Deadline: 20-Jul-2026
The Solidarity Is Cohort is a six-week training program developed by the Building Movement Project to support emerging activists and organizers in the United States. The program focuses on transformative solidarity principles, movement-building strategies, collective power, and practical tools that participants can apply within their organizations and communities.
The cohort is designed for individuals with 1–3 years of activism experience who are connected to a movement organization or group. Through virtual training sessions, peer learning, and community-building activities, participants strengthen their leadership skills and develop strategies for long-term social change.
What Is the Solidarity Is Cohort?
The Solidarity Is Cohort is a six-week leadership development and training program for emerging activists and organizers in the United States.
The program focuses on helping participants understand and apply transformative solidarity, an approach that emphasizes:
- Building relationships across movements
- Creating accountable and inclusive organizations
- Developing collective power
- Addressing structural inequalities
- Strengthening long-term social movements
The cohort provides participants with practical frameworks, skills, and tools to support movement-building efforts within their communities and organizations.
About the Building Movement Project
The Solidarity Is Cohort was developed by the Building Movement Project, an initiative focused on strengthening social movements and supporting organizations working toward social justice.
The program was created in response to the growing need for stronger and more sustainable movements in the United States.
It recognizes that lasting social change requires:
- More than short-term activism
- Stronger relationships among movements
- Shared accountability
- Long-term organizing strategies
- Collective approaches to addressing systemic challenges
Why the Solidarity Is Cohort Matters
Many social movements experience challenges such as limited resources, fragmented efforts, and difficulty sustaining long-term engagement.
The Solidarity Is Cohort helps emerging leaders develop the skills needed to create stronger movements by focusing on:
- Transformative leadership
- Community organizing
- Movement collaboration
- Strategic relationship building
- Collective action
The program supports activists who want to move beyond individual efforts and contribute to broader structural transformation.
Program Objectives
The main goals of the Solidarity Is Cohort include:
- Building leadership skills among emerging activists
- Strengthening understanding of transformative solidarity
- Creating connections among organizers and movement leaders
- Supporting organizations through practical tools and strategies
- Developing a community of practice for continued collaboration
Who Is Eligible for the Solidarity Is Cohort?
The program is designed for emerging activists and organizers who meet the following requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be based in the United States
- Have approximately 1–3 years of experience in activism or organizing
- Be connected to a movement organization, community group, or organizing network
- Demonstrate interest in transformative solidarity practices
- Be committed to applying learning within their organization or community
Ideal Participant Profile
The cohort is suitable for individuals who are:
- Emerging social justice organizers
- Community activists
- Movement organization staff members
- Grassroots leaders
- Advocacy professionals
- Community engagement practitioners
Strong applicants typically demonstrate:
- Experience participating in social movements
- Commitment to collective action
- Interest in building stronger community relationships
- Desire to strengthen organizational impact
Solidarity Is Cohort Program Structure
The program runs for six weeks and combines live virtual learning, group practice, and peer collaboration.
The cohort includes:
- Six live virtual training sessions
- Interactive group discussions
- Practical exercises
- Peer learning opportunities
- Community-building activities
Participants develop a shared learning environment where they can exchange experiences and explore strategies for movement-building.
Key Learning Areas
The curriculum focuses on transformative solidarity principles and practices.
Participants explore topics such as:
Transformative Solidarity
Participants learn how solidarity can move beyond temporary partnerships toward deeper relationships based on:
- Shared values
- Mutual accountability
- Collective responsibility
- Long-term collaboration
Movement Building Strategies
The program helps participants understand:
- How movements grow and sustain power
- How organizations can collaborate effectively
- How communities can work together toward shared goals
Leadership Development
Participants strengthen skills related to:
- Organizing
- Communication
- Relationship building
- Collective decision-making
- Community leadership
Organizational Application
Participants receive tools they can apply within their own organizations and communities.
How the Solidarity Is Cohort Works
The program follows a structured learning process.
Step 1: Application and Selection
Interested individuals submit applications demonstrating:
- Activism experience
- Organizational connection
- Interest in transformative solidarity
- Commitment to movement-building
Applicants are selected based on their experience and alignment with program goals.
Step 2: Participate in Six-Week Training
Selected participants attend weekly virtual sessions focused on solidarity practices and movement strategies.
Each session combines:
- Learning activities
- Group discussion
- Reflection exercises
- Practical application
Step 3: Apply Learning in Communities
Participants use the knowledge and tools gained from the cohort within:
- Their organizations
- Community initiatives
- Advocacy campaigns
- Movement-building efforts
Step 4: Continue Peer Connections
After completing the program, participants remain connected through relationships developed during the cohort.
The community of practice supports continued learning and collaboration.
Organizational Participation Guidelines
To encourage diverse participation and maximize organizational impact:
- Only one person per organization may apply to each cohort
This approach allows more organizations and communities to benefit from the training experience.
Benefits of Joining the Solidarity Is Cohort
Participants gain:
Leadership Skills
- Improved organizing abilities
- Stronger communication skills
- Better understanding of movement strategies
Practical Tools
Participants receive frameworks they can use to:
- Build stronger partnerships
- Strengthen organizations
- Support community engagement
Professional and Movement Networks
The cohort creates opportunities to connect with:
- Other activists
- Organizers
- Movement leaders
- Community practitioners
Long-Term Community Support
Participants become part of a learning community focused on continued collaboration and shared growth.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their chances by:
- Clearly explaining their activism experience
- Describing their connection to a movement organization
- Showing commitment to collective change
- Explaining how they will apply learning in their community
- Highlighting leadership experiences and challenges they have addressed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without relevant activism or organizing experience
- Providing unclear information about organizational connections
- Focusing only on personal development rather than collective impact
- Submitting incomplete application information
- Ignoring the program’s focus on transformative solidarity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Solidarity Is Cohort?
The Solidarity Is Cohort is a six-week training program for emerging activists and organizers in the United States focused on transformative solidarity, movement-building skills, and collective power development.
Who can participate in the Solidarity Is Cohort?
The program is open to individuals in the United States with 1–3 years of activism experience who are connected to a movement organization or group.
How long does the Solidarity Is Cohort last?
The cohort lasts six weeks and includes six live virtual training sessions.
Is the program online or in person?
The program is conducted through live virtual sessions with opportunities for group practice and peer learning.
What topics are covered in the training?
The curriculum covers transformative solidarity principles, movement-building strategies, leadership development, organizational practices, and community organizing approaches.
Can multiple people from the same organization apply?
No. To maximize organizational participation, only one person per organization may apply to each cohort.
What happens after completing the cohort?
Participants join a community of practice where they can continue peer learning, collaboration, and connection with other organizers.
Conclusion
The Solidarity Is Cohort provides emerging activists and organizers with the skills, relationships, and strategies needed to strengthen social movements in the United States.
By focusing on transformative solidarity, collective power, and long-term movement-building, the program helps participants become more effective leaders who can contribute to meaningful structural change within their communities and organizations.
For more information, visit Building Movement Project.