Overview
About East County Rising (ECR) a multi-pronged organization that supports the creation of a vibrant, sustainable community with equitable opportunities that meet the needs of all of East County’s community members. Through organizing, policy advocacy and electoral politics, East County Rising Action Fund 501(c)(4), East County Rising Community Projects 501(c)(3) and East County Rising (PAC) work together to energize civic engagement and meaningful change in East County.
East County Rising (ECR) is seeking an experienced training consultant or consulting team to support the leadership development of the Rising Fellows Program. This program, fully housed under the ECR banner, is an intergenerational initiative aimed at cultivating civic leaders in East County.
The consultant will play a critical role in advancing the Summer Youth Intensive (approximately 75%) and the Senior Cohort Program (approximately 25%). The Summer Youth Intensive runs from mid-June to early-August and engages up to 10 youth participants through retreats, weekly training sessions, research/action projects, and legislative engagement. The Rising Fellows-Senior Cohort Program is designed for up to 6 experienced community leaders to deepen their impact and mentor rising youth leaders. Recruitment will begin in May and run one year in length focusing on the development of political civic leaders. The consultant will work closely with ECR’s team to document and refine the program’s theory of change, curriculum, and pedagogy, while also facilitating, co-facilitating, and coaching the team on high-quality leadership development practices.
Scope of Work
The consultant will provide strategic advising, curriculum development, and facilitation support across both tracks of the Rising Fellows Program:
Summer Youth Intensive (75%)
- Curriculum Development: Design a comprehensive leadership development curriculum, incorporating community engagement, strategic advocacy, and civic engagement skills. Content should be adaptable and culturally responsive, particularly for Latine youth.
- Workshop Facilitation: Lead six in-person, 3-hour weekly training sessions at the ECR office, fostering confidence, communication, and civic engagement among youth participants.
- Retreat Leadership: Facilitate select sessions during the retreat(s), emphasizing leadership reflection and goal setting.
- Youth Action Projects: Guide youth in developing and participating in community-focused special interest projects, existing campaigns and/or initiatives/coalitions that align with ECR’s mission.
- Legislative Day Preparation: Educate and train participants in advocacy skills for ECR’s Legislative Day at the Oregon Capitol.
Senior Cohort Program (25%)
- Advising and Training Support: Work with ECR’s leadership team to strengthen the curriculum, facilitation approach, and pedagogical methods.
- Facilitation and Coaching: Provide coaching to ECR staff and co-facilitate or lead selected sessions for the Senior Cohort.
- Program Documentation: Assist in formalizing the program’s theory of change, pedagogy, and curriculum, ensuring alignment with ECR’s long-term goals.
Qualifications
The ideal consultant or team will have:
- Proven experience designing and facilitating leadership development programs for youth and adult learners.
- Expertise in civic engagement, advocacy, and community organizing, with knowledge of East County’s social and political landscape.
- Experience delivering culturally relevant and inclusive training, particularly for Latine and diverse communities (such as LGBTQ+, immigrant, BIPOC).
- Strong facilitation skills, with the ability to coach ECR staff and create inclusive and engaging learning environments.
- Experience documenting curriculum, theory of change, and pedagogy that fosters critical thinking and civic leadership for organizational development.
- Ability to co-facilitate or lead portions of the Senior Cohort and Summer Intensive training.
Project Timeline
- Proposal Submission Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Selection Notification: April 10, 2025
- Summer Youth Intensive: Mid-June to Mid-August 2025, including:
- Kickoff: 3 days in June, June 16-18
- Weekly Sessions: 3-hour sessions, 6 weeks at ECR’s Office
- Legislative Day Preparation: June
- Commencement – Application of learnings in form of community-based civic engagement final project: 2 days, August 2-3
- Senior Cohort Program Outreach Launch: May 2025
Budget
The consultant will receive compensation aligned with the scope of work and experience. Please provide a detailed budget proposal that includes hourly or flat rates, travel expenses (if applicable), and any additional costs.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include the following:
- Cover Letter: Introduction to the consultant or team, including relevant experience.
- Approach and Methodology: Description of your approach to youth leadership development, facilitation, and program documentation and how you will incorporate ECR’s values.
- Proposed Curriculum Outline: Detailed overview of session topics and facilitation strategy.
- Budget Breakdown: Detailed cost proposal.
- References: At least two references from organizations or programs with similar training needs.
Submission
Please submit proposals via email to:
Josué Peña Juárez- Operations Director josue@eastcountyrisingaction.org