Applications Now Open for the 6th Kuleana Academy
Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) is now accepting applications for the 6th Kuleana Academy, a five month political leadership development and non-partisan candidate training program for emerging leaders in Hawai‘i.
Who Should Apply?
The program is geared towards individuals from across Hawaii with a track record of community service and engagement who are seeking to grow their political leadership, advocacy, and organizing skills. Whether it is running for elected office, managing a political campaign, or honing advocacy and organizing skills, Kuleana Academy provides in-depth training, mentorship, and connection to a community of like-minded leaders.
The Academy will run from May to August 2021, in three parts:
1) Political Leadership and Campaign Skills Training
Participants will attend training over the course of 6-8 weekends and 7-8 weekday evenings. This will cover personal and political leadership development, public speaking, media training, critical community organizing skills, the basics of the legislative process, and the nuts and bolts of running a campaign.
2) Statewide Issues Education
Alliance Education Partners will host these sessions in their areas of expertise on issues that affect county, state, and federal policies. Topics may include: Understanding your political responsibilities; Kanaka Maoli cultural values, law and rights; environment, sustainability and development; labor, workers' rights, and economic justice; agriculture and food security; educational policy; civil rights, reproductive and gender equity; criminal justice reform and public health. Most importantly, the program will explore the interconnection of all these issues.
3) Community Based Hands On Experience
Participants will engage in community service projects, mentorship programs with HAPA and Education Alliance Partners, and gain real-world experience in public speaking, writing, organizing, and fundraising.
The deadline to apply for Kuleana Academy will be April 1, 2021.
Participants will be evaluated and selected via a process that includes a panel made of HAPA board members and Kuleana Academy Alliance Education Partners. Applicants will be chosen by April 30, 2021.
