Together, We Grow
Natural Helpers are the people in our community who others naturally turn to for help. They are parents, neighbors, coworkers, faith leaders, students, and advocates who lead with heart and embody a deep commitment to helping others thrive.
More than a leadership program, Natural Helpers is a model for strengthening civic infrastructure through converting trust, lived experiences and social connection into measurable community capacity. The fellowship does this through investing in the growth of trusted, community-based leaders that work together across differences to improve belonging, increase access to resources, and expand Portland’s capacity to solve problems collectively.
Are You A Natural Helper?
The Fellowship Details
Natural Helpers is an intensive and immersive 5-month fellowship where fellows will connect deeply with resources in the greater Portland area through ten full days of leadership training.
During the training, participants will learn in detail about the community resources available in Portland. Participants will make connections with other community and organizational leaders with whom they can share challenges, experiences, and best practices.
Each Natural Helper Fellow receives education, career advancement opportunities, and stable social networking that results in economic mobility, educational credentials and a mayoral certificate.
1. What is the program experience like?
Natural Helpers offers a unique fellowship experience designed to strengthen leadership, connection, and growth.
Fellows will benefit from:
Mentorship- Each fellow is paired with an experienced local leader as their mentor.
Immersive Experience- Participation in unique team building activities like horseback riding or skiing.
Experiential Learning- Hands-on experiences and education with organizations across Portland.
Access & Networks- Direct connection to organizational leaders and civic networks.
Skill-Building- Training in leadership, resource navigation, advocacy, story-telling and more.
Community & Belonging- Shared meals, deep connections, and lifelong alumni membership.
2. What are the benefits and compensation?
We understand that your time is valuable, and participation in Natural Helpers is an additional commitment on top of the leadership you already provide in your community. To support your involvement, the program provides:
Childcare Stipend Available for Fellows to cover childcare needs during program sessions.
Transportation Support Reimbursements available to cover travel costs to program sessions and activities.
Meals Provided Free breakfast and lunch from local restaurants during program sessions.
One-on-One guidance with cohort facilitators to support their growth.
Certificates Fellows receive a Mayoral Certificate and a USM Leadership Certificate upon successful graduation of the program.
Community Impact Funding Access to funding to support community initiatives or professional development.
3. What are the graduation requirements?
To successfully graduate and be admitted into the Natural Helpers Alumni group, the fellow must complete the following graduation requirements:
Resource Learning- Fellows are asked to attend 60 hours of knowledge seminars with local organizational leaders. These conversations explore navigating and understand critical systems such as housing, healthcare or immigration.
Mentorship- Fellows must meet with their assigned mentor at least once to forge meaningful connections in their professional and personal development.
Networking- Fellows are asked to attend 1 networking event with communities they don’t often interact with.
Volunteering- Fellows must engage in 8 hours of volunteering with organizations or communities.
Civic Advocacy- Fellows must speak at their city council about critical issues and needs in their communities.
Impacting + Sharing- Fellows must take what they learn during the fellowship and tangible impact 5 individuals and share with 10 individuals in their community.
4. Is this fellowship for me?
If you find yourself with a desire to help and support your neighbors, friends, and community so that they may thrive, than yes!
Applicants must showcase their desire to learn, put ideas into action, tackle critical systems, and work collaboratively across perspectives.
Applicants must be willing to complete all program components.
While we honor and uphold all languages spoken during the fellowship, participants must have a working knowledge of English.