OVERVIEW OF THE FELLOWSHIP
The Healthy Communities Fellowship provides individualized and tailored communication, narrative, and leadership training to locally rooted leaders who are building healthy communities. We know that those closest to the challenges are best positioned to design and implement the most effective solutions, so we equip locally rooted leaders with communication, leadership, and advocacy training to accelerate health equity and improvements in well-being change in their communities. During the fellowship, fellows learn to write opinion pieces, devise advocacy plans, conduct interviews, and establish a social media presence that highlights their expertise and leadership. Leveraging the Aspen Global Innovators Group’s vast experience and influential network, we prepare fellows to lead from a place of lived and learned experience as they cultivate healthy communities.
THE PROBLEM
Millions of individuals around the world are impacted by health inequities. Highly innovative and community-led solutions are not being used to address these deep inequities and overlooked challenges. Major health discussions lack community-based leadership and are dominated by the same health experts and donors.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FELLOWSHIP?
- 12-month intensive and individualized media and public speaking/narrative training
- Support in strengthening their advocacy plan
- 3-4 in-person convenings per year
- Individualized support to tackle organizational or systemic challenges
- Participation in high profile virtual and in person convenings
IMPACT OF THE FELLOWSHIP
Over the past five years, our fellows have engaged in over 650 hours of training and mentorship, published more than 30 impactful articles, and raised $6 million to support their innovative health initiatives.
This report highlights the remarkable achievements of our fellows, such as the work of alumni in improving maternal health, food security, and community wellness. It also showcases the dedication of our 2023 cohort in continuing to drive meaningful change in their communities.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach and fostering sustainability in both new and existing communities. The collective efforts of our fellows, partners, and supporters are paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.
Explore the full impact of our journey and our vision for the next five years in the Healthy Communities Fellowship Five Year Impact Report.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Have a commitment to changing health and wellbeing outcomes in your community
- Have a passionate, personal connection to the community and the health challenges its members face
- Have a commitment to using the fellowship opportunity to strengthen their organization and the movements that they serve
- Have a commitment to courageously using your voice to advocate for your community
- Have a readiness to take the time to invest in yourself and reflect on how you lead sustainably
- Have demonstrated a commitment to coalition building or have strong collaborative skills
- Priority will be given to candidates from San Antonio, TX; Durham, NC; Rio Grande Valley, TX; and Anchorage, AK
WHAT TO EXPECT?
October 1
Nominations Open
October 30
Nominations Close
December
Applicants are notified of their status
January
Fellowship begins
FAQ
Yes. You can nominate yourself.
Fellowship nominations October 1, 2024, for the 2025 cohort.
The Fellowship year is organized around four major group meetings, each of which is approximately 3-4 days long. Your full attendance at these in-person sessions is required. In addition to those training weeks, most fellows estimate spending about 5-10 hours per month working on fellowship-related activities, taking part in interviews, and writing opinion pieces.
We love communications people, but this fellowship is really for local community leaders.
No, we are looking for individuals of all age ranges!
We are looking for a person who has a record of significant positive impact in a local community by addressing health issues in an innovative way, using an explicit equity lens, or demonstrating strong advocacy efforts around one or more issues being faced by frontline health workers.
For the 2025 class nominations open Tuesday, October 1, 2024, and close Thursday, October 31, 2024.
No, but we will cover all costs for the fellowship.
Fellows will become part of a lifelong community with access to a deep network of support. Fellows will have the opportunity to continue to actively engage with the Aspen Global Innovators Group as program alumni and be eligible for many opportunities including op-ed development support, prize nominations, attendance at Aspen events, travel stipends, and more.
