Frequently Asked Questions

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. 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.

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

We partner with esteemed institutions across the country to host our in-person Accelerator Training Weekends. For example, past trainings have been held at Harvard’s Kennedy School in Boston, MA, and Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS. Locations are subject to change.

The virtual programming Is designed to support fellows in growing as organizers. These sessions will focus on people management, coalition building, project planning and funding, resume writing and Interviewing, interviewing, different types of organizing roles, how to practice 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.

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 covered by 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.

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.