In connection with The Center’s RiseOut initiative, an advocacy and community mobilization program that works to achieve justice and equity for all LGBTQ New Yorkers, we are pleased to invite applications for our first Activist-in-Residence Fellowship Program. The Center seeks to contribute to the social justice movement by investing in the next generation of Black, Indigenous and other leaders of color who are committed to transforming social and economic conditions, and to advancing equity and opportunity for the LGBTQ community in New York. In its inaugural year, the program seeks to specifically and intentionally support Black LGBTQ New Yorkers as fellows.

The fellowship program will provide support to individuals who are established or emerging activists, including creatives and influencers who have bold, cutting-edge ideas for advancing LGBTQ rights in New York State. We seek proposals for projects that highlight underrepresented communities and align with the main focus areas of the RiseOut program, including: 

• The advancement of equity for and inclusion of transgender and gender nonconforming people of color
• Increased access to LGBTQ+ affirming mental and physical health services
• Promoting restorative justice principles
• Enhancing LGBTQ visibility and affirmation across sectors 
• Economic justice and advancement opportunities 

We strongly encourage projects that leverage new models for achieving change, or are carrying established methods of change forward, in an innovative way. We are looking for individuals who understand the importance of building power within the Black community, and can demonstrate that understanding through their project. Proposals can be any form that promotes awareness, fosters dialogue and advances the mission of RiseOut. This includes research, storytelling, community building, public education campaigns, visual arts, digital media and more. 

This Fellowship is made possible due to generous, charitable donations from Susie Scher/Goldman Sachs Gives and Jan Siegmund.

BENEFITS FOR ACTIVISTS

Activists-in-Residence receive a range of benefits for their fellowship work as outlined below:

• A stipend of $15,000 to support their work over the course of 12 months, as well as basic technical supplies to engage in the work 
• Engagement with the RiseOut program team, including attending civic engagement- and advocacy-related events and trainings 
• Participation in relevant conferences, training and networking opportunities such as Creating Change, Netroots Nation and others
• Connections to key Center partners across a range of sectors and industries
• Access to professional development opportunities offered to full-time staff of The Center
• As appropriate, assistance from Center staff on other aspects of the approved project
• Monthly check-ins with RiseOut program team to build camaraderie and support for execution of project 
• For NYC-based activists, office space at The Center of up to 10 hours per week as needed, with IT access and resources, to support the development of their work (Note: this benefit will be contingent on our physical building re-opening)

APPLICATION PROCESS

• To learn more about the application process, please visit gaycenter.org/advocacy/fellowship/application. Applications will consist of a series of short essays, and a project description and budget.  Finalists may be required to submit additional documentation or prepare for an interview about the proposed project.
• Applications should be completed online by November 13, 2020 by 11:59 p.m., with an anticipated start date of January 2021.

You should consider applying if:

• Are a resident of New York State
• Are at least 18 years of age or older
• Have at least one year of relevant work experience
• Have a passion for serving and centering the needs of queer and transgender communities of color in New York State and are committed to creating progressive change 
• You have strong communication skills, in person, virtually, through email and other methods 
• You have a project or idea that is focused on or directly tied to the LGBTQ community of New York State 
• You have prior advocacy or organizing experience—at any level—or are looking to take catalyze your work 

Additional criteria:

• Availability for a mid-year review and presentation in June 2021 and for an end-of-fellowship symposium in November 2021
• Please note that this opportunity is intended for individuals, not peer 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, government agencies, academic institutions or for-profit entities. While individuals who are affiliated with an organization may apply, the project must be independent of any work being performed for that organization or institution.
• Projects that include lobbying activities will not be funded. Please carefully review the Tax Law Lobbying Rules before applying. If awarded a fellowship, applicants must agree to refrain from engaging in restricted lobbying activities during the term of the fellowship.

Questions about this opportunity can be directed to advocacy@gaycenter.org.