STAR Fellow

Organization

Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains trans, queer, and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools.

GSA Network is guided by our vision of full equality and social justice for all trans and queer people. We have developed a model of grassroots organizing that trains youth activists to understand and challenge multiple systems of oppression, in order to develop trans, queer, and allied leaders with a vision for broad social justice. Grounded in this model, GSA Network is building the GSA movement by providing resources, training, and grassroots organizing support to youth activists working to educate schools and communities about trans and queer issues and change public policy, as well as to emerging GSA Networks in states around the U.S.  As the convener of the National Association of GSA Networks, we bring together youth and adult leaders from state and regional GSA Networks to share best practices for GSA and youth organizing. As a national leader at the intersections of the trans and queer youth, racial, gender, and education justice movements, this is an exciting time for GSA Network as we expand our impact and grow our team.  You can learn more about our work at www.gsanetwork.org.

Roles (up to five fellows will be accepted)

The STAR Fellowship is designed for trans, queer and two-spirit youth/young adults ages 18-25 who are ready to advance their organizing skills and professional development in a non-profit setting. The fellows will gain skills and experience in national community organizing, program coordination, and communications and narrative development. The fellows will be responsible for supporting younger youth leaders in various programs within GSA Network. The fellowship is a temporary position starting in February 2023 through February 2024. We are prioritizing fellows who have participated in any of the various programs at GSA Network.

Fellows would join the GSA Network across teams and select which program they are applying for. Up to five fellows will have the opportunity to work alongside GSA Network organizers to support one of the following TQ2S youth leadership programs:

• Roses National Program (1 open fellowship): Roses is a space for trans girls and nonbinary femmes of color across the country between the ages for 14-18. The fellow would support in a recruitment plan for the 2023-2024 year, facilitate ongoing “Water The Roses” Virtual Spaces, support youth leaders in Roses Initiative for the new 2023-2024 year and other duties as assigned. This program is accepting one fellow.
• National Trans Youth (TRUTH) Program (1 open fellowship): TRUTH is dedicated to trans and nonbinary youth ages 14-18 across the country. The fellow would support in coordination of a TQ2S+ Magazine, support in the recruitment plan for the 2023-2024 year, and facilitate social spaces for youth leaders and other duties as assigned. This program is accepting one fellow.
• Trans | Trust | Funds (1 open fellowship): TTF financial literacy program is dedicated to trans and nonbinary youth across the country. The fellow would support in the recruitment plan for 2023-2024 year, co-facilitate training and other duties as assigned. This program is accepting one fellow.
• Storytelling/Communications (2 open fellowships): The fellow would support the Communications team in developing out social media content and strategy, which could include youth led blogs or visuals (videos, graphics etc.) that will facilitate storytelling and narrative building of TQ2S+ youth experiences and other duties as assigned. This program is accepting two fellows.

Alongside direct organizing experience, our fellowship cohort will have access to the following professional development training and mentorship:

• Developing TQ2S youth-rooted programs and leadership
• Engaging in political education in order to assess the movement landscape and strategy
• Strengthening executive functioning skills: time balance, project management, communication
• Shaping change and working toward collective liberation within in social justice nonprofit realm

Essential Duties and Functions

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive to duties required.)

Youth Leadership Program Support (60%)

• Provide program development support to specific campaigns/projects
• Support planning, coordination, and facilitation of council program and meeting
• Develop storytelling and narrative building of TQ2S+ youth experiences through different social media content and strategy
• Collaborate on and support GSA Network team initiatives and all staff initiatives that allow the organization to respond and adapt to emerging conditions

Professional Development & Fellowship Support (30%)

• Actively participate in and complete preparation for professional development training and peer support circles (Activities may include reading or study time, coordinating meetings, taking on facilitation tasks, and debriefing or reflecting with peers, supervisors, and trainers. Some months may feature more intensive professional development and training.)

Administration (10%)

• Regularly track relevant activities, contacts, and youth participation through GSA Network database
• Submit and keep track of individual expenses and timesheets
• Implement a personal work plan with a weekly work plan or task management system, with supervisor's approval
• Daily communication and use of organizational communication and task management channels (while working)

Required Qualifications

• Must be a GSA Network program alumni who have served on a Youth Council or participated in other GSA Network programs
• Must be available to work afternoons; the flexibility to work during traditional high school hours and after school is a plus
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in community organizing
• Basic familiarity with concepts relating to GSA clubs and LGBTQ+ youth of color issues
• Able to attend professional development trainings required as part of the fellowship program
• Able to work independently and know when to seek guidance to move assignments forward

Work environment

• Must be able to work & supervise remotely and/or in an office environment.
• Must be able to operate and use a computer and phone manually.
• Must be able to work at a computer for a prolonged period of time.
• Must be able to communicate clearly in English and adapt voice and tone to digital platforms (e.g. social media and website).
• May involve up to 10% travel.

Application

Apply via BambooHR at gsanetwork.org with a Cover Letter, Resume, and Materials. Submit a brief statement of no more than 350 words explaining why you are interested in the GSA Network STAR Fellowship and why you are a great candidate for this opportunity.

Make sure to indicate which area of work you would like to focus on (Roses, TRUTH, TTF, or Storytelling) The brief statement can be included as the “Cover Letter” in the application process.

Please also provide a 1-page resume outlining your work and organizing experience.

Applications must be received by January 24, 2023. The start date for this position will be mid-February 2023. Everyone will hear back the following week once applications are closed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

GSA Network is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from youth, people of color, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and people with disabilities.

Compensation

GSA Network's wages are set according to an internal equity matrix. As such, we do not negotiate salary offers outside of the range specified.