National Artists of Texas Fellowship | MOVE Texas

Who We Are

MOVE (Mobilize, Organize, Vote, Empower) Texas innovates democracy for our generation. We work daily to build a more just and representative future that empowers inspiring new leaders to keep making Texas better. Our vision is to build the political power of young people to transform democracy in Texas and beyond. While we are known as MOVE Texas, we are comprised of two organizations.

• MOVE Texas Action Fund (501(c)(4) is the political arm of MOVE Texas, an organization dedicated to building the political power of young people in underrepresented communities through civic engagement, leadership development, and issue advocacy.

• MOVE Texas Civic Fund (501(c)(3) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots organization building power in underrepresented youth communities through civic education, leadership development, and issue advocacy.

MOVE Texas operates throughout Texas and primarily in San Antonio, Laredo, Seguin, San Marcos, Austin, Houston, College Station, Fort Worth, Denton, and Dallas. We plan to continue growing and serving other cities and counties beyond these areas.

Our Values & Commitments

We are an organization that leads from our values of People First, Equity, Imagination & Action, Sustainability, & Community Focus. We are dedicated to hiring a diverse workforce that fosters personal and professional development opportunities. We provide a collaborative and supportive environment built upon our fundamental core principles, where each employee is valued.

Job Summary

The National Artists of Texas Fellowship is a project-based fellowship for artists who see their creative practice as a tool for collective liberation. Designed for strong, practicing artists eager to merge art with activism, this fellowship provides space to develop original work that sparks conversations, builds collective power, and moves Texans to take action. 

In each fellowship cycle, fellows explore a central theme—ranging from civic engagement to various issue advocacy areas —using their craft to confront systems of oppression and uplift movements for social progress. With mentorship, strategic guidance, and a platform to amplify their work, fellows create dynamic pieces contributing to cultural organizing and grassroots campaigns. 

Rooted in the belief that art fuels resistance, joy, and transformation, this fellowship nurtures a growing community of artists shaping Texas' progressive movement. Through political and civic education, fellows deepen their understanding of messaging, storytelling, and cultural strategy—ensuring their work resonates and drives greater collective action.

Cycle Theme - We Know Our Worth

At MOVE Texas, we believe in the power of young people to demand a future where our voices are heard, our communities are valued, and our leadership shapes the policies that impact our daily lives. We Know Our Worth is a rallying cry for a new generation of Texans who refuse to be sidelined. 

For too long, corporate interests and extremist politicians have tried to divide and silence us, pitting communities against each other while rigging the system in their favor. But we see through their game. We know that our strength lies in standing together—Black, Brown, white, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, working-class, and every identity in between—to build a Texas where we can all thrive. As we take our advocacy to the Texas Legislature, we do so with the conviction that we deserve better. 

We deserve climate solutions that address the challenges we face, schools that reflect and respect our diverse histories, a democracy that is truly for the people, and policies that put our well-being over corporate profits. We are here to remind those in power: we are the future, and we know our worth.

Presenting the Final Project

The project (public art, performance, etc.) is expected to be woven into the fabric of our We Know Our Worth Rally in May, but the final completed project doesn’t have to be completed until the project showcase at the end of the fellowship.

What You’ll Do

• Communications Division Support

  • Work collaboratively across the Texas organizing ecosystem, internally and externally, to build power for elections, legislative sessions, and issue campaigns. 

  • Maintain a respectful reputation for MOVE Texas by using messaging that follows our mission, tracks our visions, and exemplifies our values.

  • Attend all training and community calls, as required.

  • Participate in check-ins with your direct supervisor.
    

• Election Year Support (Even Years)

  • Receive civic education on the voter registration process, and engage in regional education to better tailor issue-based artwork in support of electoral and civic engagement campaigns. 

  • Create artwork supporting voter registration, civic education, issue advocacy, and voter mobilization for the primary, runoff, and presidential elections.
    

• Legislative Year Support (Odd Years)

  • Gain political, cultural, and organizing knowledge while designing a project that encourages political engagement and supports our legislative agenda.

  • Collaborate with the Communications Team to create one project that will be featured at the We Know Our Worth Rally at the State Capitol in May.

  • Present a final project at the end of the fellowship in June.
    

• Organizational Accountability 

  • Track and manage the promotional materials and supplies provided by MOVE Texas, including overseeing the project budget for supplies and ensuring the proper handling of any supplemental materials.

  • Ensure compliance with regulations for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities.

  • Show the ability to use your skills and knowledge to effectively complete job tasks and assignments.

    
    

🗓️ The start date for these positions is Monday, April 14, 2025. 

