Image description: Light text on purple/blue background that reads: "APIENC Summer Organizer Program." In a pink box, text reads: "Apply By March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2021." To the left is a Zoom selfie above a blue sphere with the APIENC logo below.
Image description: Light text on purple/blue background that reads: “APIENC Summer Organizer Program.” In a pink box, text reads: “Apply By March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2021.” To the left is a Zoom selfie above a blue sphere with the APIENC logo below.

2021 Summer Organizer Program – Apply by March 1st!

February 1, 2021 — By Lavender Phoenix

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

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

Image description: Light text on purple/blue background that reads: "APIENC Summer Organizer Program." In a pink box, text reads: "Apply By March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2021." To the left is a Zoom selfie above a blue sphere with the APIENC logo below.
Image description: Light text on purple/blue background that reads: “APIENC Summer Organizer Program.” In a pink box, text reads: “Apply By March 1st! bit.ly/APIENC2021.” To the left is a Zoom selfie above a blue sphere with the APIENC logo below.

Applications are due March 1st, 2021!

ABOUT OUR SUMMER ORGANIZER PROGRAM Every year, APIENC (API Equality – Northern California) embarks on an intensive summer program to develop the next generation of trans and queer API social justice and cultural change leaders. The Summer Organizer Program is a transformative opportunity to build organizing skills and strengthen values in service of social change. At APIENC, we know that trans and queer API people are targets of interpersonal abuse, state violence, and systemic oppression both historically, and in this current political climate. Leadership development for our own trans, non-binary, and queer API people is critical in addressing our material conditions and in supporting larger movements for change.

APIENC Summer Organizers receive in-depth trainings on a variety of topics, and employ dynamic approaches for intersectional and multi-issue based organizing. This is the 12th Summer Organizer Cohort, and this year is the second year that the program is online! Due to COVID-19, we shifted to a powerful and fun remote experience. After a successful program in 2020 (see some reflections here!), we’re continuing to offer this program online for dedicated 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 ideas, 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, implementing learnings from our TGNC API Needs Assessment, and supporting intergenerational gatherings with our Dragon Fruit Network. Overall, Summer Organizers get to bring their full selves each day, work hard, laugh a lot, and have a blast. 

Please note: This year, due to COVID-19, we are prioritizing people raised in and/or currently living in the Bay Area, as we won’t have the experience of forming a relationship with the land and local neighborhoods, as we usually would.

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 and implement strategies for empowering and mobilizing the trans and queer API community
  • Spend a minimum of 15-20 hours working virtually with other APIENC team members (including video calls, phone calls, and working during the same hours) 
  • Meet once a week with APIENC staff and the rest of the intern cohort to reflect, debrief, and give and receive feedback
  • Recruit, support, and train volunteers through relationship building
  • Develop and implement a fundraising campaign
  • Plan and execute trainings and events
  • Represent APIENC at external meetings and events
  • Participate in a virtual Leadership Exchange with other API leaders committed to trans and queer justice
  • Reflect on personal narrative and emotional growing edges with other cohort members 
  • Build relationships with other trans people of color, API, and intersectional organizations working towards progressive social change

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Displays a strong, long-term commitment to the diverse communities APIENC works with
  • Shows a fundamental understanding of the power of community organizing and trans and queer API leadership
  • Exhibits desire to build intentional relationships, reflect on personal experience, and grow
  • Can build a team and work collaboratively
  • 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, 2021
  • Interviews will be conducted by March 2-15th
  • Selected participants will be notified in late March
  • Summer Organizer Program runs for about 8 weeks from June – August (exact dates TBD)
  • A small stipend estimated at $2000 is available

–APPLY TODAY!–

Please set aside 45-60 minutes to complete the application in its entirety. See the FULL list of questions at this link.