PWN Policy Fellowship Applications Are Closed

The PWN Policy Fellowship is a year–long program structured to increase participant’s ability to engage effectively in federal, state and local policy and advocacy. It is critical that our community is equipped with a wide array of tools to support vibrant, visionary and strategic advocacy that helps craft a world where all women, transgender and gender non–conforming (TGNC) people living with HIV can live long, healthy and dignified lives free from stigma and discrimination.

In recognition that spaces of influence within the federal, state, and local policy environment have been largely inaccessible to women and TGNC people living with HIV, the fellowship curriculum is rooted in social justice and applies an explicit gender justice and racial justice lens to all aspects of policy advocacy. The current political environment is marred by ongoing and escalating threats to sexual and reproductive rights, basic health care, bodily autonomy, the social safety net, and civil and political rights. PWN Policy Fellows learn to effectively react to those threats, but we don’t stop with defensive campaigns. Participants also learn to advocate for transformative social and political change that aims to dismantle the oppressive systems that harm our communities.

Past fellows have led state-wide campaigns to modernize HIV criminalization laws, testified at Congressional briefings, organized advocacy days at their state capitol, created a rapid response team to mobilize the HIV community during the legislative session, and so much more. Every year, PWN Policy Fellows grow the number of women and TGNC people living with HIV who take the lead in local, state, and federal policy spaces. Is it your turn this year?


WHAT CONTENT WILL THE FELLOWSHIP COVER?

Over the course of the fellowship, participants will:

  • Expand their understanding of the structure of government and how federal and state policy is developed, implemented and funded;
  • learn key frameworks for advocacy interventions;
  • learn to analyze policy;
  • deepen their understanding of strategies to effect policy change, including grassroots advocacy, effective coalition building,
  • and learn to build and maintain relationships with policymakers and stakeholders who have influence over the policy-making process. 

HOW IS THE FELLOWSHIP STRUCTURED?

The Fellowship period is April 2021 – March 2022; during this time frame, Fellows will participate in a series of interactive web-based sessions delivered by PWN staff and other policy experts. Fellows will also receive mentorship from past fellows who are now seasoned advocates in the field. Reading assignments and homework will be assigned between sessions.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

  • 13 web-based policy skills-building training sessions (April 2021-December 2021 see tentative schedule below)
  • 3-month practicum period, including the creation and execution of a policy project with a host organization
  • Monthly conference calls with mentors
  • Participation in PWN-USA skills-building webinars

PROPOSED SCHEDULE

(participation in ALL aspects of the program is required for successful completion)

  • Web Session 1 – Friday, April 5, 2021
    • Fellowship Orientation
  • Web Session 2 – Friday, May 7, 2021
    • Policy and Government 101
  • Web Session 3 – Friday, May 21, 2021
    • Policy and Government 102
  • Web Session 4 – Friday, June 18, 2021
    • Administrative Advocacy & Agencies
  • Web Session 5 – Friday, July 2, 2021
    • Key Frameworks for Conducting Advocacy Part I – Reproductive and Racial Justice
  • Web Session 6 –  Friday, July 16, 2021
    • Key Frameworks for Conducting Advocacy Part II – Gender and Economic Justice
  • Web Session 7 – Friday, August 13, 2021
    • Midterm Review
  • Web Session 8 –  Friday, August 27, 2021
    • Conducting Policy Research
  • Web Session 9 – Friday, September 10, 2021
    • In-District Organizing-Meeting with Legislators & Advocacy Events
  • Web Session 10 – Friday, October 8, 2021
    • Working in and Building Effective Coalitions
  • Web Session 11 – Friday, October 22, 2021
    • Building relationships with key stakeholder and policymakers
  • Web Session 12 – Friday, November 5, 2021
    • Issue Based Organizing
  • Web Session 13 – Friday, December 3, 2021
    • Year-End Review Session
  • Practicum Period – January 2022 through March 2022 

WHAT DO FELLOWS GET FOR PARTICIPATING?

Fellows will have coaching and mentoring to support their policy advocacy goals, opportunities to attend policy meetings (virtually), opportunities to engage with national advocacy coalitions, and access to policy experts. Additionally, fellows will have the opportunity to obtain and apply marketable writing, research and organizing skills to support their professional development. Fellows who graduate successfully will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.  

ELIGIBILITY

The fellowship is open to all women and TGNC people living with HIV. We especially encourage applications from those who are: young, Black, Latinx, immigrant, LGB, trans and gender-nonconforming, low-income, and/or reside in the South. All applicants should possess a strong desire to effect meaningful change in the lives of other women and TGNC people living with HIV to apply.