Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship
Below are answers to questions we expect you may have about the structure of
the Fellowship and the application process. If you have additional questions
please complete the form at the bottom
of the page and we will email you a reply.
1. How much does the Fellowship
cost? What does that fee cover?
2. How much of my time will the
program require?
3. Is this a full-time program
-- can I still hold my job?
4. Will CPL contribute to my campaign?
5. I am already running for office, can I participate in your program?
6. Where will the trainings and
events occur?
7. Is this fellowship limited
to people from any particular party?
8. I can't afford the tuition --
should I still apply?
9. What is the application timeline?
10. When will the first training
take place?
11. Who can I contact with questions
about this application?
12. What is the Center for Progressive
Leadership?
Q1. How much does the Fellowship cost? What does that fee
cover?
The 9-month Fellowship costs $750. That fee covers all training sessions
and materials, lodging during the initial weekend training (October 2005), food
during the weekend training and monthly day-long training workshops, monthly
coaching meetings, receptions and other networking events, and online discussion
boards and community building tools.
The program fees do not cover transportation for training workshops or coaching
sessions or accommodations for trainings aside from the two-day training in
October.
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Q2. How much of my time will the program require?
The Fellowship is a program for ambitious leaders with ambitious goals.
Developing the comprehensive set of skills and connections necessary to run
for elected office or hold a senior political leadership position will require
a considerable commitment of time and effort on your part. Fellows are required
to participate in the following activities:
- A 2-day initial training workshop for all incoming Fellows throughout Pennsylvania.
- Monthly day-long training workshops - separate sessions for Fellows in Eastern
& Western PA. Workshops will be followed with a networking session to
connect with state political leaders.
- Monthly 3-hour coaching sessions with CPL staff and political consultants.
Coaching sessions offered in locations in both Eastern and Western PA.
- At least 2-hours a week working independently, with your coach, or with
other fellows on projects to develop skills in a particular area, such as
writing speeches, compiling fundraising lists, or developing a media strategy.
Work can be done by phone, email, or using the Fellowship website.
- A concluding reception at the end of the 9-month program for all Fellows
throughout the state to connect with one another, celebrate their accomplishments,
and meet incoming Fellows for the following year.
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Q3. Is this a full-time program -- can I still hold my
job?
The Fellowship is designed as a part-time program for people who are working
full-time in other jobs and are looking for training and mentoring to help them
with their long-term political and career objectives.
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Q4. Will CPL contribute to my campaign?
No. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Center for Progressive Leadership is
forbidden by Federal and Pennsylvania law from partisan political activity,
including campaign contributions. We will be providing you with training to
develop the skills and connections necessary to do your own fundraising for
any elected office you choose seek at a later point.
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Q5. I am already running for office, can I participate in
your program?
The
Fellowship program is designed to recruit, train and support emerging
leaders who will be ready to run for office in several years or pursue
other, non-elected political leadership positions. If you are a current
candidate, you are welcome to apply for and participate in the
Fellowship, understanding that CPL does not endorse candidates and does
not provide support to campaigns for elected office.
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Q6. Where will the trainings and events occur?
Specific dates and locations will be announced 6 weeks before each training
session. The initial 2-day state-wide orientation training will take place on
October 22 & 23. Subsequent one-day workshops will take place on a weekend
day in both Western PA (Pittsburgh area) and Eastern PA (Philadelphia area.)
Monthly coaching sessions will also take place in locations on both sides of
the state. Specific locations will include college campuses, conference centers,
union halls, or partner organization offices.
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Q7. Is this fellowship limited to people from any particular
party?
No. As a non-partisan organization, the Center for Progressive Leadership
does not require participants to identify with any particular political party.
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Q8. I can't afford the tuition -- should I still apply?
Yes. The Center for Progressive Leadership is dedicated to ensuring that
economic considerations are not a barrier for highly qualified and committed
emerging progressive leaders to participate in the Fellowship. We will have
a small number of scholarships available to defray a significant portion of
the $750 program fee. Scholarship applicants will still be required to provide
their own transportation for program activities.
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Q9. What is the application timeline?
The Fellowship application, including the answer to 5 essay questions, a
resume and 3 recommendation letters, must be received by the Center for Progressive
Leadership by Friday, August 12. Applications can be submitted online, via US
Mail or express delivery service (i.e. FedEx or UPS). Late applications will
not be accepted under any circumstances.
Beginning in late August, we will contact qualified applicants to accept them
into the program. We may also set up a brief interview by phone or in person
with some applicants to discuss their goals for the program if there are still
questions on either side. Interviews and all application decisions will be completed
by late September.
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Q10. When will the first training take place?
The first training will take place from approximately 10am on Saturday,
October 22 through 6pm on Sunday, October 23. Participants will be housed overnight
at the training location. Specific times and location will be announced at the
end of September when we inform applicants if they have been accepted to the
program.
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Q11. Who can I contact with questions about my application?
Please email Director of Programs Jon Wheeler using the form
below or call 202-449-1065.
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Q12. What is the Center for Progressive Leadership?
The Center for Progressive Leadership (CPL) is the first national political
training institute dedicated to building the next generation of progressive
political leaders. Through intensive training programs for youth, activists,
and candidates, CPL provides progressives with the skills and resources needed
to become effective political leaders. You can learn more about CPL at www.progressleaders.org
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Do you have a question that is not answered here?
Please use the form below to email us and we will send you a response as soon
as possible and update the FAQs with your question.
