The Organizing Accelerator, powered by the NAACP and Groundwork Project, is a six-month training, mentoring, and networking fellowship program for emerging grassroots organizers, community organizers, campaigners, social justice advocates, and civil rights leaders. Fellows will receive a stipend and have access to fundamental and advanced organizing skills training, a senior mentor to serve as a sounding board and guide, and an opportunity to apply for a micro-grant, after they complete participation in The Organizing Accelerator, to support their ongoing and future community organizing projects.

The fellowship will run for a span of six months, from January 2024 to June 2024.

The program is a hybrid model including three in-person “Accelerator Weekends” and virtual sessions along with asynchronous learning opportunities in between.

Our Accelerator Weekends will take place in Jackson, MS, Washington, D.C., and Boston, MA. These locations are subject to change.

There will be virtual programming focused on both fundamental and advanced organizing skills, including but not limited to management; leadership and communication skills; digital organizing; storytelling; fundraising & budget management; self-care & wellness; and other topics!

During the in-person Accelerator 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 weekends is to develop a strong peer-to-peer learning community and provide an opportunity for broader networking. In addition to workshops, in-person programming will focus on leadership development, local organizing histories and traditions, and more.

It is required that fellows attend all of the in-person Accelerator weekends and virtual sessions. Travel, lodging, and programming costs associated with in-person weekends are included in the fellowship program. Virtual sessions are currently scheduled to take place twice a month on Tuesday evenings (Eastern Standard Time). There will also be optional virtual workshops and guest speaker Q&As throughout the program outside of the regularly scheduled virtual sessions. The 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 cost to apply or participate in The Organizing Accelerator. The Organizing Accelerator provides free programming including training and mentorship to individuals who have just started out and are pursuing a career in organizing. All fellows will receive a monthly stipend for the entirety of the program, and all travel, lodging, and program expenses will be covered for fellows participating during the in-person weekends. We want this program to be accessible by providing some financial relief and flexibility for fellows to participate in both virtual and in-person programming.

Prospective applicants can apply by filling out the application on the website at www.theorganizingaccelerator.org.

The minimum age for applying is 21 years old. Applicants should have less than 5 years of professional work experience but ideally have at least 1 year of organizing experience or at least 1 year of professional work experience on a campaign, at a non-profit, community-based organization, or other grassroots/advocacy efforts.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate attributes such as: At least one year of experience with electoral, civic, issue, and/or movement organizing and a commitment to making a career out of organizing and no more than 5 years of experience. Experience organizing in regions of the country that are civically underfunded and where today's movements for racial equity, social justice, and democracy protection face the strongest headwinds A commitment to fighting for groups that have been historically marginalized and discriminated against. A clear sense of purpose around social change, movement-building, and democracy protection, and the courage to pursue lasting and meaningful change over a long period of time. A readiness to evolve and develop as a leader in ways that embrace and advance the principles of social and economic equity. An interest in learning from and engaging with different perspectives and experiences from across a range of contexts, and a willingness to navigate the challenges and opportunities inherent in complexity and diversity. An openness to fully engage with The Organizing Accelerator’s learning journey, including a willingness to actively contribute to a sustained values-driven community and a commitment to work with and support others in achieving individual and collective impact. Women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ organizers, applicants from non-traditional backgrounds, and people who are a part of historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Yes, we will confirm receipt of the application.

Applications are due by Friday, December 8th, 2023. Each application will be reviewed in the order in which they are received and, if selected to proceed to the next round, applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. Accepted applicants will be notified by mid-January. Please do not follow up on the status of your application, you will be notified as the process continues.

No. We welcome and encourage candidates from all different kinds of educational and professional backgrounds.

If you have concerns about citizenship requirements, please reach out to the Accelerator team at info@theorganizingaccelerator.org to discuss. We will make every effort to include qualified candidates regardless of citizenship status.

If you have any issues regarding your application, please contact info@theorganizingaccelerator.org.

Absolutely! You can sign up at www.theorganizingaccelerator.org to get updates on The Organizing Accelerator.

The Organizing Accelerator is committed to ensuring full accessibility for applicants and fellows with disabilities. To discuss any needed accommodations, please contact our team at info@theorganizingaccelerator.org

Following the World Health Organization health guidance, all participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to ensure a safe in-person training environment for all. For any questions about our vaccination policy, you can email our team at info@theorganzingaccelerator.org. For all in-person events, state and local guidelines will be observed.