Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice
a CUNY Institute

Movement Leader Fellowship

Based in New York City, NY
Fellowship is nationwide

 

THE OPPORTUNITY: Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice invites applications for the 2026 cohort of the Movement Leader Fellowship, a program designed to give established professionals in the social justice sector an opportunity to hone their leadership and strategy skills, immerse themselves in theory and practice, and expand their community in movement work.

This year-long fellowship is designed to equip movement leaders with the tools, skills, and frameworks necessary to develop sharper vision and strategy, lead effective teams, organizations and movements, and sustain themselves and their organizing work for the long haul. The program offers a unique combination of academic coursework, immersive retreats, and individual coaching and mentorship as part of a holistic approach to leadership development. 

The fellowship includes:

• An Advanced Certificate in Organizing and Social Change from the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
• Three in-person retreats for strategy and leadership development
• 1:1 coaching and mentorship
• Access to LDSJ’s national alumni network

More information on the fellowship can be found here.

ABOUT LDSJ: Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice is an institute created and led by movement leaders with experience and investment in grassroots organizing. LDSJ supports diverse cohorts of leaders from the communities at the forefront of social justice movements in learning how to build lasting power and use it for our collective liberation. More information about the LDSJ can be found at: https://www.socialjusticeleadership.org.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Movement Leader Fellowship is for mid-career organizers rooted in power-building organizations — those who work in second-layer leadership roles such as deputy, organizing, and political directors within labor and community organizations — and who are positioned to develop and lead strategy in their context. Candidates must be based in the United States.

TO APPLY: Please find the MLF application HERE. Applications received by September 8th will be given priority. The final deadline to apply is October 13th, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.