2027 Advocacy Fellowship FAQ
The Stand Advocacy Fellowship brings together community members who care deeply about building a stronger, more equitable Colorado. Fellows strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills while learning how community voices and lived experiences can help shape public policy.
Who should apply? We’re looking for passionate, driven advocates who are ready to dig in and do the work to fight for equitable opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege. This fellowship is a big commitment, and we’re looking for folks who can consistently prioritize about 2–3 hours a week to learning and taking action related to your work as a fellow. You can read more about our fellowship and see feedback from past fellows here.
Why should I apply? You would be joining a team of advocates for educational equity. This is an opportunity for you to learn about education policy, criminal justice reform, and other policies to provide equitable opportunities for Colorado families, as well as effective advocacy. If you have any questions about applying and the commitment, reach out to Natalie at [email protected].
What will I get if I join the fellowship? Our hope is that the fellows who complete the program will learn how they can leverage their personal and collective power to make change for good. Fellows will learn transferable organizing and advocacy skills, with a focus on campaign strategy. This program will dive deep into educational equity, criminal justice reform, and other policies designed to improve opportunities for Colorado families. At the same time, fellows engage in ongoing and meaningful leadership development through trainings covering organizing and advocacy basics, communications, government structures, campaign planning, power mapping, public speaking, and community outreach.
Do I need advocacy, organizing, or policy experience? No. You do not need to be a policy expert, experienced organizer, or someone who has testified at the Capitol. What matters most is your commitment to your community, your willingness to learn, and your interest in creating change.
When and where will it be held? Fellows meet about twice per month virtually, with multiple other opportunities to engage with Stand for Children throughout the month. There will be quarterly opportunities to get together in person and opportunities to visit with policymakers and go to the Capitol.
What will I learn through the Fellowship? Fellows will build leadership skills, learn about the legislative process, explore policy issues, and find ways to share information with their communities. The broader Fellowship program has also included training in organizing and advocacy, communications, government structures, campaign planning, power mapping, public speaking, and community outreach.
What issues will Fellows work on?
Planned FY27 policy topics include:
- Increasing high school success
- Supporting strong and equitable school funding
- Supporting families through criminal justice reform efforts
- Supporting bell-to-bell cell phone ban policies
Specific bills and advocacy opportunities may depend on developments during Colorado’s 2027 legislative session.
What do I need to do to apply? You can find the application here. It’s a couple of demographic questions and short answers about you and why you are applying. Please don’t spend hours perfecting your response – we’re not looking for perfect writers. It should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete.
How much does it cost? This program is completely free! In fact, we very much value the time and energy of our volunteers, Stand for Children will provide you with a $XXX monthly stipend for the nine-month program.
When is the application due? Please submit your application by September 16, 2026.
