Applications are open for the 2027 Movement Leader Fellowship (MLF), a leadership development opportunity for experienced social justice leaders who are committed to long-term power building and organizing. The fellowship is designed for leaders with approximately 10–15 years of social justice movement experience who are actively leading campaigns, organizational interventions or other significant bodies of work. Participants will join a community focused on deep study, leadership development and strengthening strategies for social change. The programme is specifically open to candidates based in the United States. The priority application deadline is September 21, 2026, while the final deadline is October 19, 2026. What Is the Movement Leader Fellowship? The Movement Leader Fellowship supports experienced social justice leaders who are navigating increasingly complex responsibilities within power-building organizations. Ideal candidates are expected to be rooted in organizations that create change through organizing and building power, particularly organizations accountable to a base of members within historically oppressed communities. The fellowship is intended for leaders who are already working full-time and have direct responsibility for a team, budget, campaign or another substantial area of organizational work. Participants should also be actively leading or developing a strategic campaign, organizational intervention or significant body of work that they can refine throughout the fellowship. Who Is the Fellowship For? The programme is designed for established movement leaders rather than individuals at the beginning of their careers. Ideal candidates generally demonstrate: 10–15 years of experience in social justice movements. Full-time involvement in a power-building organization. Direct oversight of a team, budget, campaign or significant body of work. Experience leading or developing a strategic campaign or organizational intervention. Responsibility for complex leadership challenges, including managing managers, managing up or influencing across an organization. A strong connection to, or personal background in, historically oppressed communities. A willingness to engage in deep study and learning with peers. The ability to participate fully in all fellowship components. Current residence or professional base in the United States. The fellowship particularly encourages applications from historically marginalized backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and nonbinary people, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from low-income, working-class and immigrant backgrounds. Leadership and Power Building Focus The Movement Leader Fellowship places significant emphasis on understanding and building power. Applicants are asked to reflect on how they define power and the questions or challenges they are currently exploring around power building. They must also describe a strategic campaign they are currently leading or shaping, including the people they are organizing with, the purpose they are pursuing, challenges they face, and the political, organizational or personal risks involved. This approach allows applicants to connect their current leadership work with the learning and development opportunities offered through the fellowship. Fellowship Application Essays Applicants will be required to submit several short-answer essays, each with a maximum of 500 words. The application asks candidates to address four major areas: Experience and Commitment: Applicants explain how their personal or professional experiences have shaped their long-term commitment to social justice. Strategy: Candidates describe a current strategic campaign they are leading or shaping, the base or coalition involved, the challenges they are navigating and how the fellowship could support their work. Power: Applicants explain how they define or understand power and identify the questions they are exploring around power building. Vision: Candidates present their 10-year vision for social change and discuss the opportunities and challenges they anticipate in their field. Organizational Support and Costs Applicants are expected to engage with their organization regarding participation in the fellowship. Each fellow is required to contribute $500 toward costs associated with the Movement Leader Fellowship, including tuition, travel and coaching. Organizations are also expected to contribute according to their annual budget: Organizations with budgets of $5 million or more: $7,500 per participant. Organizations with budgets between $2 million and $5 million: $4,000 per participant. Organizations with budgets below $2 million: $2,500 per participant. A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals who have difficulty meeting the contribution fees or whose organizations cannot make the required contribution. The application information states that the admissions process does not evaluate applicants based on their ability to pay. Fellowship Commitments Selected fellows must be prepared to participate fully in the programme. One requirement is completion of one graduate-level academic course, delivered virtually through the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. Classes meet once per week during each semester, with the exact day and time to be announced. Fellows must also attend two immersive week-long retreats: March 21–26, 2027 July 18–23, 2027 For these retreats, LDSJ will cover flights, transportation, meals and lodging costs. Application Requirements Applicants will need to provide professional and organizational information as part of the application. The application requests a current resume, preferably in PDF format, as well as information about the applicant’s current organization, role, experience, organizational budget and leadership responsibilities. Applicants must also provide information about a supervisor or board member who can submit a letter of support. The letter is recommended at the initial application stage and will be required if the applicant progresses to the interview stage. Application Deadlines The priority deadline for the 2027 Movement Leader Fellowship is September 21, 2026. The final application deadline is October 19, 2026. Applicants seeking consideration by the priority deadline should submit their applications and required information by September 21. How to Apply Eligible U.S.-based social justice leaders should complete the 2027 Movement Leader Fellowship application, providing accurate professional and organizational information and responding to all four 500-word essays. Applicants should also prepare their current resume and coordinate with their supervisor or board member regarding the required letter of support. Before applying, candidates should ensure they can commit to the academic course, two immersive retreats and other components of the fellowship. Final Takeaway The Movement Leader Fellowship 2027 is designed for experienced social justice leaders seeking to strengthen their leadership, strategic thinking and power-building practice. With an emphasis on organizing, community accountability, strategic campaigns and long-term social change, the programme is particularly suited to leaders who are already managing significant responsibilities within power-building organizations. The fellowship also provides support for retreat-related travel, transportation, meals and lodging, while a limited number of contribution scholarships are available for applicants facing financial barriers. U.S.-based social justice leaders with 10–15 years of experience should consider applying by the priority deadline of September 21, 2026, or the final deadline of October 19, 2026. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW