We are training the next generation of civic leaders.
Leadership Development Programs
Now Hiring: 2025 Youth Advocacy Council
About the Council
The Youth Advocacy Council is a new leadership program for young Chicagoans who want to make change in their communities. Through hands-on training, political education, and collaborative organizing, members will build the skills to lead, speak up, and take action on the issues they care about most.
Council members will work together to create a youth-led issue platform and use it to engage voters, influence decision-makers, and shape the future of Chicago. Whether you’re a student, artist, organizer, or just getting started, this is your space to learn, grow, and lead.
Who Should Apply
We are looking for young people who are:
- Ages 17–32
- Based in Chicago
- Passionate about social justice, democracy, and community change
- Interested in learning new skills and building political power
- From diverse backgrounds and experiences — especially system-impacted youth, creatives, students, first-time advocates, and young organizers
No prior experience is required. We encourage anyone with the passion learn and make change to apply.
What You’ll Gain
- Leadership Skills: Training in advocacy, grassroots organizing, and issue-based campaigning
- Political Education: Learn how government works at the local, state, and federal levels
- Movement-Building: Work with other young leaders to shape a collective issue platform
- Professional Development: Resume building, public speaking, storytelling, and headshots
- Hands-On Experience: Engage voters, meet with decision-makers, and organize for change
Program Details
- Recruitment Timeline:
- Application Opens: August 12, 2025
- Application Closes: September 1, 2025 11:59pm
- Interviews: September 8–9, 2025
- Decisions Sent: September 9, 2025
- Program Dates: September 29 – December 12, 2025
- Pay: $25/hour for 4 hours per week ($400/month)
- Format: In person sessions on Mondays at 4:30 pm- 6pm @ Chicago Votes office
How to Apply:
Apply Here →
Questions? Email freddie@chicagovotes.com.
Brian Sleet Fellowship
The Brian Sleet Memorial Fellowship for Leadership and Advocacy is a scholarship program that provides funding to young, African American, civic leaders to carry on the legacy of Chicago Votes’ founding board member, Brian Sleet. Brian passed away on December 26th, 2018. His untimely passing inspired his loved ones to create a memorial scholarship fund to honor Sleet’s commitment to social justice and youth political empowerment.
Civic Leadership Program
At Chicago Votes, we strongly believe the people most impacted should be leading the work––and our Unlock Civics program is no exception. The Chicago Votes’ Civic Leadership program is designed for people who have been incarcerated in the U.S., specifically in Illinois. Through direct organizing work, participants develop skills in organizing people outside of prison and supporting organizers on the inside, the Illinois legislative process, and adding a critical perspective around the American legal system.
Policy Fellowship
The Chicago Votes’ Policy Fellowship program seeks to develop young organizers to increase their knowledge of the legislative and elections process in Illinois. They work directly with Chicago Votes staff, volunteers, partners and base to execute the Chicago Votes’ Legislative agenda, learning the Illinois political landscape and legislative organizing tactics.
DemocracyCorps
Our DemocracyCorps Fellowship develops young organizers from communities across Chicago to be the change they want to see. The program seeks to increase civic participation amongst young people by giving them the tools to organize their communities. Young people leading Chicago to a better future is what it’s all about!