Applications are now open for our Community Advocacy and Leadership Academy (CALA) fellowship program.
We’re now accepting applications for our 2025-2026 Community Advocacy and Leadership Academy (CALA) cohort, which launches in March 2026 and runs through June 2026. The CALA Fellowship Cohort is implemented in partnership with Puget Sound Sage and Sage Leaders.
The application deadline is December 15, 2025 by midnight.
About the Community Advocacy and Leadership Academy (CALA)
The Community Advocacy and Leadership Academy (CALA) is a 12-week intensive training fellowship program that equips emerging immigrant and BIPOC leaders in Snohomish County, Washington, with the skills and confidence to become effective policy advocates and transformative community leaders.
Through CALA, fellows develop the knowledge and tools needed to engage meaningfully in strategic decision-making spaces such as school boards, city councils, commissions, task forces, and other leadership roles at the city, county, and state levels.
Immigrant Guide collaborates with community partners, including Puget Sound Sage and Sage Leaders, to deliver hands-on training in areas including:
• Community Advocacy, Campaigning, and Mobilization
• Climate, Environmental, and Economic Justice
• Housing, Land Use, and Planning
• Equity and Social Justice
• Community Leadership and Organizing Skills
• The Power of Storytelling
• Municipal Budgeting
• Parliamentary Procedures
After completing the program, CALA Fellows are supported in applying for and serving on strategic boards, commissions, and task forces across Washington State. Graduates join a growing BIPOC Leadership Alumni Network, gaining access to mentorship, peer support, and collective opportunities to advance policy advocacy and community impact.
Each Fellow is paired with an experienced mentor who provides guidance in achieving both personal and professional goals.
CALA is rooted in the belief that those most impacted by policy should have the power and be seated at the table to shape it. The program amplifies the voices of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers by building leadership capacity, confidence, and influence to drive systems change within their communities.
To ensure full participation, Immigrant Guide provides stipends, meals, and childcare support to eliminate economic barriers that might prevent emerging leaders from fully engaging in the fellowship.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Currently living in Snohomish or neighboring County (and neighboring counties).
Emerging leaders from communities of color, Immigrant Communities, and/or low income communities who are committed to racial/social justice.
Applicant should be interested in civic engagement, careers in community leadership or public office, and should have relevant lived experiences and/or professional experiences.
Commitment to attending every CALA session each month and ability and interest in serving on a municipal board or commission after graduation.
APPLICATION TIMELINES
Application opens on November 15, 2025
Deadline – December 15, 2025
Semi-finalist notified – January 15, 2026
Semi-finalist interview – January 20 – February 15
Final Cohort notified – March 5
Cohort Kickoff Ceremony – March 14
Questions?
Join our next info session on December 4, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm via the Zoom link below. To register, Email Mpiima Mugambe at cala@immigrantguide.org or Francis Abugbilla at francis@pugetsoundsage.org with the subject “CALA Application.”
Empowers immigrants to raise their voices, organize for change, and influence policy through grassroots action, civic engagement, and strategic campaigning.
Connects immigrant communities to climate resilience, clean air, and safe housing—ensuring environmental equity and protection for all, regardless of background or status.
Promotes fair access to resources, rights, and opportunities—challenging systemic barriers and uplifting marginalized voices through education, advocacy, and inclusive practices.
Develops confidence, communication, and decision-making abilities—preparing immigrants to lead initiatives, mentor others, and shape the future of their communities.
Harnesses lived experiences to inspire, heal, and mobilize—turning personal narratives into tools for advocacy, connection, and cultural pride.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Immigrant Guide’s Program Manager, Sibongile Chadyiwa, delivered public testimony before the Shoreline City Council, uplifting the importance of community healing,
