Organizing Fellowship

Organizing Fellowship

Job Type: Part-time, Contract

About SACRED

Based in Chicago, SACRED (South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent organization working to overcome hate in the South Asian American community. SACRED unites progressive members of the South Asian American community to overcome anti-democratic South Asian actors that advance authoritarianism and the myth of racial and caste superiority in the U.S.

Fellowship announcement

SACRED organizes multiracial, multifaith, anti-caste coalitions to advance the vision of democracy, equality, nonviolence, and collective liberation that has united civil rights leaders in the U.S. and South Asia since the first half of the 20th century.

SACRED (South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy) is launching its inaugural Organizing Fellowship seeking one to three highly motivated individuals to support SACRED’s organizing work.

About our Fellows

SACRED is searching for enthusiastic, dynamic individuals who are passionate about building our multifaith, multiracial democracy. The ideal team members have a strong work ethic; ability to work autonomously and collaboratively; are highly organized; have a proven track record of working effectively with diverse populations; and have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Successful fellowship candidates will demonstrate an intersectional understanding of and commitment to racial, gender, and caste justice as well as democracy, equality, and human rights. Candidates should have a background or interest in civic engagement, community and/or political organizing, power mapping, communications, policy, or public interest. SACRED will provide training on the specific approach and methods we use, but we are looking for fellows who are familiar with analyzing local dynamics, engaging community members and building a diverse coalition on the issues we work on.Moreover, successful fellows will have:

• The ability to work independently and on multiple streams of work simultaneously, including at times in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• A commitment to developing a collaborative work environment, constructive workplace culture, and team-centered approach.
• Mission and value alignment with SACRED’s work.
• The ability to engage constructively in discussions about organizational goals, performance, metrics, and deadlines.

Responsibilities may include (but may not be limited to):

• Build action teams in local communities through direct outreach, 1:1s, and leadership development to build a durable base and help shift power.
• Organize/coordinate meetings, training and campaign activities, while integrating long-term organizing, base-building, and campaign strategies across issue areas.
• Develop Organizing Committee members' leadership skills and capacity to impact change in their own communities.
• Network with and build relationships between stakeholders and community organizations, advocacy groups and policymakers.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (policy, communications, digital, development) to support campaign messaging, narrative development, and organizing integration.
• Identify and cultivate potential leaders.
• Provide peer support to fellow organizers; collaborate on shared strategies and rapid response organizing.
• Track progress and report on leadership development, base growth, field metrics, and deliverables.
• Research opportunities that would lead to growth and attendance at SACRED events and programs.
• Undertake other duties in support of SACRED’s work.

Additional details about the Fellowship:

• • One to three individuals will be selected as Fellows.
  • SACRED is looking for fellows who will take on a weekly commitment of 4-6 hours of work.
  • While much of the work may be virtual, SACRED is looking to bring on applicants based in Illinois who can meet regularly in person in Chicago or the Chicagoland area (one to three times a month). SACRED may also consider applicants from states that neighbor Illinois as well as states in the Midwest region.
  • Compensation: Fellows will receive a stipend expected to be between $4,000 and $5,000 (transferred at the midpoint and end of the Fellowship).
• Fellows will be asked to regularly provide updates on their work to the SACRED team and must be able to meet internal deadlines.
• Fellows will be asked to comply with SACRED’s digital security policies and practices.
• Although the fellowship is primarily associated with SACRED’s organizing work, fellows will have opportunities to connect with other team members.
  • The Fellowship will run from February to December 2026.

Apply now

Please submit a resume and cover letter to info@SacredDemocracy.org describing your interest in the position and fit with the qualifications and skills described above. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; candidates with backgrounds that prepare them well for the fellowship will be invited for a 45-minute interview with SACRED team members.

The application deadline is 5:00 PM CST on Sunday, January 4th, 2026.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

SACRED is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to economic and social justice. Women, people of color, caste oppressed people, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to apply for or perform the essential functions of the job should contact us at info@SacredDemocracy.org with the subject line "Application Accommodation" to request such an accommodation.