National Women's Law Center — Progressive Leadership and Advocacy Network

Apply Today!

The NWLA Progressive Leadership and Advocacy (PLAN) application process is open to advocates working in a professional capacity to improve the lives of low-income women. NWLC has a particular interest in applicants working on health care reform, reproductive rights, and women’s access to comprehensive, affordable, high-quality health care; child care and early education; gender equity in education, dropout prevention, and career and technical education; as well as economic issues affecting women and their families. Applications are due by May 15, 2008 using the link below.

The NWLC PLAN program connects and supports a diverse group of emerging advocacy leaders working to effect positive change for low-income women and their families.

Each year, 20 emerging policy and advocacy leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to working in a professional capacity to improve the lives of low-income women are selected, on a competitive basis, to become PLAN fellows. The PLAN fellowship experience helps participants become more effective advocates by strengthening their leadership and advocacy skills, in-depth policy knowledge, and networks of connection in the field.

At the heart of the PLAN fellowship is the Fall Institute, an intensive four-day leadership and policy institute for new fellows. The Fall Institute features creative leadership, policy, and advocacy training facilitated by successful leaders and skilled trainers. The 2008 Fall Institute will be held October 15 to 18, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Attendance is mandatory for all PLAN fellows, and the Fall Institute is offered free of charge. Full and partial scholarships to cover travel expenses are available.)

“The Fall Institute was excellent. Every aspect was fantastic. Great topics, great staff, rigorous schedule …and the building of camaraderie was amazing!”

After the Fall Institute, regular opportunities for strategic leadership, policy, and advocacy learning continue. NWLC is available to provide individualized technical assistance to PLAN fellows and PLAN fellows collaborate with NWLC on relevant policy and advocacy initiatives.

Each Spring, all PLAN members are invited to attend the annual PLAN Spring Institute in Washington, D.C., where the PLAN network convenes to discuss key state and federal initiatives, explore additional professional development topics, and connect with the growing network of PLAN members.

“This experience … gave me a deeper understanding of the issues I am working on, as well as the tools to help me do my job better.”