About the Unum Fellows Program

During E Pluribus Unum’s foundational research journey in 2018, we found that people placed a greater deal of hope in their local political leadership and better embraced the concept of racial equity when local leadership actively sought to advance it. Through UNUM Fellows, a signature program of E Pluribus Unum, leaders will gain or expand upon their understanding of how to address racial and economic equity within their communities. Each UNUM Fellow will learn from nationally-recognized experts, consult with peers across the South, and design and implement an equity-based project that will create sustainable, meaningful change in their communties.

While success will look different in each community, Fellows will leave the program equipped to:

  • Foster meaningful participation among key community partners and leaders to drive the advancement of equity goals and projects.
  • Advance initiatives—beginning with their Fellowship project—that address racial and economic disparities in communities.
  • Cultivate long-term visions for equity within their communities that outlive any single term or administration.
  • Talk about racial and economic equity in ways that advance discourse, with a common language and understanding.
  • Act with urgency with the support of a strong peer network and community.

Cohort I: Elected Officials

Class of 2020

Cohort II: State Legislators

Class of 2021

Cohort III: Youth Fellows

Class of 2022

Cohort IV: Environmental Fellows

Class of 2023