BFF LAB
FELLOWSHIP

Angling and Ecosystem: develop angling skills through an in-depth understanding of fish and their ecosystem. Fellows will learn about fish behavior through the seasons, river and stream ecology, habitat, and how to read water. Techniques and approaches will be based on these fundamental understandings. Fellows will develop both conventional and fly fishing skills. 

Justice and Environment: focuses on the intersection of identity, race, and environmental justice. By developing a foundation of knowledge around how socio-environmental forces interact, Fellows can better connect the impacts of environmental degradation and disaster on their own communities. Through this module, Fellows will develop advocacy skills.

Equity and Stewardship: examines environmental stewardship through an equity lens to guide fellows toward reimagining conservation to include a community and justice-centered focus. Through this module, Fellows will be introduced to a variety of BIPOC environmentalists as well as community-based environmental movements. 

Community and Impact: Fellows will workshop their projects through this module and will receive mentorship and guidance from an array of community organizers, leaders, and impact producers. This module will also support the cultivation of storytelling skills and techniques. 

ELIGIBILITY 

Applicants for the fellowship must meet each of the following requirements:

• • • • • Identify as Black, Indigenous, or person of color
        • Basic knowledge of fishing and interest in community organizing
        • Have demonstrated leadership capacity
        • Articulate how their project addresses into socio-environmental issues

In addition, BFF looks for applicants that demonstrate:

• • • • • Passion and leadership in responding to socio-environmental challenges
        • Commitment to the values of equity and justice in the conservation and outdoor fields
        • Eagerness to connect with and learn from others

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of leadership potential, ability to convey a coherent vision for environmental progress, and their ability to reach diverse constituencies and work across backgrounds. Additionally, applicants will be evaluated on their ability to clearly articulate how participating in this Lab will further their development as an angler, community organizer, and environmentalist.

Particular attention will be given to the applicant’s accomplishments, background, and the clarity, breadth, and thoughtfulness of responses to the questions in the application.