NLI Regional Southwest Training: Nov 2025

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Overview

Advance Native Political Leadership, Native Land Institute, and Indigenous Impact Arizona are proud to partner on our first-ever Regional Southwest training for Native leaders in the Southwestern U.S. As we pilot this new model, we are prioritizing applications from Indigenous leaders who reside in Arizona or New Mexico and are exploring civic leadership in the next 1 to 3 years.

This is a unique opportunity to take part in a powerful, culturally grounded training experience that supports your leadership journey from an Indigenous perspective — while building lasting relationships with Native leaders across the region.

Training Details

📅 Dates: Nov. 4-9, 2025

📍 Location: TBA, Arizona

📚Format: In-person, 4-day intensive leadership training + travel days

This training includes four full days of immersive programming, with travel scheduled for the first and final days. Over the course of the training, participants will engage in a culturally rooted curriculum focused on:

Field organizing strategy & messaging
Intentional movement from oppression to liberation
Voter engagement goals
Fundraising, public speaking, and digital organizing
Finding your “why” and leading from our shared values

We center Indigenous knowledge, respect for community, environmental stewardship, and relationships as the foundation of powerful leadership.

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.

Cost & Accessibility

There is no cost to participate in the training. If accepted, Advance Native Political Leadership Action Fund will cover all travel, accommodations, meals, and materials. We are committed to making this opportunity accessible to Indigenous leaders across the region.

How to Apply

Please read the information on this page carefully before beginning your application. A full understanding of the process and expectations will help you decide if this program is the right fit for you.

Step 1: Submit Your Application: Start by completing the online written application. This is your opportunity to share who you are, why you’re interested in public leadership, and how you align with the values of the Native Leadership Institute.
Step 2: Interview (by invitation only): If your application is selected to move forward, we’ll contact you by email to schedule a 45-minute Zoom interview. This is a chance for us to get to know you better, answer any questions you may have, and learn more about your leadership goals.
Step 3: Final Selection: After interviews are completed, our selection committee will review all materials and make final decisions about who will be invited to participate. All applicants will be notified of their status via email.
Step 4: Travel Coordination: If you are accepted, you will receive detailed instructions about next steps. To confirm your participation, you’ll be asked to complete a short travel survey and work with our team to finalize your travel and accommodations.

If you are accepted into the Native Leadership Institute, you will be required to fully participate in a 4-day, in-person intensive training, with travel on the first and last days. The program includes approximately 25 hours of hands-on training and leadership development. Your full presence and participation are essential to making the experience meaningful for you and the broader cohort.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Interviews End: August 22, 2025

⚠️ Important Notes

Participation and completion of the application does not guarantee admission.
Applicants are selected based on eligibility, alignment with program values, and demonstrated readiness.
We are unable to accept current elected officials or individuals who have filed to run for office.

Questions?

Check out our FAQs below. If you still have questions, reach out to us at nli@advancenativepl.org — we’re happy to help!

FAQs

Who is this training for?

This training program is designed for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders who reside in Arizona or New Mexico who have a demonstrated connection to their communities, and are committed to uplifting tribal sovereignty and building Native power. Priority will be given to those planning to run for office within the next 1 to 3 years.

How do I apply?

Start by filling out the online application form. If selected for the next stage, you’ll receive an email invitation to sign up for a 45-minute Zoom interview. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about your leadership path and answer any questions you may have about the program.

Is there a cost to participate?

No, there is no cost to attend. Travel, food, and accommodations are fully covered. We offer this training free of charge to our community. In return, we ask you to fully commit to participating on time, with presence, for the entire program. Please note: You will need to bring a credit card to check into the hotel to cover any incidental charges (such as room service or damage holds). No charges will be made to your card unless you incur incidental expenses.

What is the time commitment?

Participants must attend a 4-day, in-person training, with travel scheduled on the first and last days. You can expect approximately 25 hours of training, connection, and hands-on learning over the course of the program. Full attendance and participation are required.

What if I can only attend part of the training?

Please only accept your invitation to join the program if you can attend the full training. If your availability changes after being accepted for any portion of the training, let us know as soon as possible.

Can I participate if I'm a current elected official?

It depends on your role. Most likely, due to ethics laws related to gifts and in-kind services, current elected officials are not eligible for this training. However, we’d love to connect and share more about our Native Elected Leaders Network, which supports Indigenous people already serving in office. Email us at nli@advancenativepl.org to learn more.

Can I participate if I'm currently running for office?

No. Due to campaign finance laws, we cannot accept participants who have officially declared candidacy. However, we offer other opportunities for engagement for values-aligned leaders. Please reach out to nli@advancenativepl.org for more information.

What technology do I need?

You’ll need access to WiFi to complete your travel survey and receive logistics information, and you’ll need to bring a laptop with you to the training to fully participate in the program.

Will everyone who applies be interviewed or accepted?

No. Not all applicants will be invited to interview, and not all interviewees will be selected. Our team carefully reviews all applications and selects participants based on eligibility, alignment with program values, and demonstrated readiness to lead.

What makes a strong application?

We’re looking for applicants who are grounded in their community, aligned with our values, and committed to helping our communities thrive. You don’t need campaign experience — but clarity about your goals, a demonstrated connection to your community, and your desire to lead are important. Don’t worry about having perfect answers — just be honest, thoughtful, and solutions-driven.