Sage Leaders’ Community Leadership Institute (CLI) is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Vancouver cohort. This fellowship is designed to resource and prepare emerging leaders from communities of color and low-income communities in Clark County, Washington, for strategic civic engagement. The program aims to place graduates in decision-making roles on city and county boards and commissions, equipping them to promote racial equity and community participation in government processes.

The Vancouver Community Leadership Institute (VCLI) will run from September 2025 to April 2026 and is offered in partnership with the Southwest Washington Equity Coalition (SWEC). Fellows are trained in a variety of topics critical to local governance and social justice, including housing, land use, transit, climate, economic development, municipal budgeting, parliamentary procedures, and advocacy. This cohort requires in-person participation in Vancouver, WA. Monthly programming includes full-day Saturday sessions every third Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and evening Zoom workshops every fourth Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All fellows receive a stipend for their participation and are expected to commit to serving on a public board or commission upon completing the program.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, reside in Clark County, or be eligible to serve on boards or commissions within the region. Candidates should be deeply committed to civic engagement, racial justice, and public service. Those with lived experience of the social justice issues impacting communities of color and low-income residents are particularly encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications include strong communication skills, community ties (such as affiliation with a faith group, ethnic association, or neighborhood organization), and the ability to meet the time commitments of both the program and future public service.

Applications open on February 24 and must be submitted by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Required materials include an application profile, an essay, two professional references, and a resume or equivalent documentation of experience. An optional video submission may be submitted in place of or in addition to the written materials. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified by June 2, 2025, with interviews scheduled for June 9–18. Final decisions will be communicated between August 5 and August 15, 2025.

Interested applicants can attend any of three scheduled information sessions to learn more about the program: March 11, April 2, and April 24, each from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. For further information or assistance with the application, prospective fellows may contact Francis Abugbilla or Diana Betancourt.

Sage Leaders is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with Puget Sound Sage. It is committed to cultivating deep democracy by advancing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color into civic and elected leadership roles across Washington State.