Thank you for your interest in the Open Buffalo Emerging Leaders program.

Our mission is to advance racial, economic, and ecological justice. We do so through skill-building, network-connecting, and activating leadership opportunities. Our goal is that all communities in Western New York are thriving free from discrimination and poverty.

The Emerging Leaders program is a distinctive social justice curriculum aimed at building a stronger Buffalo by preparing new grassroots leaders in our city. If you are accepted into the program, you will participate in training sessions, learn new skills, and build a network of movers and shakers.

The Emerging Leaders program is highly competitive. Not everyone who applies will be accepted.  Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis through June 1, 2021. If you make it to the next round, you will receive a follow-up email from the Open Buffalo leadership development committee and will be asked to an in-person interview.  

More quality candidates will apply than can be accommodated. The cohort size is limited in order to provide the ideal learning environment. For those not selected, they are highly encouraged to participate in other Open Buffalo workshops and trainings.
 
All applicants must be able to commit to the full schedule at the time of application. The program begins with an opening retreat from June 12th 2021.

**In addition to the following application, all applicants are required to submit a one-page professional letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your leadership and/or community organizing skills. There is space at the end of this form to specify the name of your reference.