ALL VOICES • REQUIREMENTS and FAQS
To be considered for selection, applicants to ALL VOICES must
have access to the internet and technology required to meet remotely via Zoom and communicate via email, text and/or other online platforms such as Google Docs.
be available for meetings or communications between 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5).
be able to receive/understand a program that, at this time, is available only in spoken and written English.
Who/what is Living Proof Advocacy?
Living Proof Advocacy (LPA) is a communication skills training and consulting company that helps organizations and individuals tap the persuasive power of spoken first-person stories to create change. In addition to training and consulting, we offer a coaching certification program and graduate student internships. LPA is a public benefit corporation.
Who does LPA work with?
Our clients are organizations large and small who are working on today’s most important issues and who rely on people sharing their personal stories in order to advance their missions and reach their advocacy goals. The issues are far-reaching, from mental/physical health to the arts, safety, the environment, equity and more. About 60% of our clients are nonprofits; the rest are corporations or foundations. See representative clients here.
Who is underrepresented in communication and related fields?
Looking across various communication-related industries (including public relations) as well as recipients of communication degrees, we see underrepresentation by those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino/a/x, Asian or Asian American, multiracial/multiethnic, LGBTQIA+, gender non-conforming, two-spirit and/or as having disabilities. The majority of communications professionals are white women.
For additional information about demographics in communications:
What is considered the “early- or mid-stage” of a career/path?
Career/path status is not defined by age or educational level. We define “early-stage” as “just getting started” and “mid-stage” as “building new skills or seeking new opportunities.”
What is considered a “related field”?
While we consider ourselves working squarely in the communication field, those who do this work come from a variety of backgrounds. Related fields include public relations and media, journalism, oral history or personal narrative work, public speaking, storytelling, advocacy and activism, cause-related marketing, public-interest communication, health communication, theatre, performance studies, community organizing, nonprofit management and areas we probably haven’t even thought of. This list is not exhaustive!
WHAT WILL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE?
We’ve designed ALL VOICES to be a meaningful, career-boosting eight-week program conducted live online (from 2 to 9 hours of contact time per week).
Part skill-building classroom, part discussion hangout, part hands-on application, ALL VOICES provides participants the methods, skills and mindset necessary to help others share their personal stories powerfully to advocate for change. ALL VOICES explores communication best practices across cultures and communities.
ALL VOICES participants will work closely with LPA senior coaches and with others in their cohort, and upon successful completion will receive:
free LPA Coaching Certification training in LPA coaching methods and philosophies, including two full years of active certification and all associated benefits, such as ongoing support from LPA senior coaches, an online toolbox of coaching resources and more.
professional development support, including networking opportunities, career resources and exposure to various professional applications and paths.
collaborative learning and two-way mentorship with LPA coaches and fellow program participants via online meetups and small-group project work.
opportunities to shadow LPA coaches as they help individuals and organizations tap the power of personal stories to drive change.
hands-on experience coaching advocates who are sharing their personal stories to drive change.
guided creation of a personal statement of values and goals as it relates to working with advocacy and stories from lived experience.
help setting career goals and adapting story-coaching skills to various worlds of work.
Do I need a college degree to apply?
No, there are no specific educational requirements.
What is THE LPA Coaching Certification and how long does it last?
Participants in ALL VOICES receive free LPA Coaching Certification training, which includes two full years of active certification. After those two years, coaches have the option of renewing their certification for a fee.
What costs are involved to participate in the ALL VOICES program?
There are no costs involved with program participation.
What travel is required to participate in the ALL VOICES program?
The program is delivered virtually. No travel is required.
What time commitment will this require?
The time commitment will range from 2-9 contact hours per week with LPA senior coaches over the course of the eight-week program. Additional time will be required for independent work or small-group work with cohort members.
How will the cohort be selected, and by whom?
LPA cofounders, Tim Cage and John Capecci, assisted by members of the ALL VOICES Advisory Board will review applications and make final selection of a cohort of four to six individuals who:
all identify as members of one or more of the stated underrepresented groups
meet the technical/logistical requirements (see above)
comprise a cohort that is diverse in its diversity, including in terms of geography, cultural background, ability, generation and lived experience
if requiring accommodations, we are able to provide
demonstrate an ability to work in small groups respectfully and collaboratively
possess strong interpersonal skills
express a passion for helping others create the positive change they want to see
HOW IS LPA MAKING ALL VOICES ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE?
We have been so fortunate to have the wise advice of our ALL VOICES Advisory Board, professionals with lived experiences and lenses different from our own. With their input, we have worked to make the entire ALL VOICES experience accessible and inclusive.
These web pages—and the entire Living Proof Advocacy site— have been manually tested by natural users of adaptive technology and they meet WCAG 2.1 level AA standards.
See our full accessibility standards here.
WHO IS ON THE ALL VOICES ADVISORY BOARD?
The ALL VOICES Advisory Board is a diverse group of professionals from a variety of related fields who have generously donated their time to support LPA. Meet the Advisory Board members here.
Still have questions?
Contact us!