Become an Ally

Change your life, change your community, and eventually even change the world!

With Public Allies, you can make a career out of making a difference.

Contact the site nearest you for the opportunity of a lifetime!

FAQ's

Who are Allies?
Public Allies promotes the leadership of the many. Leaders must come from all backgrounds and all parts of a community if we are going to solve our most urgent problems. We identify and develop diverse, young leaders (Allies) in 15 communities across the country. These leaders are committed to working for community and social change in their home communities.

On average, Allies are 67% people of color, 60% women, 50% college graduates (including some with graduate degrees), and 15% LGBT. Most Allies live in the community they serve, but Public Allies sites will consider Allies who come from a community without a local Public Allies program.

To participate in the program, individuals must be between ages 18 and 30, have at least a high school diploma or GED, and be committed to making a difference. We value commitment and leadership potential more than educational background or relevant work history—it’s the diversity of our Ally network that is our greatest strength, so all are welcome.

What Allies do?
Allies serve four days a week for 10 months at local nonprofits, where they create, improve and expand services that address issues including youth development, education, public health, economic development, and the environment.

Once a week, Allies participate in a rigorous leadership development program in which local community leaders and expert practitioners lead workshops. In addition, Allies participate in community building activities, contribute to team service projects, and receive individual coaching to support their professional development during their apprenticeship.

What do Allies learn?
Our leadership development program challenges and supports Allies to become leaders who connect across social boundaries, facilitate collaborative action, recognize and mobilize community assets, commit to continuous learning and self-development, and be accountable for creating impact. Allies gain a deep knowledge of their community and important skills from local community leaders, practitioners, and educators. They also learn much from the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, issue focuses and neighborhoods of their fellow Allies.

What pay and benefits do Allies receive?
Allies are AmeriCorps members and receive a stipend and benefits for their service. Allies are paid a stipend between $1,250 and $1,800 a month (depending on the community), and they receive health care, child care, interest-free student loan deferments, and a $4,725 education award to pay back student loans or pay for future education

What happens after the program?
We help Allies identify and pursue future career and educational goals. In some cases, we can help Allies secure additional education support and connect alumni with employers. Our Alumni programs also sponsor graduates to go to Washington, D.C. and learn about advocacy on Capitol Hill, provide grants for innovative projects, and offer other forms of support to the network.

Why should I become an Ally?
Join more than 2,200 Alumni who have already started to make a career out of making a difference. More than 95% of Allies would participate again if they could, and over 80% of Alumni continue to work in the nonprofit and public sectors.

You can gain valuable leadership skills, receive personalized coaching to pursue your career goals, build relationships with a diverse network of local leaders, participate in a national movement of leaders working for change and GET PAID TO DO ALL OF THIS.

How do I apply?

1.     Complete a Public Allies application (check the deadline for the site to which you are applying).

2.     If selected, participate in two interviews with Public Allies

3.     If selected as a finalist, interview with partner organization finalists and rank them

4.     Get matched and begin changing your life and changing your community