team is happy to work with fellows around any unexpected scheduling challenges that may come up during the course of the fellowship program.

Question 7

Is there a fee to apply or participate in the program?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no fee to apply or participate in The Organizing Accelerator. The Organizing Accelerator provides free programming, including training and mentorship to individuals who have just started and are pursuing a career in organizing.

All fellows will receive a stipend for participating in the program. The Organizing Accelerator will cover all travel, lodging, and program expenses for fellows participating during the in-person Accelerator Training Weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions