Apply to SoPL

The HEAL School of Political Leadership (SoPL) trains teams of leaders to champion food and farm systems that work for all of us. We believe our food and farm systems should prioritize: 

• Community needs over corporate profits 
• Biodiversity and thriving ecosystems 
• Safe and dignified working conditions that include living wages for working people & democratic decision-making for communities
• Food that is healthy, accessible, and affordable for all people

Now in its 8th year, SoPL seeks self-motivated and committed teams of 2-4 individuals who want to enhance their advocacy, organizing and political leadership skills to champion food and farm systems that are nourishing for our families, accessible and affordable to all communities; fair and dignified for working people across the food system; and that protect the air, water, and land we all depend on. 

We are looking for teams who have a clear idea for a campaign that they want to win and want to gain further experience in community organizing or policy advocacy while deepening networks with leaders across the country. We seek leaders who are:

• Meaningfully involved in their workplace or community
• Committed to uplifting socially, politically and/or economically marginalized communities

With a demonstrated ability to

• Bring together diverse groups to achieve a goal
• Articulate a shared political vision
• Inspire others to take action

*While SoPL prioritizes applicant teams from within HEAL’s organizational membership (with particular attention to candidates from frontline communities), we will also strongly consider applicant teams recommended by a HEAL member organization. Please note that space is limited to 4 teams.

Course 

HEAL’s expert trainers and guest speakers will teach the cohort strategies and skills to win organizing and policy campaigns. Sessions are designed based on the unique goals, needs and realities of participants and will include (but are not limited) to the following topics.

Power Analysis | Campaign Strategy Development | Field & Base Building | Policy Advocacy | Communications & Messaging | Ethical & Accountable Leadership | HEAL’s Platform for Real Food

The 2027 SoPL will be a hybrid, with five virtual and one in-person sessions if conditions allow. 

Throughout the course, team members will map institutional power systems in their own communities to assist in the development of their campaign plan. Teams will also learn to cultivate relationships with local media outlets to achieve a media placement such as an op-ed, press conference, or other event.

Key Dates

• October 15, 2026: SoPL Informational Webinar, 3:00pm-4:00pm ET / 2:00pm-3:00pm CT / 12:00pm – 1:00pm PT
• October 19, 2026: Applications Open
• November 11, 2026: Application Deadline 
• December 9, 2026: Application Acceptance Notification
• February 3 – 4, 2027: HEAL Welcome & Orientation
• February 24 – 25, 2027: Political Leadership
• March 17 – 18, 2027 : Power Analysis & Campaign Development
• April 7 – 8, 2027: Field & Base Building Strategy
• April 28 – 29, 2027: Communications Strategy  
• June 7 – 11, 2027: Closing & Celebration *in person*

Costs

The HEAL Food Alliance will cover the full cost of  training sessions, including travel, lodging, and meals for in-person sessions. In addition, teams will have the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant of up to $6,000 to support their campaign plan.

HEAL will also partially cover the costs for accessibility needs (e.g. wifi, child care, and meals) through stipends. Stipends will be determined based on individual needs. Any additional expenses incurred, will be the responsibility of the SoPL participant. 

Attendance

Teams must be available to attend all virtual and in-person gatherings. Optional offerings are our monthly office hours. SoPL teams can choose to meet with staff or facilitators once a month on an at need basis.

All team members are expected to be able to commit to 3 – 5 hours of “homework” between each session. SoPL is committed to supporting all teams and team members with accessibility needs and we will do our best to accommodate all participants. 

Individuals must receive permission from their respective employer or organization to attend all sessions in their entirety:

• February 3 – 4, 2027: HEAL Welcome & Orientation (4hrs/day)
• February 24 – 25, 2027: Political Leadership (4hrs/day)
• March 17 – 18, 2027 : Power Analysis & Campaign Development (4hrs/day)
• April 7 – 8, 2027: Field & Base Building Strategy (4hrs/day)
• April 28 – 29, 2027: Communications Strategy (4hrs/day) 
• June 7 – 11, 2027: Closing & Celebration *in person* (4 days)

• • Review the above program description and FAQ below
  • Identify a team of 2-4 individuals from your community and a relevant policy/advocacy or community organizing campaign 
  • Receive an organizational letter of support 
    • For applicants based at HEAL member organizations, a letter of support is welcome but not mandatory 

• Applicants from non-member organizations are required to submit a letter of support from a HEAL member organization they have worked alongside, or are currently working with. Please see our list of member organizations. If you need more info on how to connect with a HEAL member for SoPL support, please reach out to the contact information listed below.

