Image Description: on a pink paper-textured background, text reads: “Lavender Phoenix, Summer Organizer Program! Apply by 2/28, bit.ly/LAVNIX24. Build Trans and Queer API Power!” Next to the text is a heart shaped frame with an image inside of trans and queer APIs smiling on Zoom. Surrounding the text and image are paper cut outs of a purple phoenix and green sun, ripped up pieces of pink and purple papers, and doodles of diamonds.
Image Description: on a pink paper-textured background, text reads: “Lavender Phoenix, Summer Organizer Program! Apply by 2/28, bit.ly/LAVNIX24. Build Trans and Queer API Power!” Next to the text is a heart shaped frame with an image inside of trans and queer APIs smiling on Zoom. Surrounding the text and image are paper cut outs of a purple phoenix and green sun, ripped up pieces of pink and purple papers, and doodles of diamonds.

2024 Summer Organizer Program – Apply by 2/28!

February 1, 2024 — 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 Lavender Phoenix’s Summer Organizer Program is OPEN!

Applications are due February 28th, 2024!

PURPOSE:

Every year, LavNix embarks on a paid intensive summer fellowship to develop the next generation of transgender and queer Asian and Pacific Islander social justice organizers. At LavNix, we know trans and queer APIs are targets of interpersonal abuse, state violence, and systemic oppression. These forces have only escalated in recent years. Developing leaders in our own trans, non-binary, and queer API communities is critical to win true community safety, practice healing justice, and support larger movements for liberation. If you are a young trans and queer API organizer hoping to build your skills and strengthen your values, this is the program for you! 

To learn more about Lavender Phoenix’s work, check out our 2023 Year in Review and our Theory of Change. 

CONTENT:

Throughout the summer, Summer Organizers will learn about transgender and queer API history; lead strategic personal projects; participate in intensive trainings with organizers across LavNix’s movement ecosystem; and build lifelong community. Past personal projects Summer Organizers have led include organizing queer Hmong storytelling workshops, connecting queer South Asians across generations, supporting trans and queer Pacific Islanders to practice asking for help, and advancing our Community Safety and Healing Justice work. Overall, Summer Organizers get to bring their full selves each day, work hard, laugh a lot, and have a blast.

To learn more about our program, join our online INFO SESSION on Tues., 2/13 (6:00 to 7:15 PM  PT). Our session will be co-hosted by Iris (SOP ‘23) and Sammie (SOP ‘13 and former LavNix ED) who will share their experiences and answer your questions!

👉RSVP BY 2/12👈

LOCATION:

Due to COVID-19, we shifted from an in-person fellowship to a transformative remote experience. After leading successful programs since 2020 (see reflections here!), we are moving to a hybrid  program largely held online with small in-person gatherings to build meaningful relationships and shape our organization. We will prioritize applicants who live in the SF Bay Area during the program.

Image description: Animated gif of APIENC staff and 2020 summer organizers doing a coordinated handshake over Zoom.
Image Description: Over Zoom, 8 queer and trans API folk perform their secret handshake, consisting of a shoulder wiggle, fist bump, head point, some claps, movement of their hands like a fish, heart hands, and a hug.

RESPONSIBILITIES: we expect all Summer Organizers to…

  • Spend 15-20 hours each week working with LavNix staff and other Summer Organizers. 
  • Participate in Lavender Phoenix organizing trainings and committee meetings. 
  • Build friendships and organizing relationships with other Lavender Phoenix members.
  • Join the Lavender Phoenix fundraising team and support our annual fundraising campaign.  
  • Receive feedback with grace and share honest, direct feedback with their coworkers.
  • Lead personal project designed by LavNix staff and geared to your skills and interests.
  • Commit to continue organizing and supporting LavNix’s community after the program.
  • Meet once-a-week with the Summer Organizer cohort to reflect and practice feedback.
  • Join a day-long orientation on Tuesday, 6/11, and closing graduation on Thursday, 8/8. 

QUALIFICATIONS: we invite you to apply for this program if you…

  • Demonstrate excitement to practice queer API leadership with Lavender Phoenix.
  • Display a strong, long-term commitment to LavNix’s local TQAPI communities
  • Understand the power of community organizing and trans and queer API leadership.  
  • Desire to build intentional relationships, reflect on personal experience, and grow 
  • Demonstrate experience collaborating and working with others in a team environment
  • Practice curiosity, proactive leadership, independent work, and taking initiative
  • Possess strong interpersonal and community/relationship-building skills
  • Possess a long-term commitment to the values and vision that guide LavNix’s work.
  • Consistently communicate and follow-through with your responsibilities and tasks.
  • Employ a critical lens and solution-based thinking when addressing issues

TIMELINE:

  • All applications due by Wednesday, 2/28 at 11:59 PM PT (no extensions).
  • All applicants will be notified of their interview status by Friday, 3/1.
  • 1st Round Interviews will be conducted from Monday, 3/4 to Monday, 3/11.
  • 2nd Round Interviews will be conducted from Monday, 3/14 to Wednesday, 3/20.
  • All applicants invited to the program will be notified by Thursday, 3/21.
  • The program will run 8 weeks from Tuesday, 6/11, to Friday, 8/9.
  • A modest stipend of ~$3500 will be offered to participants.

APPLY TODAY!

APPLICATION FORM: bit.ly/LAVNIX24
FULL LIST OF QUESTIONS: bit.ly/LavNix24Questions