Visit our DDCSP Alumni Network and RAY Fellowship Program pages to learn more about our full ELP "ecosphere".
ELP CORE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS
Environmental issues affect all people, but in the U.S. (and around the world) evidence is clear that some communities and groups are harmed more than others-- correlated to poverty, race, and other systemic factors. Environmental and social change leadership must challenge and address the inequities that shape the origins of and responses to environmental problems. An equitable balance of power and privilege is necessary to achieve lasting environmental progress. ELP holds that skillful and respectful navigation of differences is vital to developing creative and equitable solutions to environmental problems, and that those most impacted should be in positions of leadership and decision-making.
It’s very important to us that we give our Regional and National Fellows a high quality experience– which to us means a program that is intentional, relevant, and responsive to the needs of our participants both in terms of content and in community building. Each year, we select a group of outstanding leaders across the career spectrum to participate in each of our fellowship programs. Fellows come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds as we strongly believe in the power of embracing the differences among the people and communities affected by environmental issues-- including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, religious faith, age, ability, geography, and ideas and beliefs. Our Fellows have on average 5 to 15 years of professional experience and come primarily from four sectors: non-profit/social sector, academia, business, and government. However, we also have participants who are just beginning their careers, and who have worked for decades in these areas.
Once selected, Fellows participate in a series of retreats that take place over the course of several months. Each retreat focuses on specific leadership competencies from diversity and coalition building to systems thinking and strengths based leadership. Fellows complete several active and reflective learning exercises, including the development of a personal leadership plan that is designed according to their own needs and interests, and can serve as a personal and professional "roadmap" as they move forward after the program.
ELP strongly believes in the need for lifelong skill development and peer support. Upon completion of the fellowship program, Fellows graduate to Senior Fellows status within the ELP Community. ELP Senior Fellows are eligible to attend additional trainings, take active roles in the development of ELP public programming and continue to expand their professional network through online resources, networking events, collaborative partnerships and mentoring within the ELP Community.
To apply to our Core Fellowship Programs, please visit the our Regional Fellowship or Virtual National Fellowship pages.
Scholarships are available for those in need of support to participate in our programs. Our goal is that cost should not be a barrier to an ELP Fellowship. In 2021, as part of our deepening commitment to anti-racist action, we also established a Community Scholarship Fund which prioritizes support to Black and Indigenous people, people of color, and others who have been and are disadvantaged by the systems of our economy.
QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK?
For questions regarding our regional/national programs or availability of scholarship funds, please contact Team ELP at CorePrograms@elpnet.org.