image description: On a bright orange background, the title reads “APIENC Summer Organizer Program” and “Apply by March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2022”. In a star border is a photo of a few QTAPIs smiling at the camera on Zoom.
image description: On a bright orange background, the title reads “APIENC Summer Organizer Program” and “Apply by March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2022”. In a star border is a photo of a few QTAPIs smiling at the camera on Zoom.

2022 Summer Organizer Program – Apply by March 1st!

February 1, 2022 — By Lavender Phoenix

Do you want to work with trans, non-binary, and queer Asian and Pasifika communities?
Do you have a commitment to social justice, liberation, and collective transformation?
Are you ready to learn concrete organizing skills and build movements for change?

The APPLICATION for APIENC’s Summer Organizer Program is now open!

image description: On a bright orange background, the title reads “APIENC Summer Organizer Program” and “Apply by March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2022”. In a star border is a photo of a few QTAPIs smiling at the camera on Zoom.
image description: On a bright orange background, the title reads “APIENC Summer Organizer Program” and “Apply by March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2022”. In a star border is a photo of a few QTAPIs smiling at the camera on Zoom.

Applications are due March 1st, 2022!

ABOUT THE SUMMER ORGANIZER PROGRAM:

Every year, APIENC embarks on an intensive summer program to develop the next generation of trans and queer API social justice leaders. The Summer Organizer Program is a transformative opportunity to build your organizing skills and strengthen your values in service of liberation. At APIENC, we know trans and queer APIs are targets of interpersonal abuse, state violence, and systemic oppression historically and in our current political climate. Developing leaders in our own trans, non-binary, and queer API communities is critical in addressing our material conditions and in supporting larger movements for justice.

Summer Organizers receive in-depth trainings on a variety of topics, and employ dynamic approaches for intersectional and multi-issue organizing. This is the 13th Summer Organizer Cohort, and this is the third year that the program is online! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we shifted from in-person fellowship to a powerful and fun remote experience. After leading successful programs in 2020 and in 2021 (see some reflections here!), we’re continuing to offer this program online for young organizers to build meaningful relationships and shape our organization. 

Throughout the summer, Summer Organizers will learn about trans and queer API history, meet other organizers from partner organizations, and expand their understanding of trans and queer API justice. Summer Organizers will be expected to participate in our online API Queer Justice Leadership Exchange to learn organizing skills, exchange values, and build community. During the course of the program, Summer Organizers will also have the opportunity to take leadership in our different projects, including organizing membership convenings, supporting our Community Safety and Healing Justice work, and leading workshops to help our members meet their needs. Overall, Summer Organizers get to bring their full selves each day, work hard, laugh a lot, and have a blast.

Please Note: Due to COVID-19, we will prioritize applicants raised in and/or living in the Bay Area. Depending on the cohort’s needs, we may organize optional outdoors and masked activities to build relationships with each other and the land. Applicants from outside of the Bay Area are still encouraged to apply.

Image description: Animated gif of APIENC staff and 2020 summer organizers doing a coordinated handshake over Zoom.
Image description: Animated gif of APIENC staff and 2020 summer organizers doing a coordinated handshake over Zoom.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work with APIENC staff to develop strategies to empower our trans and queer API community
  • Spend a minimum of 15-20 hours working virtually with APIENC staff, other summer organizers, and APIENC members (including video calls, phone calls, and working during the same hours)
  • Meet 1/week with staff and the program cohort to reflect, debrief, and practice feedback
  • Participate in a Leadership Exchange with API leaders committed to trans and queer justice
  • Recruit, support, and train APIENC volunteer members through relationship-building
  • Help lead APIENC’s Summer Fundraising Campaign alongside your cohort
  • Represent APIENC at meetings, events, and gatherings with our partners
  • Reflect on your personal journey and your emotional growing edges with your cohort
  • Build relationships with other trans people-of-color, API, and intersectional organizations working towards progressive social change in the Bay Area and beyond

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Displays a strong, long-term commitment to the communities APIENC works with
  • Shows an understanding of the power of organizing and trans and queer API leadership
  • Exhibits desire to build intentional relationships, reflect on personal experience, and grow
  • Can participate in a supportive team and seeks to work collaboratively with others
  • Demonstrates curiosity, proactive leadership, can work independently, and takes initiative
  • Possesses strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Employs a critical lens and solution-based thinking when addressing issues

APPLICATION PROCESS:

  • Applications are due by March 1st, 2022
  • Interviews will be conducted from March 2nd to March 18th
  • Selected participants will be notified in late March (by March 30th)
  • The Program runs for 8-9 weeks from June to August (exact dates TBD)
  • A modest stipend estimated at $3000 is available for each participant

APPLY TODAY!

Please set aside 45-60 minutes to complete the application in its entirety.
APPLICATION FORM: bit.ly/APIENC2022
FULL LIST OF QUESTIONS: bit.ly/APIENCQuestions2022