Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is The Organizing Accelerator?

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

The 2025 cohort intensive programming period will run from late-May through mid- October, with alumni programming continuing throughout the year.
Is the program provided in person or virtually?

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

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

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

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.
Is there a fee to apply or participate in the 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.
How do I apply for The Organizing Accelerator?

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

The minimum age for applying is 21 years old. Applicants should have at least 1 year of organizing experience or 1 year of professional work experience on a campaign, at a non-profit, community-based organization, or other grassroots/advocacy efforts but no more than 5 years of professional organizing experience.
What are the criteria The Organizing Accelerator will use to select fellows?

The ideal candidate will demonstrate attributes such as At least 1 year but no more than 5 years of experience with electoral, civic, issue, and/or movement organizing and a commitment to making a career out of organizing. 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 various 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.
Will the Organizing Accelerator confirm receipt of my application?

Yes, we will confirm receipt of the application.
What is the application process?

Applications are due by Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. Each application will be reviewed in the order in which it is received and, if selected to proceed to the next round, applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. Accepted applicants will be notified by the end of May. Please do not follow up on the status of your application; you will be notified as the process continues.
Is a college degree necessary to qualify for consideration?

No. We welcome and encourage candidates from different educational and professional backgrounds to apply.
What are the citizenship requirements?

If you have concerns about citizenship requirements, please reach out to The Organizing Accelerator team at info@theorganizingaccelerator.org to discuss. We will make every effort to include qualified candidates regardless of citizenship status.
I’ve encountered an issue with the application/ in the process of applying, who should I contact?

If you have any issues regarding your application, please contact info@theorganizingaccelerator.org.
If I’m not chosen, can I apply again during a future round?

Absolutely! You can sign up at www.theorganizingaccelerator.org to get updates on The Organizing Accelerator.
Will I need to be excused from work/school to participate in the Organizing Accelerator Fellowship?

We can provide fellows with a Justification letter to provide to the employer/school official for in-person Accelerator Training Weekends.
How does The Organizing Accelerator accommodate applicants and fellows with disabilities?

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.
Is proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for the fellowship?

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