VOIS is an acronym that stands for Voices of Influence and Storytelling.

The VOIS Institute is the latest initiative from Innovative Poverty Solutions, the organization behind Circles NWA.

The VOIS Institute will serve as a hub for community-based learning and a new form of thought leadership, dedicated to developing and implementing community-driven, community-based solutions to ending poverty. Community leadership is key to these efforts, particularly the type of lived-experience leadership and expertise that is often absent from community development and poverty alleviation efforts. The VOIS Fellows Program is a specific effort toward developing the type of community leadership from those considered “ALICE” in Arkansas (Circle Leader graduates of the Circles Program). 

The VOIS Institute is also rooted in the work to reshape narratives of poverty in NWA in ways that make visible the complex, dynamic, and structural nature of poverty is that is frequently overlooked or misunderstood. VOIS Fellows play a particularly influential role in this work through the power of their stories and lived-experiences and the Fellows Program is dedicated to helping develop them as effective storytellers and leaders with real voices of influence in NWA.

A fellow is an individual who participates in a program of study, typically within an academic, professional, or organizational context. Fellowship programs often provide participants with opportunities for specialized training, mentorship, networking, and collaboration.

In various fields, fellowship programs serve to cultivate talent, foster innovation, and advance knowledge and expertise in specific areas.

Overall, fellows are recognized for their potential, expertise, or contributions to a particular field and are often engaged in activities aimed at advancing their knowledge, skills, and impact.

Community leaders play a vital role in shaping the fabric of society and driving positive change. Their commitment, vision, and ability to unite people are crucial in fostering unity and progression within their communities. Whether they hold formal positions or emerge as influential figures through their actions, these leaders have the power to inspire, organize, and mobilize individuals toward a common goal. 

The VOIS Institute Fellowship is currently open to all Circle Leaders who have graduated from the Circles NWA program. If you are a current Circle Leader who has not yet graduated and would like to get involved, please reach out to Ana at ana@circlesnwa.org.

The program will focus on developing Fellows' leadership skills through the participation in weekly workshops, lessons from experts, hands-on practice, readings, and/or podcasts, covering a variety of topics. Below is a sample of some of the topic we will explore:

Storytelling and Advocacy Techniques

• Effective Storytelling Techniques for Social Change (How to Tell Your Story)

• Effective Advocacy and Engagement Techniques to Engage Elected Officials

• Media Training (Public Speaking, Public Relations)

• Understanding Policy and Legislative Process

• Advocacy Campaign Planning and Management

Networking, Relationships, and Community Building

• Networking and Relationship Building

• Coalition Building and Community Organizing

• Collaboration Skills

• Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

• Community Building

Fellows will also play a key role in advising on and advancing the Circles Big View work seeking to advance community-driven solutions to ending poverty.

The program will also include time for Fellows to reconnect with their Allies or Circles Staff to continue to progress in their personal goals and budgeting check-ins.

The program meets weekly with breaks (off-weeks) built in throughout the semesters. The program typically includes 2 program content/training nights per month, 1 week dedicated to checking in on personal goals with Allies or Circles staff, and 1 week dedicated to helping lead the Circles Big View Program or other community-based initiatives. There will also be 1-2 weekend retreats and an opportunity to travel to Little Rock for the 2025 legislative session for Fellows interested in this opportunity.

As a VOIS Fellow, we are asking you to make a similar commitment to yourself and the other Fellows in your cohort as you did during the Circles program. In Circles you committed to regularly showing up, investing yourself in the program, pursuing your goals, building social capital, growing as a leader, and supporting one other. We understand that schedule conflicts can arise, but we ask that you making the same kind of commitment to the VOIS Fellows Program. Just as in Circles, we will do what we can to help remove barriers to accessibility (e.g. childcare, meals) so that you can participate to the fullest extent possible. If you have concerns about the commitment or your ability to fully participate in the program, please contact Ana Hurley to discuss.

First year fellows commit to one year in the VOIS Fellows Program.