CPL DC New Leaders Fellowship

For young professionals and recent graduates looking to jump-start their careers in the progressive movement

Overview

The New Leaders Fellowship is a six-month part-time leadership and professional development program that provides young progressives who are working for social change with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their networks in the progressive movement. Fellows will participate in training, coaching, project based work, networking and mentoring.  

• Meet the CPL New Leaders

Who Should Apply

CPL is looking for individuals who:

• Are committed to progressive political change
• Have demonstrated leadership experience
• Are between 21-30 years old (in general, there may be exceptions)
• Have less than 2 years of professional experience working toward progressive political and policy change.

CPL maintains a strong focus on diversity, and encourages people of color, women and people who identify as LGBTQ, among many others, to apply.

We also have a limited number of positions available for New Leaders Fellows who want to jump-start their careers in the progressive movement and are looking for full-time employment. Qualified applicants will be coached through the job search process by CPL staff.  CPL provides access to job postings, support in resume building and cover letter writing, and access to a network of professionals in DC doing progressive political work.  All applicants should be prepared to apply for full-time, paid positions in Washington, D.C. and be able to move to D.C. to start full-time employment by the time the program starts. 

Program Components

New Leaders Fellows will receive ongoing support from CPL, including:

• Training: monthly leadership and skill-building trainings spread over six months from October 2011 to March 2012.
• Coaching: Each program participant will receive career coaching from experienced progressive leaders and practice fundamental skills with an assigned peer coach.
• Project-Based Work: All participants will undertake a 360 Degree Review of their leadership skills and develop a Personal Political Leadership Plan (PPLP).
• Networking events: New Leaders will be invited to meet alumni and other progressives in DC to expand their networks.

Fellowship candidates must be able to commit to the entire six-month program and be available for full-time work. Candidates are also required to participate in regularly scheduled trainings, coaching sessions and networking events as part of the fellowship.

Partners

CPL New Leaders Fellows work at a variety of progressive organizations including:

• Planned Parenthood
• Center for American Progress
• National Council of La Raza
• DC Public Charter School Board
• AFL-CIO
• South Asian Americans Leading Together
• Young People For
• National Women's Law Center
• Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute

Program Cost

With the generous support of our funders, CPL is able to offer the New Leaders Fellowship at reduced rates for program participants and partner organizations wishing to support the professional development of their staff. New Leaders Program fees cover monthly skill-building trainings, eight hours of professional coaching, meals, materials and other resources.

CPL feels strongly that finances should not be a barrier to involvement, while also working to cover the costs of our non-profit work.

For individuals not affiliated with an organization, partial scholarships are available, as are payment plans to spread out the cost of the 6-month program.  Also, your employer could pay for your participation in this training as part of your professional development. If you would like us to facilitate that conversation, please contact us.

Below are the 2011 program fees. Separate fees are listed for individual applicants not affiliated with an organization, and those being sponsored by their organization to participate in the program. 

2011 Fees

$100       for individuals not affiliated with organizations
$300       for individuals being sponsored by their organization