Instituto Is Helping Build Leaders in Policy

There is a common misconception about Arizona that is not far from the truth: there is no rain. Yes, this is the case, for the most part, but not entirely. Each year, Arizonans are presented a window of time to experience a reprieve from a heat that is unbelievable.

Monsoon season is our state’s yearly blessing of rainfall, a signal in the changing of the winds and a breath of new life to the desert before us. With this in mind, Instituto, sister organization of Iconico, launched its inaugural Monzón Fellowship, an initiative intended to equip local changemakers with the training necessary to be effective organizers in Arizona.

The seasons are always changing, however. Just as fast as the Monsoon brings a lushness to our arid abode, so too does the briskness of fall air come streaming down into our valleys; and with it, the harvest.

Indeed, even the political winds are shifting their direction in Arizona. There has not been a change to which party holds leadership within our state’s legislature since 1966. Fifty-Four years later, it seems that Arizonans are ready to see a legislature that properly represents them as key battles are taking place across our legislative districts. Arizona may see its House of Representatives, and potentially its Senate, flip from red to blue in less than 30 days. And we want to be ready to ensure that not only our elected officials reflect the diversity of Arizona’s changing demographics but also the staff that work to ensure our democracy continues unimpeded.

Instituto is ready for this next step and is proud to announce its launching of The Harvest Fellowship. The fellowship is posing the question to our talented local leaders and organizers of what they would like Arizona to be 4, 40, or 400 years into the future and how we may secure this vision for generations to come.

The program comprises 4-5 weekend sessions this upcoming November and December, focusing on leadership development of persons who currently, or in the future, will work in legislatures or organizations advancing policy change. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in this curriculum and learn how they may be at the vanguard of change within our state’s legislature while building community and coalitions.

Applications and nominations are currently being accepted; the deadline for this year’s program is Friday, October 16th, 2020. For more information and to apply or nominate someone, visit www.instituto.io/harvest-fellowship.