G4GC’s New Songs Rising Initiative (NSRI) is offering an opportunity for Native and Globally-Indigenous girls, femmes and gender-expansive youth (ages 12-24) to join our New Songs Rising Fellowship. Fellows will meet virtually across an 18 month period, form connections with other Indigenous young people, expand their leadership skills, envision a bountiful future for Indigenous youth, and receive a stipend for their participation.
Read below for frequently asked questions about the New Songs Rising Fellowship and how to apply by August 4, 2023.
What is the New Songs Rising Initiative?
The New Songs Rising Initiative is a partnership between Grantmakers for Girls of Color and Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous People’s Thriving Women’s Program. This initiative expands opportunities for Indigenous girls through grantmaking, convening, community building, mentorship and peer support, with a specific emphasis on Indigenous cultural work.
Who should apply to this opportunity?
We invite Native American and globally-Indigenous (see below) girls, femmes, and gender-expansive youth ages 12-24 residing in the United States or within the U.S. Territories to apply! You do not need to have any involvement with G4GC or Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples in order to qualify. Examples of identities welcomed include:
- Girls, femmes, and young women who are either Native American or globally-Indigenous
- Gender-expansive, gender-nonconforming, two-spirit, and/or trans Indigenous and/ or Native youth
- Ages for participants are 12-24, with some flexibility if you feel you are applicable but do not fit within that range
- Reside within the United States or U.S. territories
What do you mean by “globally-Indigenous?”
G4GC considers indigeneity with a global lens. Youth belonging to global Indigenous diasporas such as Garifuna, Hmong, Kānaka Maoli, Maasai, Palestinian, etc are welcome in our programming.
Are Afro-Indigenous applicants included in the program?
Yes! We encourage Afro-Indigenous applicants! We recognize that enrollment and community connection can be challenged by Anti-Blackness and will work with you to ensure you have everything you need if you are selected.
Do I need to be tribally-enrolled?
No. G4GC recognizes that Indigenous identity is complicated, and that there are often barriers to tribal enrollment.
Do I need to live in my home community or reservation to apply?
No, applicants are welcome to apply regardless of their current location.
What if I want to nominate a young person for this fellowship?
You can! We have created our application to either be filled out by a youth applicant or to be completed by someone nominating a girl, femme, or gender-expansive young person in their life.
What would I gain by participating?
It is our intention for each fellow to feel deeply connected to the others in their cohort. In addition to this sense of community, friendship, and belonging, we will work on skill-building (based on your preferred learning style and interests), mentorship facilitation, and participatory grantmaking. Free one-on-one coaching and trainings to confront and heal from intergenerational trauma, and time with Native and Indigenous mental health experts will also be provided.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
We invite interested youth and/or nominators to apply here. Applications are due by August 4, 2023.
What are the next steps after I submit the application?
The New Songs Rising Initiative Fund Manager will reach out to you by the end of August. If a high volume of applications is received, we will conduct interviews in mid and late August. All applicants will be contacted about their decision by August 31. Onboarding will take place in September, and the fellowship will officially kick off in October 2023.
What is the time commitment if selected?
The fellowship will be 18-months, with the first 4 months serving to build community and trust amongst fellows, then skill-building, mentorship, etc beginning in January, 2024. Fellows will met virtually once per month beginning October 2023, in a 2-hour Zoom Meeting, and will be expected to complete about 5 hours of work on their own each month. There may be some months with higher and lower workloads, depending on fellowship content and timeline.
Will we meet in person?
Yes! While the majority of the fellowship will be virtual, there will be an in-person grantmaking session in Summer 2024. Exact location and dates TBD.
What if I need help with accessing my application?
If you prefer, you are welcome to submit a video answering the questions in our application. This video must be emailed to [email protected] by August 4th. Alternatively, someone from our team will be happy to help you with your application, including taking a verbal application over the phone if needed.
How much do participants receive?
Fellows will be paid $2,500 for their participation. This will be divided between the beginning, middle, and end of the program. In addition, $500 will be paid to a mentor if you choose to participate in the optional mentorship component. Finally, G4GC will pay the federal tax amount in addition to your stipend, and will host virtual sessions on filling out w9s.
What if I have an unstable internet connection or insufficient technology in my home?
Let us know! We can help you access the internet and needed technology, including providing a hot spot, providing a gas card for travel into a town with better internet, etc.
I have other questions that I didn’t see answered here. Who do I contact?
Email Rana at [email protected], or text her at (347) 225-6959. We look forward to hearing from you!