"It Begins Here"
Fellowship Program

ReflectUS "It Begins Here" Fellowship

The Fellowship program, powered by the ReflectUS Coalition members, is geared towards women from working-class backgrounds in Texas.

The Fellowship is a six-month program designed to engage civically-minded women towards political leadership. This year we are excited to double the number of women being accepted into the Fellowship. Each cohort will include capacity-building workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities led by ReflectUS Coalition.

Words of Wisdom from the Inaugural "It Begins Here" Fellows

Through this Fellowship, I became well versed in local politics which is something I was lacking, and I also think this fellowship gave me a better perspective on political leadership. Before ReflectUS, I had a negative view of being in a political leadership position and now I see that there are people who really do want to make a positive change. I am inspired by each of the relationships that I made in this Fellowship and I am so proud to be a woman alongside them in this work. I got to explore more opportunities to engage in my community through ReflectUS and local partners, and I am so excited to continue my journey with them.

The Fellowship was eye opening as it shared statistics and details about the issues facing our state and the budget that. This information will help in my political work going forward. I really enjoyed every session and looked forward to each class as I truly walked away with amazing knowledge each time we met.

I have made such great friendships with the cohort, we have bonded in ways I didn’t think was possible by Zoom! It’s really exciting to support and grow with these ladies, we’ve learned from each other in different ways outside the sessions. The sessions also have allowed me to plan and proactively structure what I think a run can look like. It introduced me to leaders I’ve followed on social media and so it was a privilege to learn from them. The fellowship has made my aspirations seem real and attainable, thanks to ReflectUs I can definitely say I am more confident and audacious in my future goals.

The “It Begins Here” Fellowship is designed specifically for women in Texas by women in Texas and will help excel women into greater political leadership opportunities.

Kimberly Sawyer, Interim Texas Program Manager

Unique Position

ReflectUS Texas is in the unique position to bring together thought-leaders, experts, elected officials, and advocates in the Texas women’s representation movement towards building greater representation in political leadership.

Six-month Program

Over the course of 6 months, women from Texas communities will participate in capacity-building workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at guiding and supporting them as they begin or further their path towards political leadership.

National Network of Partners

Workshops will be powered by ReflectUS and local experts on topics ranging from fundraising and financing campaigns, public speaking and storytelling, selecting campaign staff, and managing personal finances.

Work Hard to Succeed

The goal is to support women in Texas to confidently seek all positions of political and civic leadership in order to have a more reflective government.

F.A.Q.

How do I apply for the "It Begins Here" Fellowship program?

Applications can be submitted via PDF to fellowship@reflect.us or via TypeForm. Application deadline for the “It Begins Here” Fellowship program is Thursday, June 30, 2022.

When will I be notified about the results of my application?

ReflectUS will contact applicants in July 2022 to conduct interviews by the Fellows Selection Committee. The selected 2022 – 2023 Fellows will be contacted directly through email no later than Friday, July 29, 2022.

How is my application reviewed?

The selection process involves two phases. During the first phase, a panel of ReflectUS staff and partners will read all of the applications and selects a pool of finalists for further review by the Fellows Selection Committee. During the second phase, the Committee conducts interviews with finalists. The final selections are made based on this second reading and the interview.

Do I need to maintain a particular political affiliation?

ReflectUS is a non-partisan, non-political entity. The Fellowship is not affiliated with any political party or entity. As such, we’re looking for Fellows who bring a diverse set of political opinions and perspectives to the program.

What are the fellowship program requirements?

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at time of application submission.
Eligible to work in the U.S.
All applicants must reside in Texas.
Fellows are encouraged to be eligible to seek appointed/elected leadership roles in their communities.
Fellows are expected to be an active Fellow for the entire period of their Cohort. For Fall cohort members that is August 2022 – January 2023. For Spring cohort members that is February 2023 – July 2023.
Fellows will collaborate with the Texas Program Manager to create your personalized strategic plan to begin your leadership journey.
Fellows are expected to participate in the mandatory webinars (or in-person meetings), other mandatory training opportunities hosted by ReflectUS, attend mandatory social events and turn in any assignments assigned to them.
More than 2 absences will be a reason for us to re-evaluate your fellowship commitment and we will have the right to remove you from the program.

How will I know which cohort I will be in and what dates I need to attend?

On the application, please indicate the cohort you are applying for (Fall 2022 or Spring 2023). For the Fall 2022 cohort the program will begin on Saturday, August 20, 2022 and run through January 21, 2023. We anticipate the Spring 2023 cohort will begin in February 2023 and run through July 2023. Details will be provided upon Fellows being offered a spot in the program.

What is included in the fellowship?

Participation in the 6-month program
Ongoing skill-building and training opportunities
Guidance in developing and executing an individual pipeline blueprint
Upon completion of the Fellowship, participation in a national network of leaders poised to contribute to parity in politics and exposure to opportunities provided by ReflectUS Coalition Member’s programming.

How does the fellowship program accommodate applicants and Fellows with disabilities?

It’s important to us that applicants with disabilities can fully participate in our process. The Fellowship program will provide reasonable accommodations deemed necessary for qualified applicants and Fellows to participate in the selection process and in the Fellowship. If you are a qualified applicant and require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application, please contact our team here.