COVID-19 Update: The Practitioner Fellowships were slated to launch right as COVID-19 exploded into our lives. After discussion with some CSS staff about whether or not to postpone, it became clear that now might be a better time than ever to resource four folks to be thinking about and launching place-based SBS interventions. So… onward!
To reduce the stress of applying, we have extended the application window. And because the future feels even more uncertain than usual, the subsequent fellowship schedule will be determined in conversation with the four selected fellows. Projects specifically about COVID are more than welcome! — Lawrence Barriner II
apply to be a sbs practitioner fellow
Looking to build your Story-Based Strategy (SBS) chops and build community with other SBS Practitioners? If so, read on! As a member of the 2020 SBS Practitioner Fellowship you’ll get:
Applied Practice
The primary purpose of the Fellowship is to give you (AT alumni) time, space, and support to deepen your SBS chops. Over the course of four months, you’ll develop two interventions that you’ll launch and iterate. You’ll also have two different moments to write (or vlog or draw or…) about your work and learning process.
Support
You’ll be along for the ride with the three other Fellows (four total) as you each develop your projects. You’ll have each other’s support as well as support from some CSS staff, primarily Lawrence Barriner II, CSS’s Network Engagement Manager.
Money
To support you to dedicate time and energy to your organizing, prototyping, and case study production, you’ll be paid $2,500.
Theme
We’re skipping a theme for this year and instead prioritizing projects that are rooted in a specific place. The more clear and specific the geography of your work, the better.
This could be you!
2019 Fellows
Curious what a Fellowship project might look like? Check out the projects and case studies from three of the 2019 Fellows.
Zakiya Scott
Tools:
Cornerstones, Fairy Tales, Battle of the Story, Narrative Power Media Analysis, Drama Triangle
Lessons:
SBS helps to move through analysis and into creative interventions
SBS can create collaborative interventions that bring others along in developing narrative strategy
Stina Janssen
Tools:
Cornerstones, Drama Triangle, Battle of the Story, Fairy Tales
Lessons:
SBS supports the creation of irresistible stories to do movement building
SBS can support teams to craft rapid-response strategy to a oppositional narratives
SBS is best done with, not for
Mariana Mendoza
Tools:
Cornerstones, Narrative Power Media Analysis, Battle of the Story
Lessons:
Even the most dangerous underlying assumptions can be challenged and transformed
SBS can help uncover our own hidden assumptions
Ok, so how does the fellowship work?
Fill out the application (see below).
CSS selects Fellows using a rubric rooted in our Anti-Oppression Principles and Theory of Change.
Over calls and on their own, Fellows develop create interventions in collaboration with their constituencies. Support comes from other Fellows and CSS staff.
Fellows launch projects and watch how the world changes.
Fellows create case studies of their interventions, including lessons learned and how other people can get involved.
Fellows continue to be awesome.
Key Dates
March 23 - April 13: Applications open
[Original timeline follows; schedule adjustment TBD]
April 17: Fellows announced
Week of May 18: Fellowship begins (includes bi-weekly cohort calls). First payment made to Fellows.
May 18 - Sept 21: On-going Fellowship calls, prototype launches and case study production
Oct 1: Case studies due. Final payment due to Fellows upon case study completion.
Oct or Nov: Fellows participate in webinar for the AT alumni network
Application
QUESTIONS
Please direct all questions to Lawrence: lawrence@storybasedstrategy.org.