What is The People’s Response Fellowship?

The People’s Response Fellowship is a 6-month, paid leadership and organizing program for residents of North St. Louis neighborhoods impacted by the May 16, 2025 tornado. The program equips fellows with political education, grassroots organizing skills, and the tools to lead long-term recovery efforts and advocate for equitable investment in their communities.

Why was this fellowship created?

In the aftermath of the tornado, thousands of residents were left to navigate a recovery system that often overlooks Black communities. Action St. Louis, in collaboration with its partners, launched The People’s Response Hub to provide immediate relief. As we shift from crisis response to long-term rebuilding, we recognize that sustained recovery must be driven by those most impacted. This fellowship ensures directly affected residents are centered as organizers, leaders, and visionaries in North St. Louis’ future.

What will fellows learn and do during the program?

Fellows will:

  • Study the history of disinvestment, systemic racism, and policy decisions that shaped North St. Louis

  • Learn organizing tools including canvassing, power mapping, storytelling, digital organizing, and campaign strategy

  • Understand how to navigate local government and advocate for policy change

  • Design and lead advocacy campaigns related to housing, infrastructure, public safety, and more

  • Build a shared vision for equitable recovery rooted in justice, community care, and neighborhood leadership

What are the goals of the fellowship?

  • Educate: Understand the historical and political roots of North St. Louis’ current conditions

  • Equip: Gain tools to organize, advocate, and influence systems

  • Empower: Build confidence and capacity to lead campaigns and hold decision-makers accountable

  • Expand: Grow a pipeline of neighborhood leaders committed to transformation beyond disaster recovery

What are the outcomes we hope to see?

  • Trained grassroots leaders in every tornado-impacted neighborhood

  • Increased community voice in recovery planning processes

  • Fellow-led campaigns advancing housing justice, infrastructure repair, and anti-displacement

  • A long-term leadership pipeline that strengthens civic power in Black neighborhoods

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

  • Be 18 years or older

  • Reside in or have direct ties to neighborhoods north of Delmar impacted by the May 2025 tornado

  • Be passionate about improving their community and open to learning organizing and advocacy skills

  • Be available for evening and weekend sessions

Priority will be given to residents of the following neighborhoods: O’Fallon, College Hill, Fairground, Penrose, Mark Twain, JeffVanderLou, The Ville, Greater Ville, Kingsway East, Kingsway West, Wells Goodfellow, Hamilton Heights, Vandeventer, Lewis Place, Fountain Park, Academy, Visitation Park, West End. 

When does the fellowship begin, and how long does it last?

  • Application Opens: July 1, 2025

  • Application Close: July 15, 2025

  • July 30, 2025

  • Start Date: August 2025

  • Duration: 6 months

  • Schedule: Evening and weekend sessions to accommodate working adults

  • Location: Sessions will take place across community spaces in North St. Louis, with some virtual components

Is this a paid opportunity?

Yes. The People’s Response Fellowship is a paid opportunity to support participants as they invest time and energy into learning, organizing, and leading in their neighborhoods. Fellows will receive a $5,000 honorarium for participating in the fellowship and also receive meals, transportation assistance, and access to wraparound support.

How many people will be selected?

We aim to recruit 20 residents from tornado-impacted neighborhoods in North City, creating a cohort of trusted, connected, and accountable leaders who can collaborate across communities while staying grounded locally.