Training and Leadership Development »

CHC provides a comprehensive annual training program based on its leadership development and training goals that provides fellows with the tools and knowledge they need to be effective in their field and policy placements. Training sessions incorporate the views and voices of people who have experienced poverty themselves and explore the impact of identity, privilege, and oppression.

“The Fellowship taught me more in 12 months than I could have learned about domestic anti-poverty politics and policy doing anything else I can think of.  I learned about a wide range of programs and policies, how they are implemented, and how they translate into impacting individuals in different communities.”

- Indivar Dutta-Gupta: 2006 Emerson Fellow, 12th class

Fellows build a deep understanding of the issues:

• hunger
• poverty
• racial and social oppression
• community development
• food systems
• approaches to social justice work

Fellows learn relevant skill sets, such as:

• program development
• public speaking
• field research methods
• policy writing
• legislative process

CHC trainers are:

• Activists
• Scholars
• Government officials
• Fellow alumni
• CHC staff

Components of the training program include field training, mid-field retreat, field debrief and policy training, and professional development days.

A recent evaluation of the Emerson Program measured the overall quality and utility of training program and found that:

• The trainings were a core component of the fellowship program. They not only helped prepare fellows for their field and policy placements, but also helped build a sense of community among the fellows.
• Program alumni rated the trainings highly, with the field and policy trainings receiving the highest marks.
• Site supervisors in both field and policy sites felt the trainings more than adequately prepared fellows for their placements.

Become a Fellow

Join the movement to ensure access to nutritious, affordable and culturally appropriate food for all people. Learn More

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