2026 L4GG Leadership Program
what is L4GG’s Leadership program and Who is it for?
The Leadership Program is a yearlong, more intensive advocacy program where selected applicants will have the opportunity to take what they’ve learned in the State Legislative Advocacy Academy and apply it to direct action in their own state. They’ll work with L4GG, other experts and partners, and each other to move a state-level advocacy goal forward.
In order to be considered, applicants must have completed at least 75% of each of Modules 1-5 of the 2026 State Legislative Advocacy Academy.
The Leadership Program is for those seeking an opportunity for deeper engagement than the State Legislative Advocacy Academy, including more direct action and more interaction with others on state-level policy.
How many people can participate?
L4GG will select a small cohort of up to 25 participants for the 2026 Leadership Program.
Why should you participate and what will you receive from it?
By participating in the Leadership Program, you will receive:
Deeper Legislative Advocacy Training & Collaborative Coaching: Attend monthly meetings with experts in the field, have a direct line to L4GG state legislative staff, join peer-led discussions, and work directly with others to make change in your state.
Tools for Change: Gain practical skills from experienced advocates to navigate state legislative processes and drive meaningful change.
Community Collaboration: Work alongside dedicated advocates, building connections to amplify your impact.
Program participants will also be recognized with a certificate that can be included on resumes and your LinkedIn profile.
What are the requirements / expectations of participants?
Participants don’t need prior experience in legislative advocacy to apply, but they must have completed the 2026 State Legislative Advocacy Academy. What matters most is their commitment to show up, learn, and do the work required to contribute to meaningful change on the ground in their state community.
Leadership participants will select and work on one legislative advocacy goal throughout the yearlong program. This could include researching statutory law and proposed bills; learning their state’s legislative procedures; meeting with legislators or staff; testifying on a bill of interest; learning how to support frontline organizations leading the fight; tracking legislation as it progresses; and identifying other ways to advocate within their state legislative environment.
L4GG will work with participants to refine and support their legislative goal throughout the program.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL YOU NEED TO COMMIT?
This program will kick off the week of September 7, 2026 (after Labor Day) and go to August, 2027. It will include one group meeting (1 - 1 ½ hour) and one individual meeting (½ - 1 hour) per month, in addition to research, self study, and optional programming outside of meetings. On average, you should expect to devote 1 hour per week to the program, but it will fluctuate – some weeks will require 0 hours and others will require more than 1 hour.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for submitting your application is midnight (ET) on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
When will you be notified about application decisions?
We will notify you of whether your application has been accepted by 5 pm CST on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Who can you contact with any questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Mandy Hagseth, Director of State Advocacy & Democratic Engagement, at Mandy@L4GG.org.