We are ready for the next generation of leaders

01 | Building a responsive democracy

We're in a moment defined by great challenges but also boundless opportunity. Young leaders — diverse, energetic, and unlimited by the way things have always been done — will unlock the potential for a government that is responsive to the people.

02 | Government today

We can and must do better

I | Responsive government

Government must be responsive to people’s needs.

The actions of government workers determine our access to clean water, affordable internet, quality housing, life-saving healthcare, safe learning environments, voting rights, and more.

II | Trust deficit

People don’t trust government to serve them.

People and communities want different and expect more from our government. But they don’t feel like government is listening to them. They don’t trust government to do what’s right.

III | Future stake

Our futures are at stake.

Our governments have big problems to solve. Environmental sustainability. Social and racial justice. Investments in health and safety that don’t involve more police and prisons. Affordable healthcare. Better infrastructure that supports and connects us all.

IV | New leadership

People are policy.

We need a government composed of emerging leaders from all backgrounds to drive change where it matters. A shrinking state and local government workforce is opening the door to new leaders to build an inclusive government that works for all of us.

03 | Mission

Our Work

Government should be built for everyone. At Govern For America (GFA), we’re training and placing a diverse community of leaders to do this critical work.

“If there's a problem, we don't stop trying to solve it just because there's a barrier in our way. We keep pushing against it and thinking of different, creative ways to solve and make better outcomes for everyone. That's our responsibility.”

Heather Velasquez | GFA Partner & Executive Director of Administration at the Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration

This is what government can and should always look like.

04 | Join our movement

Right now, across the country, Govern For America Fellows are igniting partner agencies with much-needed passion and empathy, proximity to real community interests, and a drive to deliver transformative results for real people.

Where we work

GFA Fellows work where they’re most needed.

We are diverse and dynamic. Hungry for change. From 18 states and 28 academic institutions. With expertise spanning public policy, business analytics, comparative literature, public health, and beyond. And we have a vision of how the world can be different and what we can do to get there.

Who we are

GFA Fellows reflect the communities they serve.

GFA provides support and leadership training. Government partners offer full-time jobs. Fellows then work to reduce income inequality, end mass incarceration, mitigate climate change, and tackle our most pressing social problems. Just a few, important things. No big deal.  

“I think if you are looking as a younger person to do work that is meaningful, where you can directly change the lives of different communities you interact with, there's no better place to be than in government right now.”

Harrison MacRae | 2021 GFA Data Fellow at the Missouri Department of Administration

05 | Partner with us

Dear future government partners of GFA:

Our growing network of local and state partners are united by the pursuit of systemic change and a belief in the power of emerging leaders to reimagine a government that works for all of us. We’ll help you fill your hiring needs with supported and trained young leaders.

Govern For America

Govern For America (GFA) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) working to build the next generation of public servants to create a more responsive government that better reflects and serves our communities.


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© Govern For America 2024