We The People
We The People is a Reproductive Justice leadership development cohort for Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized community members ready to deepen their understanding of voting rights, challenge systems of oppression, and grow political power from the ground up.
Over six weeks, you'll explore the impact of electoral systems, strengthen your voice, and learn how to improve your neighborhood and community through organizing and policy.
Over six weeks, you'll explore the impact of electoral systems, strengthen your voice, and learn how to improve your neighborhood and community through organizing and policy.
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What is We The People?
We The People is a 6-week leadership development experience from New Voices for Reproductive Justice, designed for Black emerging leaders ages 18+. Using a Reproductive Justice (RJ) informed- civic engagement framework,this cohort ‘We The People’ explores the power of voter rights and electoral politics to transform systems and communities.
Participants will gain tools to build understanding, awareness and relationships, in the RJ movement — while also sharpening their skills in relational voter engagement, community organizing, and coalition-building.
YOU'LL LEARN...
Each week of We The People is designed to build your understanding of Reproductive Justice and civic engagement, while giving you tools to lead, organize, and advocate for your community.
Week 1: Foundations of Reproductive Justice & Voter Engagement
Start with the basics of Reproductive Justice and how it connects to civic participation and democracy. You’ll explore how identity and lived experience shape access to power, and begin connecting your personal story to larger systems.
Week 2: Intersectionality & Voter Engagement Strategies
Dig deeper into how systems of oppression impact voter access and reproductive rights. This week focuses on storytelling, identity, and learning how to mobilize your community.
Week 3: Policy, Law & Advocacy
Gain a foundational understanding of the laws and policies that impact RJ and voting rights. You’ll build practical advocacy skills and learn how to engage with elected officials and systems of power.
Week 4: Community Organizing & Outreach
Learn about effective grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and outreach. You’ll learn how to create materials, mobilize people, and collaborate with community partners to create change.
Week 5: Media, Storytelling & Accountability
Discover how media and storytelling can shift narratives and drive action. You’ll explore how self reflection informs and strengthens leadership and how to build campaigns grounded in justice.
Week 6: Preparing for Resistance & Cohort Debrief
Learn how to navigate resistance and refine your leadership voice. You’ll present your final advocacy project, reflect on your growth, and celebrate your role in shaping a more just future.
Participants will gain tools to build understanding, awareness and relationships, in the RJ movement — while also sharpening their skills in relational voter engagement, community organizing, and coalition-building.
YOU'LL LEARN...
Each week of We The People is designed to build your understanding of Reproductive Justice and civic engagement, while giving you tools to lead, organize, and advocate for your community.
Week 1: Foundations of Reproductive Justice & Voter Engagement
Start with the basics of Reproductive Justice and how it connects to civic participation and democracy. You’ll explore how identity and lived experience shape access to power, and begin connecting your personal story to larger systems.
Week 2: Intersectionality & Voter Engagement Strategies
Dig deeper into how systems of oppression impact voter access and reproductive rights. This week focuses on storytelling, identity, and learning how to mobilize your community.
Week 3: Policy, Law & Advocacy
Gain a foundational understanding of the laws and policies that impact RJ and voting rights. You’ll build practical advocacy skills and learn how to engage with elected officials and systems of power.
Week 4: Community Organizing & Outreach
Learn about effective grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and outreach. You’ll learn how to create materials, mobilize people, and collaborate with community partners to create change.
Week 5: Media, Storytelling & Accountability
Discover how media and storytelling can shift narratives and drive action. You’ll explore how self reflection informs and strengthens leadership and how to build campaigns grounded in justice.
Week 6: Preparing for Resistance & Cohort Debrief
Learn how to navigate resistance and refine your leadership voice. You’ll present your final advocacy project, reflect on your growth, and celebrate your role in shaping a more just future.
We see community in all its forms
While not required, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate active involvement in a community initiative. This can include a self-started project, volunteer or paid work, or a personal passion that uplifts and benefits your community. Your “community” might be where you live, your family network, or any group you identify with.
2025 Cohort Applications Are Open!
We The People 2025 Cohort is now accepting applications!
Who Should Apply?
We invite Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized community members (ages 18+) passionate about:
- Reproductive Justice
- Civic engagement and voting rights
- Gender justice and healthcare access
- Organizing for change in their communities
This cohort is ideal for folks who want to deepen their advocacy skills, connect with values-aligned leaders, and explore the intersections of identity, justice, and public action.
Applicants should be available for the full cohort program weekly (virtual and select in-person gatherings) from August 1st, 2025 - September 12, 2025.
Applications Close:
July 15, 2025 at 11:59pm
Cohort Perks & Power Moves:
- A $500 stipend is awarded at completion of the program.
- New Voices swag to rep your leadership development experience.
- Deep-dive sessions with organizers, educators, and policy experts from across PA and OH.
- Real-world advocacy skills you can use beyond the cohort—think storytelling, organizing, public speaking, and policy work.
- A powerful network of emerging Black leaders who care about justice as much as you do.
- Tools and resources to help you speak up, show up, and shift systems.
Let’s Talk:
Whether you're wondering about the cohort or the application—drop us a line at donovan@newvoicesrj for Ohio questions or jada@newvoicesrj.org for Pennsylvania questions.
We invite Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized community members (ages 18+) passionate about:
- Reproductive Justice
- Civic engagement and voting rights
- Gender justice and healthcare access
- Organizing for change in their communities
This cohort is ideal for folks who want to deepen their advocacy skills, connect with values-aligned leaders, and explore the intersections of identity, justice, and public action.
Applicants should be available for the full cohort program weekly (virtual and select in-person gatherings) from August 1st, 2025 - September 12, 2025.
Applications Close:
July 15, 2025 at 11:59pm
Cohort Perks & Power Moves:
- A $500 stipend is awarded at completion of the program.
- New Voices swag to rep your leadership development experience.
- Deep-dive sessions with organizers, educators, and policy experts from across PA and OH.
- Real-world advocacy skills you can use beyond the cohort—think storytelling, organizing, public speaking, and policy work.
- A powerful network of emerging Black leaders who care about justice as much as you do.
- Tools and resources to help you speak up, show up, and shift systems.
Let’s Talk:
Whether you're wondering about the cohort or the application—drop us a line at donovan@newvoicesrj for Ohio questions or jada@newvoicesrj.org for Pennsylvania questions.