Community Impact Fellowship – Become a Fellow

FOR PROSPECTIVE FELLOWS
Now accepting applications for Operations Associate/RVC Fellow with STEM Paths Innovation Network (SPIN). Apply HERE. Applications close Feb 24th 11:59PM. If you have any questions, please contact Flo Sum at [email protected].

FOR PROSPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS
We are no longer accepting applications for prospective host organizations for the upcoming 2022-2024 Fellowship Cohort. If you’re interested for the future, please contact Flo Sum at [email protected]. Learn more on our Host a Fellow page.

Be a Community Impact Leader of Color!

Rooted in Vibrant Communities (RVC)’s Community Impact Fellowship Program places talented leaders of color in a two-year full-time position at local grassroots organizations led by communities of color. Our Fellows bring the experience, passion, and talent — we pay a biweekly stipend, benefits, and provide ongoing professional development training.

The Community Impact Fellowship is a cohort-based 24-month long structured, hands-on learning experience for leaders of color that blends training with observation, reflection, roleplays, 1 on 1 mentorship, 1 on 1 coaching, and opportunities to apply or investigate what they learn. Fellows are expected to attend all trainings, then learn and practice concepts introduced with greater depth at their host organizations. Community Impact Fellowship Program will be held in-person (when it is safe to do so) or virtually.

Immerse Yourself into the Nonprofit Sector

You will be joining a cohort of like-minded peers! As a fellow, you will be one of 11 incredible BIPOC-professionals working together to learn, grow and impact communities.

Fellows will work in the offices of Community-Based organizations in areas people of color have historically and currently are rooted in.

If you don’t have time to watch the whole video. There are two places you can start to hear directly from fellows in the video above. At 10:50, you’ll hear from fellows talking about the program and the idea of leadership. Then, at 32:10, you’ll hear fellows talk about the program again + insight into their work at their host organization!

What RVC Fellows Receive: Training + Career Guidance + Support

Opportunities for learning/training includes:

• Monthly Training sessions and other professional development trainings
• Lunch and Learns
• Professional development and team building retreats
• Mentorship & Coaching

Together we will explore five key areas:

• Nonprofit Management
• Transformational, Adaptive, Collective, and Just Leadership
• Systemic Racism, Just Transition, Power, Privilege, and Intersectionality
• Community Organizing & Cultural Dynamics
• Personal & Collective Sustainability

Monthly Coaching

• Meet 1:1 with an RVC staff member to help you navigate leadership challenges and progress along your fellowship journey.

Paired Mentorship

• Connect with an experienced nonprofit professional dedicated to helping you advance along with your career pathway.

View a video of a previous program participant:

Why Should You Apply?

Our Community Impact Fellowship prepares and positions BIPOC leaders to step into mid-level positions at grassroots organizations. Throughout our program you will be able to:

• Establish a community, support system, and life-long bonds with other fellows
• Learn & apply specialized skills (program, operations, fund development, organizing, advocacy and policy) that prepares them to step into mid-level positions at grassroots organized (manager, lead organizer, policy analyst, etc.).
• Build the capacity of host organization in critical ways by bringing important and necessary changes to host CBO.
• Put together a strong resume and professional track that makes them a strong candidate for the job market in the nonprofit sector.
• Share experience and knowledge through interactive learning spaces
• Be at the forefront of transformative work around leadership, equity, and community building.

Are you Eligible to be an RVC Fellow?

We look for leaders that are committed to the hard work of personal and professional development. We want to work with people who are building towards self-awareness and self-reflection, address conflict courageously, see vulnerability as a strength and are committed to giving and receiving feedback and operating from a strength-based approach.

Applicants must also meet the following minimum standards of eligibility:

• Have at least 4 years of dedicated years of work, academic, and/or volunteer experience in the nonprofit sector 
• Culturally and linguistically reflect the community in which they will be working
• Demonstrate passion for community work and social justice and intent to stay and advance in the nonprofit field
• Be prepared to work full-time (37.5+ hours per week) at a CBO Partner organization from January 2023 to July 2024. 
• Live in King County by the start of program
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• A criminal history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being selected as a Fellow. However, some CBO positions may not be open to applicants with certain kinds of criminal record. Applicants should expect to consent to a criminal background report as part of the interview and selection process.

Compensation and Benefits

We believe programs like this should compensate fellows as they learn, work, and grow:

• Biweekly stipend of $25/hr.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Short/Long Term Disability, Retirement, and Life Insurance.
• 23 days of paid time off and 11 paid holidays.
• Monthly Professional Development Training, Conferences, and Additional Professional Development Funding
• Nonprofit professional mentor to get guidance and support.
• Access to an expansive network of nonprofit and advocacy leaders.

Program Timeline

When accepted, this is what you can generally expect when things happen over the course of two years.

We are Here to Answer your Questions!

There are three ways to ask questions or get them answered:

1. Email our Program Coordinator, Christian Moore at [email protected]
2. Attend an Info Session – you’ll learn more about our program, meet our team, and meet alumni. Click here to RSVP.
3. Speak 1-on-1 w/ our Coordinator – No question is too big or small. We’d love to hear from you. Click here to schedule a 15-minute call.