Elements of the Program
This is a 9-month long program with a time commitment of 10 hours per month.
The first six months will be centered in community-building, competency and skills advancement, and collaborative learning activities to gain a deeper understanding of topics and strategies. Participants will meet community activists and leaders working to advance a just transition.
During the last three months of the program, participants will integrate lessons and ideas learned together with experiences and understanding of the interests and needs of their communities to design or advance a community-centered project. This effort can be done individually or in collaboration with other participants, with the support of mentors.
Every month there will be a combination of virtual/remote (synchronous and asynchronous) and in-person activities, as well as social opportunities to connect with other participants, mentors, and partners in a more relaxed manner.
Mini-retreat
A bonding experience to get to know participants and some of the mentors. An opportunity to explore the multiple learning offerings and start exploring the Just Transition framework.
Learning modules
4 main topics: Just Transition strategies, power and governance, communications, and community-based project design and management.
Mentoring
As a form to create meaningful networks, this program promotes peer and expert mentoring. Connect with people with similar interests and/or experiences.
Final community impact project
An opportunity to form new alliances to design a proposal or prototype for a community-centered project.
Social gatherings
Virtual and in-person gatherings across the state to connect with participants, mentors, facilitators, and other leaders.
End-of-the-program cohort celebration
An event to celebrate achievements and collaborations, while showcasing the final community impact projects.
At the end of this program participants will be encouraged to:
Continue their learning path toward growth in community leadership through other programs
Share some of the tools/ideas explored during the program with their community/organization to add to their just transition toolbox
Consider the opportunity to serve on a board, commission, council, task force, or committee, within the Coalition, in the participants’ community or organization, or in local or state agencies
Join the alumni network to continue growing together as a community and mentor future participants
Costs and other resources
This is a free program. All participants will receive a stipend for active participation. Additional support and funding for these final projects will be available.
As a way to address potential barriers for students participating in the program, participants can apply for emergency funding within the program. Funds are limited.
During the program, we will coordinate some site visits across Washington state. As a way to incentivize participants to attend these visits, all travel and lodging expenses for the in-person activities will be covered. Participants will be reimbursed for mileage or public transit expenses, and lodging will be coordinated through the program coordinator.
Accessibility
Front and Centered is committed to creating an accessible learning environment where all participants feel comfortable engaging in the different activities. If you anticipate or experience any type of barrier (i.e. disability, language, technology, location, etc) to being an active participant in this program, please send an email to the program coordinator (Isabel Carrera Zamanillo at isabel@frontandcentered.org) to discuss your needs or concerns.