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Costs: 

BCDI Ohio will cover all program tuition, lodging and meals for the in-person sessions, and will provide reimbursement for travel and additional costs to participate as needed.

 

*Attendance is required at all 3 days of the fellowship.
Full participation ensures a stronger, more connected cohort and a deeper collective impact.
 

Program Structure:

Details:

Session 1: Welcome Session

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This session will introduce the fellows and trainers to each other, begin to build community, and set the stage for the journey ahead. This foundational session focuses on individual leadership development and relationship building with an overarching race equity and power building framework. The first two days will include all fellows with an emphasis on practices of Purpose, Vision, Resilience, and Personal Ecology. 

Session 2: Explore Personal Vision

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Participants will explore how their personal purpose aligns with a collective vision for change, while reflecting on how lived experiences—including trauma and triggers—have shaped their leadership journey and power-building work.

Session 3: Closing Session, Building Toward Collective Power
 

On the final day, the full cohort will come together to reflect on shared challenges and best practices in network and coalition building. This session will focus on deepening relationships, sharing lessons from individual and collective work, and determining membership in BCDI Ohio’s Power Building Coalition of Leaders. Together, the group will co-create a collective vision, identify potential partnerships, and outline next steps.

Call to Action: Contribute your voice to defining our collective vision, affirm your commitment to partnership, and help chart the next steps for our shared movement. Your leadership insight and commitment are vital as we define a vision, structure, and priorities of Ohio's power-building coalition.

Program Overview:

Power Building is about systems change. BCDI Ohio will invite up to 20 leaders to engage in personal transformation, creating shared vision and values for Ohio’s children and families. The fellowship hinges on these core assumptions, skills, and practices: 

  • Building power is about building momentum and resources. 

  •  Structural analysis allows leaders to dismantle the current injustices they see in their states.

  • Investing in leaders with the skills and awareness to lead effectively both individually and collectively. 

  • Creating a vision that represents different voices and perspectives ensures that the needs of the most marginalized people and communities are met. 

  • The more connected and collaborative leaders are, the more resourced they are to effect transformational systemic change. 
     

BCDI Ohio Power Building Fellowship will include a 3 full day in person convening within the state level cohort learning model.  Fellows will spend the majority of the programming together building power, deepening community and co creating strategy.  This year's programming will take place October 30 - November 1, 2025.

Meeting

2025 OHIO

Power Building Fellowship

Come ready to listen, lead, and collaborate—your voice and vision are essential to building lasting power in our communities!

Selection Criteria: 

We will select a cohort of 20 participants who represent and are rooted in communities that have historically faced systemic barriers—particularly BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and diverse abilities—whose lived experience and leadership continue to drive change in the following 5 categories::

  • Are advancing policies and priorities across the full continuum of family and child well-being—from prenatal to early childhood and beyond—including health, early learning, economic security, housing, safety, and community systems of care.

  • Are public and private sector leaders actively and strategically building networks and partnerships and collaboratively advancing PN-3 systems change. 

  • Are actively working in systems and community change efforts impacting families and young children. This can include organizational leaders, grassroots organizers, and parent advocates.

  • Are excited to contribute to a shared vision and values for field-wide transformation. 

  • Possess a personal and professional readiness to learn new leadership skills and be authentic and vulnerable in a group of peers.

Recruitment Process: 

  • BCDI Ohio will solicit applications from parents/caregivers, community stakeholders, educators and leaders who are committed to being the informed voice for underinvested communities. 

  • Nominees will be invited to submit an application and then select applicants will be interviewed.

  • BCDI Ohio will select  20 participants throughout Ohio by September 5, 2025. 
     

*Note: BCDI Ohio is committed to creating an inclusive cohort that is diverse in terms of demographics (such as race, gender identity, and sexual orientation), geography, issue area, and organizational strategy. 

How to Apply: 

  • Please review the Selection Criteria. Then, click the tab above to submit your application by August 31, 2025.

  • Please reach out to Sa’Sha Augustine, Executive Administrative Assistant at saugustine@bcdiohio.org with any questions. 

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