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.
Program Overview
Application Timeline: June 2026
Program Timeline: July 2026 – February 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
5–6 fellows
Participant Stipend
To support accessibility and equitable participation, fellows will receive a $225 monthly stipend throughout the program.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will explore the foundations of civic leadership through 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.
