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Applications are now closed for 2022.

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About Rising Voices

Rising Voices, a project of the Center for Empowered Politics, was founded in April 2019 and seeks to increase the civic participation of Asian Americans in Michigan. As one of the fastest growing electorates in the United States and the largest growing racial group in Michigan, Rising Voices was created to fill a gap in the organizing in Michigan. Current models of organizing and civic engagement take a one-size-fits all approach that fails to take into consideration the unique cultural contexts of various Asian American communities. Young people, specifically, hold vitally important perspectives and relationships within our communities and are key to organizing collective power. We are dedicated to centering the voices of those who have been excluded and valuing cultural competence and humility in our work. Learn more about us on risingvoicesaaf.org 

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Fellowship Description

The Rising Voices AAPI Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Fellowship is a one-month paid program running from July 6 - July 29, 2022 with required field work leading up to the November elections. It is geared towards young Michiganders between 16 to 20 years old who are interested in AAPI leadership and civic engagement. Throughout the month, fellows will:

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• Learn critical AAPI history

• Share and reflect on their personal identities, values, and leadership

• Learn and practice organizing skills such as conducting 1:1, digital organizing, phone banking

• Discuss current events through anti-racist and anti-oppression curriculum

• Familiarize themselves with local electoral politics, including campaign and legislative processes in Michigan

• Help set the foundation for our K-12 Ethnic Studies campaign in Michigan.

• Help set the foundation for our language justice campaign in Michigan.

 

We believe that young people are vital to organizing collective power within the AAPI community, and this Fellowship is designed to prepare young AAPI to have a greater impact in their communities. 

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Who we’re looking for

The ideal Fellow is an AAPI youth age 16-20 years old living in the state of Michigan. It is someone who observes problems or issues in their community, wonders why these issues occur, takes initiative to deepen their understanding of the root causes of the issues, and isn’t afraid to take action to change the status quo. It is someone who is interested in learning and applying strategies to address community needs and become more civically engaged. It is someone committed to collaborative, intersectional, and intergenerational power building. 

We encourage folks who are seeking spaces of community and learning outside of mainstream AAPI-identifying spaces to apply. We highly encourage LGBTQIA+ identifying and folks with working class backgrounds to apply. No experience in organizing or AAPI history necessary; we want to work with young people who are deeply curious and committed to social change. 

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Other Requirements

• Must have access to internet and phone

 

Compensation

All fellows will receive:

• Individualized mentorship/coaching

• Civic engagement skills development (training and practice)

• $1500 stipend disbursed in two installments

• Supplies necessary for completing fellowship objectives

 

How to Apply:

Deadline to apply is June 10, 2022. Interested candidates should fill out this application form. 

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30-min chat with Rising Voices organizer

In order to ensure that this fellowship is accessible to all, Dim Mang (current Organizer with Rising Voices) will be holding a 30-minute chat session where she will answer any questions and comments you may have about the application process and the fellowship. Please schedule an appointment here:  https://calendly.com/dim-schedule/30min

 

Questions? Contact us at contact@risingvoicesaaf.org

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