GirlTREK is launching the inaugural Joy and Justice Academy designed for women who are ready to strengthen their advocacy and organizing skills, work alongside other leaders and help advance meaningful community change.
Aligned with GirlTREK’s mission to Walk, Talk and Solve problems in our neighborhoods, the Joy and Justice Academy is a virtual, cohort-based training program grounded in priority areas of GirlTREK’s 10-Point Plan for Joy and Justice.
The inaugural cohort will include 32 members, with approximately eight participants from each city: Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Montgomery, Alabama; and Newark, New Jersey. From February through May 2027, participants will complete a 16-week learning experience that includes eight virtual training sessions, guided practice periods and city-team collaboration. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 10 hours per month to Academy activities.
Throughout the Academy, participants will strengthen their advocacy and organizing skills, develop an advocacy action plan and work with their city team to design one community-based project connected to a Joy and Justice priority.
WHO IS GIRLTREK LOOKING FOR
GirlTREK is seeking members who are Radiant, have Rallying Power and are Reliable:
Radiant: Women who demonstrate GirlTREK’s RADICAL values, a commitment to growth and a desire to use their voice in service of their communities.
Rallying Power: Women who understand their communities, build relationships across differences and can help move people toward shared action.
Reliable: Women who follow through, communicate responsibly and can make a realistic commitment to the Academy and their city team.
IMPORTANT DATES
Milestone
Date
Application deadline
Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Interview notification
Applicants selected to advance will be notified by Monday, November 9, 2026.
Academy program
February through May 2027
BEFORE BEGINNING
Please review the Joy and Justice Academy one-page overview and FAQ before completing this application. The application includes a 60-second video and five short written responses. We encourage you to answer honestly and in your own voice. Formal leadership titles are not required. Questions may be sent to [email protected].
