Democracy Fellowship

These sessions are hands-on and collaborative. Fellows will work in groups to plan events, build coalitions, and develop policy proposals. Each lab focuses on applying skills in leadership, organizing, and real-world policymaking. View our calendar of action labs here.

Fellows will join outreach and volunteering events planned in partnership with United Way of Southern Nevada. These include opportunities like tabling at resource fairs, presenting civic education sessions at libraries or schools, or volunteering with local nonprofits. These activities allow fellows to build bonds with one another, serve their communities, and engage with real civic issues. Most events will take place on weekends and be coordinated in advance.

Fellows will also take part in interactive enrichment opportunities where guest speakers such as lobbyists, state senators, assemblymembers, and policy professionals share their experiences and insights. These sessions help fellows better understand how government works, what advocacy looks like in practice, and how to lead effectively. What they learn here prepares them to succeed in the hands-on Action Lab meetings.

Fellows will plan and host their own event to practice coalition-building, outreach, and logistics. Past examples include student-led panels with elected officials, voter registration drives, and youth-led town halls. Fellows will receive support and guidance from program staff as they bring their vision to life.

Bimonthly, fellows will meet briefly with program staff to reflect on their progress, ask questions, and get personalized guidance.

Fellows will be matched with past Democracy Fellows—college students and upperclassmen—who will offer fellowship, career, college, and life advice. These mentorship hours help fellows build long-term relationships and receive near-peer guidance on navigating civic life.