Program Overview
To develop strong LGBTQ+ public officials and movement leaders, the Victory Institute sends emerging LGBTQ+ leaders of color and/or transgender leaders to Victory’s Candidate & Campaign Training and International LGBTQ+ Leadership Conference. The fellowship connects alumni to ongoing opportunities for leadership development.
The Victory Empowerment Fellowship is a six-month fellowship for LGBTQ+ leaders of color and/or transgender leaders who seek to expand their campaign skills and policy-making power and join a strong cohort of movement leaders from across the country.
The Victory Empowerment Fellowship consists of three key components provided by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute – the Candidate & Campaign Training, International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference – and a six-month mentorship program.
Application Process
Applications for the 2023 cohort are now closed. The 2024 application will be available November 1, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions: Learn more
In-Person Program Events
Candidate and Campaign Training (July 2023)
Victory’s Candidate & Campaign Training provides comprehensive, non-partisan training to present and future LGBTQ+ candidates, campaign staff, and community leaders. All Fellows will participate together and learn necessary skills and strategies by engaging in tough, realistic campaign situations. Fellows selected for the 2023 cohort will attend the Orlando Candidate & Campaign Training July 13-16 2023. Participants will arrive in Orlando on July 12th.
International LGBTQ Leaders Conference (December 2023)
The largest gathering of LGBTQ+ leaders in the world, the International LGBTQ+ Leadership Conference offers trainings, workshops, and networking opportunities relevant to both the current and future state of the LGBTQ+ movement to over 600 attendees. Participants leave able to more effectively craft policies and build coalitions to bring those policies to fruition, learning from the experts, but also from one another.
The Victory Empowerment Fellowship includes complete registration, travel, and shared lodging for both the Candidate & Campaign Training and International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference 2023. All Fellows must attend.
Questions?
For questions regarding the Victory Empowerment Fellowship, please contact Sarah Pope, Director of U.S. Programs, at sarah.pope@victoryinstitute.org.
Supporters
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute would like to give special thanks to our program supporters. Their philanthropy ensures that this program has the financial resources it needs to make the Victory Empowerment Fellowship possible.
If you are interested in learning how you/your organization can support the Victory Empowerment Fellowship please contact Seth Schermer, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Development Officer, at seth.schermer@victoryinstitute.org.