Join the ACF Fellowship

The ACF Fellowship has traditionally provided an opportunity to develop skills and get hands-on experience in a six-month fellowship placement. Fellows would commit two days per week during the six-month period. The fellowship begins with an in-person weekend-long group induction at the start of the fellowship. Fellowship placements have been available in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.

Placements to the program will be considered based on the following selection criteria:

• Passion for our living world and addressing climate change.
• Paid or volunteer experience in social change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Approachable and friendly nature.
• An ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Familiarity with technology and the ability to quickly learn new programs.
• A commitment to the values and mission of ACF.

Candidates’ role preference and unique skills will also be considered by the selection panel when allocating candidates to specific roles. In your application, make sure that you refer to the above selection criteria, and any specific requirements or criteria listed with the position description of the role you prefer.

The Fellowship is suited to driven, passionate and committed people who reflect the diversity of backgrounds and experiences in our communities. If that’s you, but you’re worried you don’t have all the skills outlined in the position descriptions, please apply anyway!

Through the ACF Fellowship, you’ll be part of a supportive workplace where you’ll be:

• Participating in a comprehensive induction program on all aspects of ACF and social change theory.
• Learning from experienced campaigners, community organisers, fundraisers, investigators, digital specialists and media and communications experts.
• Developing and applying your skills in a volunteer placement.
• Receiving coaching and support from a fellowship supervisor, with clear direction and timelines about your responsibilities.
• Reflecting regularly on your practise with other Fellows in your cohort.
• Being a part of a movement of people who show up, speak out and act to stop pollution and destruction so our living world can thrive.

What about training?

Through the ACF Fellowship, you will have the opportunity to attend regular training delivered by experienced campaigners, community organisers, activists, advocates and non-profit professionals.

Some topics you might explore include:

• An understanding of ACF: our history, organisational structure, mission and theory of change
• Tech tools used in our work, including NationBuilder, SupporterBase, Zoom, Facebook and Slack
• How to create and tell your story of self
• Approaches to social change and the importance of systemic change
• Leadership skills and leadership in teams
• Facilitation techniques
• Australian democracy and parliament
• A history of the environment movement in Australia
• Decolonising the environment movement and building inclusive movements (exploring race, gender, class, ability and more)
• Campaign planning, and data and evidence-based campaigning
• Working in advocacy and managing up
• Sustainable activism and self-care
• Work preferences, and project and workload management skills

You will receive ongoing training throughout the entire Fellowship, as well as training within your role.