What characteristics do potential Fellows possess?
Fellows must have a vision for reclaiming the humanity of youth of color and their communities. They will be able to show how they help young people of color and their communities to heal, grow, and thrive using their resources (institution, influence, program, skills, art, etc.) and their lived experience navigating the same injustices as the people they serve.
How does Forward Promise define healing, growing, and thriving?
Healing is recognizing trauma. Growing is rejecting dehumanizing narratives. Thriving is expanding personal health into community health. Learn more at forwardpromise.org/approach.
What type of work does the ideal applicant do?
We encourage organizers, activists, youth advocates, artists, clinicians/practitioners—or individuals from any other field, discipline, or community role—to apply. While we are open to many approaches, we seek those who incorporate culturally responsive healing practices as a core component of their work. Individuals who are native to, or representative of, the communities they work with are strongly encouraged to apply.
Are there restrictions for use of the $5,000 award?
No. The $5,000 cash award is considered a prize, not a grant. Forward Promise will not monitor or track how Fellows choose to use their award. Fellows are responsible for any tax liability incurred from receipt of this cash prize.
What happens if I cannot participate in all of the Fellowship activities or complete the program?
Forward Promise Fellows agree to participate in all scheduled activities at the time of application. Please check for any scheduling conflicts before submitting your application. The full Fellowship schedule is included in the application link. At a minimum, Fellows must participate in 80% of all required activities to receive the full award amount. We do understand that life happens and if a Fellow is not able to complete the program for reasons beyond their control, Forward Promise will decide the best course of action on a case-by-case basis. This may include allowing the Fellow to complete the experience with a future cohort.
How will I get to each of the four-day, three night retreats?
Forward Promise will work with each Fellow to make travel arrangements. Travel (flight and ground transportation), lodging, and meals at in-person retreats and convenings are paid for by the program.
Please note extended stays/nights at retreat lodging establishments and updates to flight itineraries are the financial responsibility of the Fellow (unless there are circumstances beyond their control as determined by Forward Promise/The Moriah Group).
Can individuals who work for current or past Forward Promise grantee organizations apply for the Fellowship?
Yes!
How much time should I expect to commit to the program as a Fellow?
Participants can expect to spend a total of 275 hours on all planned activities during the full program. This includes travel to and from retreats, webinars, community connection calls, and other related activities (i.e., onboarding, surveys, interviews).
Can individuals who work for current or past Forward Promise grantee organizations apply for the Fellowship?
Yes!
Will retreats be in person, virtual, or hybrid?
We are currently planning for all retreats to be held in person; however, the health and safety of participants, facilitators, and staff are our top priority. Plans are subject to change as necessary. We will closely monitor updates regarding COVID-19 from the CDC, WHO, and other local public health organizations in selected retreat venues and follow all recommended safety guidelines and protocols during all in-person events. We may also elect to hold a virtual retreat if that is safest for everyone involved.
Can I choose to participate virtually?
All participants are expected to attend in person.
Is a COVID-19 vaccination required for participation?
We strongly recommend that all participants receive the COVID-19 vaccine and recommended boosters, but it is not required. All participants will be required to sign a COVID-19 Waiver of Liability and must follow all safety protocols established by The Moriah Group for each in-person event.