2022 Public Policy, Rural Governance, & Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowships Application

First Alaskans Institute (FAI) is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the following Indigenous Leadership Continuum (ILC) Fellowships:

• 2022 Public Policy Fellowship to place two to four Alaska Native and rural Alaskans in Juneau during the 1st regular session January 12 - April 18, 2022
• 2022 Rural Governance Fellowship to place Alaska Native and rural Alaskans in a Tribe in a rural community from January 3 - May 31, 2022, dates are flexible due to needs of the Tribe
• 2022 Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship to place Alaska Native and rural Alaskans in Washington D.C. during a congressional session dates to be determined (TBD)

The Public Policy Fellowship places Fellows in legislative offices in Juneau fulltime. The goal of the fellowship is for leaders to become familiar with the legislative process; understand their own histories; learn and use the skills of past, present and future leadership; and know the evolving issues that confront Alaska Natives and the State of Alaska. Participants will have hands-on experience working with the legislative and political process, creating a real-time two-way flow of information between the Alaska State Capitol and our Alaska Native communities. 

The Rural Governance Fellowship allows Fellows to work with Tribes in rural communities throughout Alaska to gain hands on experience in enacting solutions driven by our people. The purpose of the Rural Governance Fellowship is to immerse Fellows in fulltime, day-to-day operations of tribal governance where they are able to observe, learn, and participate in decision-making processes first-hand. At First Alaskans Institute (FAI), we aim to walk alongside our people and encourage their engagement in critical thinking, action and discourse on behalf of our communities.

The Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship places a Fellow fulltime into the office of Alaska U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan. The goal of the fellowship is for leaders to become familiar with the Alaska Delegation, the congressional and appropriations process; grow understanding of their own histories and the priorities of their community and Alaska Native peoples; learn and use the skills of past, present and future leadership; know the evolving issues that challenge Alaska Natives and Alaska; and strengthen their ability to be a culturally-connected leader in every space they occupy. The Al Adams Fellowship launched with the blessing of his family in 2013 honors the late Iñupiaq statesman from Kotzebue who exemplified genuine and culturally connected political leadership throughout his life. He served as a Trustee of FAI and continues to have a presence in memoriam through this fellowship, inspiring a new generation of leadership through his legacy.

Duties & Core Competencies Required

Written/Verbal Communication:  

• Capture and disseminate relevant information in a professional and articulate manner;
• Assist with drafting speeches, legislation & social media posts;
• Find and distribute daily news clippings;
• Attend committee hearings and provide written or verbal summaries to congressional staff.

Social: 

• “Constituent Work” – communicate and work with constituents in the office or by phone/mail/email to respond to their concerns/interests;
• Problem solve;
• Work cohesively with the team you are placed with;
• Attend committee, constituent and staff meetings.

Research/Analytical:  

• Analyze legislation;
• Research;
• Track budget development;
• Follow bills;
• Draft or carry legislation;
• Track and research Alaska Native issues. 

Office Management:  

• Placing and receiving telephone calls and operating a switchboard;
• Process emails & printed mail;
• Schedule meetings on Outlook.

Aptitude & Attitude:

• Can-do attitude;
• No task is beneath you – cleaning, making coffee, whatever is necessary to help your office and team;
• Ability to earn trust and respect;
• Ability to learn quickly, seek out how to do things without waiting around for others to teach you or making it their responsibility – these are busy offices and people are willing to help but you have to put in the work;
• Ability to take feedback without taking it personally, willing and able to learn and grow;
• Willing to step in where help is needed, even if not part of designing or creating it – as a team player you may not have or need all the details to be able to support your office and team.

Timeline *depending on status of the Covid-19 pandemic, times and locations may be adjusted

• Application due date for all Fellowships: Monday, November 22, 2021
• Candidate interviews & reference calls: Monday, November 22 - Monday, November 29, 2021
• Final selection of fellows: Friday, December 3, 2021
• First Alaskans Institute Training: Wednesday & Thursday, December 15 & 16, 2021
• Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship in Washington, D.C.: TBD
• U.S. Senator’s Office Training in Washington, D.C.: Friday, January 7, 2022 (tentative)
• Public Policy Fellowship in Juneau: Wednesday, January 12 – Monday, April 18, 2022
• Legislative Affairs Agency Training in Juneau: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, January 12, 13 & 14, 2022 (tentative)
• Rural Governance Fellowship in a rural community: Monday, January 3 – Tuesday, May 31, 2022 (tentative)
• Tribal training: TBA

How to Apply 

Successful applicants will be selected based on an application, reference check and interview. Applicants must submit ALL of the following (Application Tip:  Prepare the documents listed below ahead of time to be most efficient. See the next page to attach and submit each document):

• Completed Fellowship application form online and attach documents listed below;
• Typed biography describing personal, professional and family background no more than 250 words. Be sure to include English name, Indigenous name (if you have one), hometown, culture, parents, grandparents, school, hobbies and passions at the very least;
• Photo of applicant engaging in cultural activities, what you're passionate about or wearing regalia. Photo must show your face;
• Current resume no longer than 2 pages;
• Two professional or personal references from community members, colleagues, peers, teachers, professors, employers, supervisors, Elders, etc. Provide the names and best contact information (name, cell and email for each).  Note:  We are not accepting letters of recommendation as we would like to speak to your references directly;
• Written or video essays (250 to 650 word limit if written, 1 minute 30 seconds to 3 minutes limit if a video);
• Copies of relevant training certificates or unofficial transcripts if still attending a post-secondary institution although there is no academic requirement to be eligible for the Fellowships. Official transcripts may be requested if you are selected as a Fellow; and
• If Alaska Native/American Indian, please include a copy of your Tribal ID Card or Certificate of Indian Blood.

Fellowship Highlights

• Travel provided to and from Juneau, Washington D.C. or a rural community, dependent on where you are placed and whether the position is working remotely due to Covid-19;
• Public Policy Fellowship bi-weekly stipend is $1200 plus $750 housing stipend that is prorated when living in Juneau, provided by FAI;
• Rural Governance Fellowship bi-weekly stipend is $1200 plus $850 housing stipend that is prorated when living in rural community provided by FAI; 
• Al Adams Fellowship salary is $1250 per month in bi-monthly installments on the 5th and 20th of the month, provided by Office of Senator Dan Sullivan. Fellow may receive a partial payment in first and final paycheck as salary is pro-rated based on actual arrival and departure dates. Also a living stipend of $2500 per session (paid in half at the start of the Fellowship and other half paid when Fellowship is successfully completed) by FAI;  
• FAI Orientation before the start date of each Fellowship, in person or virtual depending on Covid-19; 
• Full-time schedule (40 hours per week); 
• Hands-on experience working with the congressional process, legislative process or tribal operations process; 
• Priority of engaging in and researching Alaska Native issues;
• Post-secondary & higher education degrees or certification NOT required, the right candidate will have the right characteristics and the ability to be high-performing in the work environment;
• Fellow is expected to secure their own housing and accommodations during Fellowship.