Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice
a CUNY Institute

Regional Organizers for Community Change Fellowship

Based in New York City, NY

 

Program Overview
Regional Organizers for Community Change (ROCC) is a state-specific, and sometimes regional fellowship, that brings together movement leaders across sectors to develop long-term strategy. The Fellowship, which is offered by Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice (LDSJ), is designed to give social justice leaders an opportunity to hone their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of power and strategy, and expand their networks. This semester-long program provides an intensive cohort experience, granting Fellows the chance to connect and build relationships, and collectively to develop a shared analysis, a long-term vision, and a winning strategy for their state or region. The program offers a unique combination of academic coursework, immersive retreats, and individual coaching and mentorship as part of a holistic approach to leadership development.

ROCC was born from the understanding that while the challenges we face are not limited to a particular state or region, organizing and campaigns at this level remain the lifeblood of the progressive movement. It is where people most frequently come together and organize. It is also where great power lies — in state legislatures, elected officials, and local governments, but also in the grassroots leaders, movements, and coalitions found in every locality and state. And it is where a real opportunity exists to push back against an authoritarian agenda that seeks to limit rights and freedoms, and puts profits before people and the environment. Struggles at the state level can also resonate and have an impact nationally. Nowhere is this more true than in North Carolina, the focus of the 2025 ROCC fellowship.

Priority Application Deadline: May 12, 2025

Program Details
The Regional Organizer for Community Change (ROCC) Fellowship offers:

• Academic coursework: All fellows take the course “Power and Strategy,” taught by faculty at the School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) at CUNY. The course is focused on strategy fundamentals and is based on the book Practical Radicals by Deepak Bhargava and Stephanie Luce.
• Immersive retreats: Fellows are expected to attend two week-long residential retreats for in-person learning, relationship building, and leadership training, including on personal sustainability practices. The retreats will be held in North Carolina (locations TBD), on the following dates:
  • September 14-19, 2025
  • December 7-12, 2025
• Executive coaching and mentorship: Each fellow will be provided with a 360° Leadership assessment at the beginning of the fellowship, as well as a dedicated coach and mentor with whom they will meet regularly on a 1:1 basis for the duration of the fellowship.

Apply HERE!