Apply to Become a Change the Narrative Fellow!
The stories we’ve been told about wealth aren’t true. For women and gender-expansive folks of color, who are most likely to experience poverty in the US, the shame and self-blame associated with economic insecurity leads to isolation and depression. We at WOMEN’S WAY believe that through reclaiming our stories, we can redirect the shame, and instead call out systemic discrimination. When we share our stories, we create opportunities for collective healing.
The Change the Narrative Fellowship equips a group of individuals with the tools and platform to share their personal stories to help change the narrative around women and gender-expansive folks experiencing economic hardship. This is a paid 7-month program that will run from January – July 2024. WOMEN’S WAY leverages its connections with local media, funding institutions, corporations, and city government officials to make sure these stories are heard by those in power.
Fellows will participate in twice-monthly group storytelling workshops facilitated by Love Now Media to develop and share their stories. In the final months of the program, fellows will work with Love Now Media producers to create a podcast series through which they will share their stories. In years past, Fellows have shared their experiences navigating racism and wealth-based bias in the public education system, affordable housing, foster care, and more. This year, the fellowship theme will be Networks of Care, which will dive into experiences of reentry for formerly incarcerated women and gender-expansive folks. We want to uplift the systems of support that are required, but often not accessible, for reentering folks to build and sustain a dignified life.
If you or your loved one has or is experiencing reentry and you want to share your story to advocate for change, we want to hear from you! You do not need to be a full-time organizer already! This program is designed to help you find your voice and meet you where you’re at.
You may be a good fit if you are:
- Formerly incarcerated, a loved one of a formerly incarcerated person
- Willing to share your story publicly to affect change
- 18+ and identify as a woman or gender-expansive person
- Able to commit 2-4 hours a week throughout January-July 2024
- Based in Philadelphia
- Can occasionally travel for in-person meetings in Philadelphia (transportation stipend, on-site childcare provided)
The application period has closed. For more information about the program, please reach out to our Director of GWI, Kelly Sheard at ksheard@womensway.org
