National Civic Leadership Program Expands to Memphis and San Antonio, Emerging Local Leaders Can Now Apply to the Change Collective

Applications to join the Change Collective’s first Memphis and San Antonio cohorts are now open to bring people together, bridge divides and solve problems at the community level 

Today, the Change Collective announced its expansion to Memphis, TN, and San Antonio, TX. Rising leaders in these cities can apply now to join a national community of changemakers working to solve the most pressing local issues and build bridges in their communities. Members of the Change Collective will participate in a six-month leadership development program, connect with leaders from other cities and create civic action plans to address issues impacting their communities. 

Launched in 2023 with a video from former President Barack Obama, the Change Collective is a national leadership initiative empowering and connecting local changemakers in cities across the country. Originally launched in Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, and Jackson, MS, the Change Collective supports 142 members and alumni who continue to drive change in their communities. Previous and current cohorts have worked together to learn, problem-solve and build their network through monthly Local Change Labs and a National Change Lab that brings together local and national leaders.

“The first two Change Collective cohorts have shown the potential and power of bringing together changemakers who are ready to commit their energy and creativity to their cities,” said Dexter Mason, Managing Director of the Change Collective. “As we expand to Memphis and San Antonio, we are proud to continue to grow alongside our current changemakers and excited to learn from two new cities.”

“Empowering leaders is not just about driving change; it’s about igniting a collective force for transformation. I’m excited for the Change Collective to expand its footprint and launch its leadership development fellowship in Memphis,” said Christopher Coleman, Executive Director, Teach For America – Memphis. “For the city to reach its full potential, leaders must embrace and foster the unique spirit of this vibrant community. Through partnerships with community organizations, the Change Collective will embark on a journey to cultivate a new generation of visionary leaders who will champion equity, innovation and resilience.”

“Our program has operated in San Antonio for a decade and the city represents a unique blend of history and culture where more than 87 members of our fellowship have launched their entrepreneurial careers,” said Julia Kortberg, Venture For America’s Vice President of Experience. “We’re excited for the Change Collective to expand their reach to the community because it will further enable its abundant rising leaders to make a continued impact on this world-class city by equipping them with empowering tools and training.”

Change Collective leaders are actively using the tools they learned in the program and the networks and support systems they have built to drive change in their cities. Previous cohort members have worked on projects ranging from the water crisis in Jackson to affordable housing in Chicago to access to the arts in Detroit. The Change Collective will continue working closely with these cities and recruit future cohorts.

Applications are now open, and the cohort will launch in early fall. Press interested in learning more about the Change Collective or the work of the cohort should contact press@civicnation.org.