In 2024, we launched GIFFORDS Texas, a new initiative designed to strengthen and expand the gun violence prevention movement in the Lone Star State. Using advocacy, education, community investment, and legislation, our mission is to reduce the appallingly high rate of gun violence across the state. A key part of this effort relies on cultivating relationships with elected officials—and with community leaders like you. Texas has been at the center of our nation’s worst mass shootings far too many times, not to mention the day-to-day drumbeat of violence in local communities, and it’s past time that we put an end to these preventable tragedies.

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 skills and work together to reduce gun violence. This year, GIFFORDS has transitioned to a state-based approach to the fellowship, with state-specific classes of Courage Fellows—starting with Texas. GIFFORDS is proud to announce that the application for the Texas 2025 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 and engage in an array of activities that focus on advocacy and effective organizing, from hearing firsthand from gun policy experts to lobbying at the Texas State Capitol. The program will consist of three in-person trainings around Texas, including in Austin in March 2025 to lobby at the Capitol. 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 2024 class of Courage Fellows is November 29, 2024, at 12 am CT.

Our application is now live at this link. 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 Texas, 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:

• A 3-day training in Houston (Date TBD)
• A lobbying day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin (March 12-13, 2025)
• Regular check-ins and mentorship opportunities with Giffords staff
• A 3-day graduation Houston (Date TBD)
• 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 local 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 Texas and plan on remaining in Texas 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.
• 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, and the only requirement is that you are passionate about fighting gun violence and willing to work with others towards this shared goal.

Candidate Requirements 

1. Willing to travel around Texas 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 three trainings

3. Join our Courage Fellowship Ambassador Program, which includes: 

- ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Willing to be a spokesperson for GIFFORDS​​​​​​​
- Willing to attend GIFFORDS Texas events
​​​​​​​- Maintain a long-standing relationship with GIFFORDS

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.