Michigan has made significant progress on gun violence prevention, including the passage of universal background checks, secure storage, and extreme risk protection orders in 2023. These wins were hard-fought and marked a turning point for the state. However, in 2024, Republicans regained control of the state house, creating a divided legislature and reducing the likelihood of passing new legislation through 2026.

In this new political environment, GIFFORDS is prioritizing implementation, public education, stakeholder engagement, and support for emerging leadership. We are also strengthening our coalitions, including youth engagement through the Courage Fellowship. By investing now in public engagement and coalition building, we will be well positioned to make meaningful policy gains if the political landscape shifts in 2027.

GIFFORDS is dedicated to doing the work that needs to be done in Michigan to save lives from gun violence. You can be a part of that. 

Across the country, young people have been standing up and demanding a safer future for their communities—demanding a future free from gun violence. Since 2018, GIFFORDS has supported these brave activists through our Courage Fellowship program, which provides a select group of young people the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills and work together to reduce gun violence. The GIFFORDS Courage Fellowship uses a state-based approach, and GIFFORDS is proud to announce that the application for the Michigan 2026 class of Courage Fellows is now open.

Over the course of five months, Courage Fellows between the ages of 18 and 24 will be placed at the heart of the gun violence prevention discussion. They will engage in an array of activities that focus on advocacy and effective organizing, from learning about the issue firsthand from gun policy experts to lobbying legislators at the Michigan State Capitol. The program will consist of three in-person trainings around Michigan, including in Lansing in August 2026 to lobby at the state capitol, and four virtual trainings with GIFFORDS staff. Between these trainings, participants will work on a community engagement project of their choosing, with the support of GIFFORDS staff and resources.

Application Deadline 

The deadline to apply for the 2026 class of Courage Fellows is May 10, 2026, at 12 am ET.

Our application is now live! If you have technical difficulties or questions, please email [email protected]. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Courage Fellows Program Components 

Throughout the program, Courage Fellows will: 

• Learn from nationally recognized leaders in the gun violence prevention and greater progressive movements.
• Network with other young activists in Michigan, including past Courage Fellows.
• Develop and implement a gun violence prevention project in their community.
• Build critical team-building, communication, organizing, and advocacy skills. 
• Meet with legislators to discuss the importance of gun violence prevention efforts. 

The primary program components for the Courage Fellowship include:

• An orientation meeting on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
• A 3-day training in Detroit from Friday, June 12th, to Sunday, June 14, 2026.
• Virtual Training #1 on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
• Virtual Training #2 on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
• A 2-day lobbying training and legislator meeting in Lansing from Tuesday, September 15, to Wednesday, September 16, 2026. 
• Virtual Training #3 on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
• Virtual Training #4 on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
• A 3-day graduation in Detroit from Friday, November 13, to Sunday, November 15, 2026.
• Regular check-ins and mentorship opportunities with GIFFORDS staff.
• The creation and implementation of a community engagement project with support from GIFFORDS.

What is the community engagement project? 

The purpose of the take-home project is for Courage Fellows to put the skills they learn in the first training to use in their own communities. The ideal project will be substantive, engaging, and locally focused. Fellows will brainstorm project ideas, subject to approval by GIFFORDS staff, throughout the first training. Past projects have included:

• Voter registration drives
• Press conferences
• Town halls with local elected officials 
• Art installations

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for the next generation of leaders in the gun violence prevention movement. The ideal candidate will:

• Have strong ties to Michigan and plan on remaining in Michigan for the foreseeable future. 
• Have demonstrated interest in politics, community organizing, activism, or volunteerism.
• Be eager to learn new skills and open to different points of view.
• Be passionate about fighting gun violence and willing to work with others towards this shared goal. 

Applicants do not need to be extensively involved in the gun violence prevention movement already—we are looking to build a diverse class of Courage Fellows with varying backgrounds and experiences.

Candidate Requirements

1. Willing to travel around Michigan for the above listed trainings (all program-related costs, including food, travel, and hotel costs, will be covered by GIFFORDS).

2. Able to attend the entirety of all trainings.

3. Ready to join our Courage Fellowship Ambassador Program, which includes: 

   1. Representing and attending at least two GIFFORDS community, legislative, and media events per year. 
   2. Mentoring incoming Courage Fellows.
   3. Planning or co-leading at least one event or advocacy initiative per year.
   4. Participating in quarterly check-ins with GIFFORDS staff.
   5. Contributing to communications through blogs, op-eds, or social media.​​​​​

GIFFORDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion. People of color, trans individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, women, people with differing abilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.