Community Leaders Fellowship
The Raise Your Hand Texas Community Leaders Fellowship is an 18-month program equipping local teams to advocate for their public schools. Participants, who may include parents, educators, and business leaders, gain a deep understanding of public education, the legislative process, and community engagement.
Through in-person, virtual, and self-paced sessions, teams learn to build sustainable, local advocacy plans.
How will the fellowship benefit my school and community?
The 18-month program empowers teams to become stronger community leaders. Participants will:
- learn to communicate and work with local leaders
- encourage diverse community involvement in school issues
- cultivate relationships with community stakeholders
- develop a deeper understanding of education policy and the legislative process
- learn to effectively engage with state policymakers
- craft and implement a long-term, community-focused advocacy plan
What makes the fellowship unique?
The fellowship expands on the success of the Trustee Advocates Program. It now invites teams of school leaders, teachers, parents, and community members to partner with trustees and their superintendent. This collaborative model builds powerful local teams to support Texas schools.
Trustee Advocate Program alumni are encouraged to build a team and apply.
What is the time commitment?
The fellowship is an 18-month program running from January 2026 to July 2027.
Fellows can expect an average commitment of 10 to 12 hours per quarter. This includes a mix of scheduled sessions and flexible, self-directed work. The commitment will be higher during the two statewide, in-person convenings.
Have questions?
Please contact Amy Dodson, dean of advocacy at Raise Your Hand Texas, at ADodson@ryht.org.
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