Civic Engagement Cohort

Civic Engagement Cohort

Grow Your Leadership. Strengthen Our Communities. Shape Policy.

The Civic Engagement Cohort is a leadership development and civic action program designed to cultivate the next generation of LGBTQIA+ organizers, advocates, and changemakers in Washington State.

Through training, mentorship, hands-on civic engagement, and community-building, participants gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for policy change and lead future civic work across housing justice, LGBTQIA+ protections, economic equity, and other issues impacting our communities.

We are especially committed to supporting leaders from historically underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, youth, transgender and nonbinary people, formerly incarcerated individuals, low-income community members, and people with disabilities.

Apply / Nominate

Program Overview

Program Timeline: July 2026 – Febuary 2027

Leadership Training

July – August

  • 8-weekly evening sessions

  • Interactive workshops, discussions, and skill-building

Civic Engagement & Action

September - February

  • Hands-on engagement opportunities

  • Community organizing and leadership development

  • Civic project planning and implementation

  • Ongoing mentorship and support

Cohort Size

7-10 fellows

Participant Stipend

To support accessibility and equitable participation, fellows will receive a $225 monthly stipend throughout the program.

What You’ll Learn

Foundations of
Civic Leadership

Participants will explore a series of interactive workshops:

  • Explore the history of LGBTQIA+ movements and how race, class, disability, gender identity, and other lived experiences shape advocacy work today.

  • Learn how decisions are made and where community voices can influence public policy.

  • Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.

  • Build organizing skills that help communities mobilize around shared goals.

  • Facilitated by Lexi Coren

    Develop confidence in public speaking, storytelling, and delivering effective testimony.

  • Learn how successful advocacy efforts build partnerships, engage media, and create change.

  • Explore strategies for voter outreach, education, and community participation.

  • Apply your learning, reflect on your leadership journey, and prepare for ongoing civic engagement.

Hands-On Civic Engagement

Throughout the program, fellows will have opportunities to:

  • Participate in voter registration drives

  • Support candidate forums and community events

  • Engage in canvassing, phone banking, or text banking efforts

  • Contribute to civic education campaigns

  • Develop or support a small community-based civic project

  • Participate in peer learning and skill-sharing opportunities

  • Receive one-on-one leadership coaching and support

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for LGBTQIA+ community members who want to:

  • Develop leadership and advocacy skills

  • Learn how policy and government work

  • Organize around issues impacting their communities

  • Build relationships with other emerging leaders

  • Create meaningful change through civic engagement

No prior organizing or political experience is required.

Apply Today!

Applications will close on June 22, 2026.

Join a growing network of LGBTQIA+ leaders working to shape a more just future for all.

Apply / Nominate