State wildlife decisions have long been made by a small set of entrenched interests — leaving most people, and most wildlife, without a voice. Building Power for Wildlife Justice is our answer: a practical, political, and values-driven organizing training that builds up the next generation of organizers to win democratic, science-forward wildlife policy in the states.

Building Power for Wildlife Justice is a free 8-week program with a curriculum that provides advocates an opportunity for ongoing mentorship from experienced organizers, campaign strategists, and wildlife scientists. You’ll have access to a national network of partner organizations, legal counselors, and science advisors for campaign planning and execution. Throughout the course of the program, you’ll develop a practical campaign plan to deploy in your own state and receive a certificate of completion.

Cohort 1 Report:

In January 2026, Wildlife for All launched our inaugural cohort of Building Power for Wildlife Justice, an eight-week organizing intensive training program designed to equip grassroots advocates with the skills, confidence, and strategy needed to advance state-level wildlife governance reform. The program brought together a diverse cohort of 19 advocates from 13 states across the United States, many of whom were new to policy advocacy but deeply committed to protecting wildlife. Over eight weeks, participants moved from foundational learning to developing and launching real-world advocacy campaigns targeting decision-makers, agencies, and policies in their home states.

Read the report. 

For funders & partners:  We are building a replicable movement infrastructure that connects narrative power, community organizing, and policy strategy to permanently shift state wildlife governance. If your foundation or organization is interested in funding or partnering on this program, please contact info[at]wildlifeforall[dot]us for the LOI and full program brief.

Why organize in states?

State wildlife agencies and commissions are where the rules that govern wildlife policy are written — and too often those bodies don’t represent the public. Modern conservation requires both science and democracy: diverse leadership, accountable trusteeship, and policies that protect whole ecosystems and communities.

Building Power for Wildlife Justice was created to:

• Center people power. We train advocates from across the country on how to organize their communities and lead sustained campaigns.
• Shift systems, not just singular fights. To see real change, we must move beyond reactive campaigns to strategic, state-level reforms that change who sits at the table and how decisions are made.
• Fuse science with values. We’re equipping advocates to use rigorous science, diverse knowledge systems, and public values to reframe wildlife governance to fit with how the majority of Americans view wildlife: as wild neighbors who deserve our respect and coexistence.

Who should apply

We seek committed wildlife advocates, organizers, and emerging leaders who:

• Want to lead long-term, state-level campaigns for wildlife, public lands, and democratic governance.
• Live or work in a U.S. state
• Are ready to commit time to this program and to lead or co-lead a local campaign.
• Come from — or work closely with — communities most affected by undemocratic and unjust decision-making (Indigenous, rural, frontline, working-class, Black communities, and communities of color). We strongly encourage BIPOC, rural, and early-career organizers to apply.

Time commitment & logistics

• Program length: Core training (8 weeks) + 6 months of implementation support.
• Weekly time estimate: 4–6 hours for live sessions, readings, and cohort work (some weeks vary).
• Format: Hybrid — live virtual workshops (recorded if you must miss) + regional in-person convenings when possible.
  • Accessibility: All workshops will have closed captioning and for now, be conducted in English. We are looking for Spanish interpreters and hope to offer that option soon.
  • Virtual workshops will be hosted on Zoom and are best experienced with the full participation allowed by an internet connection with video streaming capability. You will not be required to be on video and can also join by phone if needed.

Questions? Contact: info[at]wildlifeforall[dot]us