• Complete online application (1 for the whole team) including
  • A cover letter or resume (1 for each person that’s part of the team)
  • Samples of relevant work (optional)
• Submit by or before Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:59pm (PST).

Candidates will be notified about their application status by Wednesday, December 9, 2026. 

Any questions, please direct them to Marlene Manzo at marlene@healfoodalliance.org.

What if I don’t meet all the criteria?

We’re seeking leaders who are accountable to our communities and to the vision and values of HEAL, and we expect that you will be able to demonstrate this. One way to demonstrate your commitment is through a letter of support from a HEAL member organization that is familiar with your work.  It’s okay if you don’t have all the skills yet to take political leadership – that’s why SoPL exists. We’ll look at your whole application, not just the checklist of criteria. 

Can I participate in SoPL if I work full time?

In short, yes. However, we encourage you to talk with your organization to make sure you can take time out of your regular work schedule to meet with us – this is part of why we ask for an organizational letter of support. 

The six SoPL sessions will be held over 2 weekdays per month in February, March, and April with an in-person session in June. Monthly team calls will take place in between the online gatherings. Teams are expected to attend ALL virtual and in person programming including sessions and team calls. 

How many people will be in the cohort? 

The cohort will have a maximum of 4 teams, with a preference for frontline organizers, advocates and grassroots leaders who are part of a member organization of the HEAL Food Alliance.

We request that applicants from non-member organizations read our website to ensure that you are solidly aligned with HEAL’s vision, mission and Platform for Real Food. We also require that you submit a letter of support/recommendation from a HEAL membership organization you have worked alongside or are currently working with. Please see our list of member organizations here. If you need more info on how to connect with a HEAL member for SoPL support, please reach out to the contact information listed above.

Will there be a waitlist?

Yes. Accepted participants will be expected to complete a contract of commitment to SoPL within one week of notification of acceptance to the program. If accepted participants are unable to commit, they will forfeit their space to the next team on the waitlist. 

Where will SoPL be held?

SoPL will take place over Zoom and in-person. Between virtual sessions, participants will meet online and by phone. Participants should anticipate completing approximately 3-5 hours of “homework” between each virtual session. HEAL staff are committed to supporting all teams with accessibility needs.

If I’m selected, what will I need to participate?

You’ll get as much out of SoPL as you give to it, and your participation impacts everyone else’s experience too. You must receive permission from your organization/employer to ensure your attendance during the session dates above. You must set aside sufficient time for the monthly team calls and homework. Additionally, participants will require stable internet access for all virtual sessions (if you don’t have great internet access, talk to us; we’ll help if we can). 

HEAL staff will be contacting the cohort upon selection to confirm their connectivity, scheduling status, and needs.

To get the most out of your SoPL experience, we recommend the following materials:

• Desktop computer or laptop (mobile devices have limited capacity for document sharing and viewing presentations)
• Reliable wi-fi connection
• Webcam, if your computer does not already have one
• A free Zoom account
• Optional: printer access if you prefer printed copies of materials. All SoPL materials are electronic.
• A valid ID to enable travel

If you need support accessing any of the above materials, feel free to indicate that in your application. If you’re accepted, we’ll work with you to meet your material needs as much as possible.

How much does it cost?

HEAL will cover the cost of tuition for all participants, and provide stipends on an as-needed basis to support accessibility needs for virtual sessions and meetings (e.g. wifi). The award amount is determined on a per person basis. Airfare, ground transportation, lodging, and meals are covered by HEAL for in-person sessions.

Where can I find out more?

Check out our informational webinar to learn about the application process and hear from past SoPL participants about their experiences. Watch a recording of the SoPL info session  >>

“This is about food sovereignty and the ways we are learning to heal the land and heal ourselves. HEAL understands how hard this work is, how much it asks of us as organizers of color, what the stakes are and why we need each other to win. SoPL gives us these chances to be together and be vulnerable, to share our big dreams and our fears; to learn from some of the best in our field and take on some of the biggest battles of our time.” – Zoe Hollomon 2021 Cohort

“Through SoPL, my understanding of power has changed a lot. I feel a sense of calm and peace … change is very much possible. Sharing space with people who have done the work of pushing for policies centered around humanity, dignity, livelihood, and personhood proves that it is possible.” – Marco Lemus 2022

Through the School of Political Leadership, T.H.E.M has been provided access to a political education-focused language which describes a truth many of us have collectively experienced: that BIPOC farmers are best positioned to design and lead solutions which transform our food system, with a critical analysis of its intersection with other community concerns, such as racial equity, immigrant workers rights, and climate justice. – Bea Fry and Jazmin Martinez 2022