About the Emerging Leaders Cohort
Participant Eligibility
Session Topics
Apply
Contact

About the Emerging Leaders Cohort

AFSSA’s Emerging Leaders Cohort launches in Summer 2026 as a 5-week pilot program designed to cultivate early-career leadership, advocacy skills, and community connection within AFSSA’s mission.

Sessions with the AFSSA Emerging Leaders Cohort will be on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, starting on Wednesday, July 22nd and ending on Wednesday, August 19th. The Cohort will be centered on learning, reflection, and conversation around the anti-violence movement.

Participants will cultivate knowledge and skills that will help them break the cycle of violence and be an advocate in their own communities. We expect to offer an opportunity for community building, social and professional networking, and empowerment.

We’re having two Zoom info sessions about the Emerging Leaders Cohort coming up on Thursday, May 14th 12 – 1 pm, and Tuesday, May 19th 5:30 – 6:30 pm. You can RSVP here to join us at one of these info sessions to learn more about the program, walk through the application, and ask questions!  

Participant Eligibility

• Recent graduates (undergraduate or graduate), early-career professionals, or emerging community advocates
• Availability for all five in-person Wednesday evening sessions (dates and times listed below)
• Interest in ongoing involvement with AFSSA
• Alignment with AFSSA values
• Completion of background check

Session Topics

Week 1 — AFSSA Meet and Greet & Your “Why” (July 22 · 6–7:30 PM)

Week 2 — Mobilizing & Advocacy (July 29 · 6–9 PM)

Week 3 — Impactful Storytelling & Narrative Power (August 5 · 6–9 PM)

Week 4 — Fundraising: Gathering Support & Tying it Together (August 12 · 6–9 PM)

Week 5 — Graduation Day & What’s Next (August 19 · 6–7:30 PM)

Apply

Apply through the form below. If the form is not appearing for you, you can view and submit the application through this link. Applications are due on June 15th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Contact

If you have any questions or want to connect with our team about the Emerging Leaders Cohort, please contact volunteer@afssaustin.org.

(Edit: A previous version of this webpage identified the dates for the Emerging Leaders Cohort in April and May. The Cohort has now been moved to Summer 2026.)