Got questions about our Unstoppable Voters Fellowship and Action Accelerator? We’ve got answers! Read on and reach out if you have any others.
Apply to both opportunities by July 7th.
Should I apply for the Fellowship or the Action Accelerator? What’s the difference?
There are a lot of similarities between the programs—we know! They both come with funding, training, and community. We’re purposely trying to keep options open about how the programs could manifest, as we know every situation in this space is unique, and we want to be as expansive and inclusive as possible about our support.
One thing to consider: For the Fellowship, we’re particularly interested in a depth of connection between the Fellow and the group they’re working with. We want to work closely with the Fellow and have them apply artistic activism methods to achieving their group’s pro-voter objectives—for the midterms first, but also afterwards, through the continued relationship they’ll have with the organization. The Action Accelerator might be more of a one-off collaboration, or around a very specific campaign, objective, or event you have planned.
If you’re not sure: feel free to reach out to rachel@c4aa.org, or select the program you think is the best fit but indicate in your application that you’re open to either arrangement. (You don’t need to submit a separate application for each program—we want to save you that extra work.)
I already have so much on my plate this midterm season. My boss would never let me be a Fellow! What should I do?
The Fellowship is fully in service of the work you’re already doing—offering ideas, tools, guidance, and money towards bringing more creativity and innovation, and therefore impact, to that work.
Our partner, Dr. Jeanine Abrams McLean, President of Fair Count, said it best about her Vote 365 Volunteer Coordinator, Aileen Loy, being a Fellow: “It’s all hands on deck for the midterms—so I was initially concerned. But understanding how we’re able to integrate the work she’ll be doing as part of this fellowship with our everyday work completely erased that.” Check out this section of our info session to hear more from Jeanine.
Can you fund my c4 work? Can you fund my ballot initiative work? Can you fund my ___ work?
The Center for Artistic Activism is a 501c3. We are prohibited from electioneering on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate running for office.
In terms of participation in our programming, we are able to work with anyone, whether they work at a c3, c4, are an individual, etc.
In terms of project funding, we can mainly fund nonpartisan, nonlobbying efforts. We do have very select funding available to support direct lobbying and grassroots lobbying projects.
To learn more about electioneering and lobbying, check out these pages from the IRS and Bolder Advocacy.
How many Fellows will you be supporting? How many project teams will be in the Action Accelerator?
We’re looking to build a cohort of up to 5 Fellows and support up to 10 project teams in the Action Accelerator.
Can you work with an all volunteer organization?
Yes!
Can I apply if I’ve worked with you before?
Yes!
Can I apply if I haven’t worked with you before?
Yes!
Do I need to have a polished project idea to be able to apply?
No! We’re looking for people who have big ideas and want to approach the midterms with creativity. Together through the program we’ll nail down the project that will help you achieve your midterm objective(s)–and then also help you implement it.
What kind of work samples are you interested in seeing in the application?
When we use words like “artistic” and “creative,” we don’t mean we’re looking for the kind of art you’d see in a museum—or even in a mural. We’re looking for creative approaches you’ve taken, be it at the current place you’re working or in places and/or campaigns you’ve worked on in the past. What have you done that is outside the box? When have you approached a project in an innovative way? Tell us about that.
One time I tried to use creativity and it totally blew up in my face. Should I pretend that never happened?
Of course not! If you’ve tried artistic activism in the past and it didn’t go as you hoped, it might be very useful for you to tell us about that. Since training is a central part of the programming, we’re not expecting you to come in as practiced experts. We’re all going to learn and experiment together.
My work is related to the freedom to vote, but not exactly related to the midterms. Are you interested?
Make the case to us in your application. How is your work on fair districting, or DC Statehood, or judicial reform, or ___ connected to helping the midterm cycle? We know we need to support voters in sweeping and expansive ways, and we’re open to hearing how you’re putting things together. If we decide it’s not exactly a midterm fit, at the very least know that we’ll be supporting more projects in the future, and this can be a great way for us to start putting that in motion around the issue you’re telling us about.
How are people feeling about the midterms?
In our very official Zoom poll that we held at the start of our info session, the most common answer was 😕
How are people feeling about the level of support they’re currently getting for their midterm work?
According to that same very official Zoom poll, 0% gave a 👍. So apply for lots of support today!
What is Unstoppable Voters?
Through our expansive Unstoppable Voters program, we support creatively risk-taking, strategic, ambitious organizations, people, and projects that address urgent and specific anti-voter attacks. We provide training and community building for individuals and groups who are passionate about protecting the freedom to vote and bringing the needed innovation to that fight. And we provide funding and support to help manifest that innovation and bring real, measurable impact. To date, we’ve helped over 60 organizations and over 400 individuals make voting accessible, safe, joyful, powerful, and irresistible.
This midterm season, we’re helping dozens more–join us.
