The Civic Leaders Hub (CLH) Spring Cohort is a 6-week leadership and organizing program, sponsored by the Ella Baker Center Action Fund (EBCAF) and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (EBC).  Running from April 30, 2026, to June 11, 2026, bringing together local system-impacted leaders who are ready to build political power in their communities.

Through hands-on training and real-world practice, participants will gain the tools, skills, and political education needed to move people into action and win change. By the program’s conclusion, members will understand the core principles of issue-based campaigns and electoral organizing, and how both strategies work together to build lasting community power. Participants will meet weekly, receive voter outreach and organizing training, and engage directly in outreach activities, including canvassing and grassroots strategy development.

The Civic Leaders Hub is grounded in three pillars: Leadership Development, Voter Education, and Community Engagement — strengthening the capacity of our collective movement to build political, narrative, and modeling power.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a $600 stipend in recognition of their time, leadership, and commitment. The program follows a hybrid evening schedule designed to support working leaders and caregivers, with sessions held twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 hours total per week) and two weekend convenings (4 hours each). In-person gatherings, outreach events, and canvassing activities will take place in Oakland.

Participant Requirements

• Alignment with the core values of the Ella Baker Center
  • Formerly incarcerated individuals, or those who have supported an immediate family member through incarceration
  • Access to Zoom for virtual sessions
  • Availability to participate in weekly Tuesday & Thursday evening sessions (4 hours total per week)
  • Ability to attend in-person Oakland meetings, outreach events, and canvassing days
  • A strong interest in community organizing, base-building, voter engagement, and electoral movement work