2026 Community Organizing Fellowship

Forward Montana, founded in 2004, is the state’s largest youth-led and youth-focused civic engagement organization. Focused on transforming government and communities to be just, sustainable, and equitable, Forward Montana works to create a future where the state celebrates and reflects the diversity of the younger generation. The organization supports young people to build power together and create lasting change across Montana. They engage youth through various programs aimed at political organizing, civic engagement, and community development, nurturing the next generation of leaders and advocates.

Forward Montana is currently seeking four part-time Fellows, one in each of the following communities: Billings, Bozeman, the Flathead Valley, and Missoula. This fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to enhance skills in community organizing alongside learning about other key nonprofit functions such as development (fundraising), operations, and communications. It is designed to build leadership and management capabilities by providing hands-on experience with supporting and managing cohorts of interns and participating in special departmental projects.

Fellows will connect with interns, peers, and staff statewide, gaining invaluable insight into the multifaceted nature of nonprofit advocacy work. This fellowship is ideal for individuals passionate about political organizing and the state of Montana, especially those who have already completed a Forward Montana summer or fall internship (formerly called fellowship). The role bridges practical fieldwork with organizational learning to equip fellows with a comprehensive set of skills in youth organizing and nonprofit operations.

Throughout the fellowship, which runs from April 20th through December 18th, fellows will be supervised by their local Lead Community Organizer and the Senior Organizing Manager. They will directly manage a cohort of 1-2 interns during two terms (summer and fall), providing a unique leadership experience that includes management training. The fellowship also emphasizes community building, event planning and execution, and cross-departmental project support, exposing fellows to the operational, development, and communication sides of the organization.

This part-time position (minimum 20 hours per week, up to 25 hours) pays $20 per hour and requires flexibility for work that includes nights, weekends, and in-person as well as virtual activities. Fellows must have reliable transportation within their assigned community to attend events and fieldwork. Forward Montana values diversity and strongly encourages people of color, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, women, and persons with disabilities to apply. With leadership development opportunities and a flexible work schedule, this fellowship is both a professional growth opportunity and a platform for making a tangible impact in Montana communities.