Who You Are (the must-haves)

A Community Builder. You are ready to take your skills to the next level in building civic engagement across communities. You recognize the power of organizing and the vital importance of ensuring every voice is heard, particularly in advocating for voting rights and political representation. With a deep commitment to uniting people, you are eager to connect communities, especially young people, to build political power and transform democracy. You understand that Texas communities are linked by shared struggles and challenges. You have a solid understanding of local political landscapes, including progressive issues and the barriers to democracy in Texas.

A Natural Cultural Organizer. You have a deep-rooted passion for your community and a natural ability to bring people together around shared values and goals. You understand the power of culture in shaping collective identity and are skilled at using art, storytelling, and community traditions to spark conversations and mobilize others. You recognize that cultural expression is a powerful tool for advocacy, and you know how to connect people to a larger movement by tapping into their experiences and cultural backgrounds. You are not only an artist but also a connector, fostering relationships and collaborations that amplify community voices and create space for everyone to participate. You are driven by a commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and cultural empowerment, and you see your role as helping others find their own power through culture and activism.

Prepared and Organized for Leadership. You are fully prepared to engage in the Fellowship program and have the skills and time management abilities to balance this commitment alongside other professional, academic, and personal responsibilities. You take the initiative to solve challenges independently, but also know when to seek support. You understand how to prioritize effectively, meet deadlines, and demonstrate the impact of your contributions toward advancing the organization’s mission. You are ready to lead nonpartisan initiatives and guide others, even in a politically challenging environment, to achieve our shared goals.

Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills.  You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are prepared to respond to time-sensitive work. Your ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds allows you to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. You lead with integrity, respecting differing opinions while promoting inclusivity and equality. You know how to leverage media—social, print, and beyond—to amplify important causes and raise awareness. Your communication is empathetic, and you know how to actively listen and share information to inspire action.

Justice & Inclusion Focused. Your passion for justice is evident in your commitment to engaging your community and advocating for policies that promote voting rights, climate justice, and gender justice. You are deeply aligned with MOVE’s mission to build political power among young people, and your enthusiasm inspires others to join this movement. You actively contribute to an inclusive and welcoming culture, always modeling behaviors that reflect our values of justice, inclusion, and collective progress.

Nonpartisan Commitment. As a National Artist of Texas Fellow, you are committed to maintaining a nonpartisan stance. You understand the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest, and that any campaign involvement must be separate from your work with MOVE Texas.

Our Wishlist (the pluses)

• Proven experience in artistic leadership roles and/or as a self-driven organizer, including managing or guiding projects and/or teams. 

• A strong track record in advocacy or community service, particularly in areas related to democracy reform, climate justice, or gender justice. 

• Expertise or significant involvement in political or social justice movements, with a deep understanding of the issues impacting these areas. 

• A demonstrated ability to navigate complex issues around race, identity, and equity, with a strong commitment to driving meaningful change and advancing inclusion and justice within your work and beyond.

Position Details

This is a part-time, temporary, stipend, non-exempt position in an 8-week long program with a regular commitment of 20-24 hours per week. You must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the United States to participate in this program. This position requires the employee to reside in Texas. The National Artists of Texas Fellowship position is a hybrid position (20% in-person, 80% virtual) that requires reliable access to transportation, wifi, and a dedicated working space. Statewide travel includes attending the We Know Our Worth Rally in May and the showcase in June, but can vary based on organizational needs. The employee is responsible for maintaining valid travel documentation. The organization will cover required travel expenses. The stipend for this position is $2,250.00 monthly. National Artists of Texas Fellows will also have a $1,000 project budget available to them over the course of the Fellowship for use for project supplies. This is a non-supervisory position that reports directly to the Senior Communications Program Manager. This is not a union-eligible position. 

Physical &  Mental Requirements

• Occasional periods of sitting at a desk and constantly operating on a computer

• Occasional walks, stands, and moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for in-person events

• Occasional works in outdoor weather conditions for in-person events 

• Occasional moves throughout the community and inside and across buildings to access meetings or to conduct site visits for in-person work.

• Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, ability to communicate with coworkers and partners, ability to

Application Timeline

• 🚀 Thurs. March 27 | Application Opens

• 📽️ Mon. March 31 | Begin virtual interviews on a rolling basis

• ⚠️ Fri. April 4 | Application Closes

  • Will continue accepting applications on a rolling bases if needed.

• ⚠️ Mon. April 7 | Last Day of Interviews

  • Will continue interviews on a rolling basis if needed.

• 🚦Mon. April 7 | Determinations & Notification

• ⏳ Wed. April 9 | Deadline to Accept Offer

• 🏁 Monday, April 14th | First Day, Kick Off Onboarding & Orientation

• 🏁 Saturday, June 7th | Last Day