Are you a problem solver?
Together We Grow.
Join the Natural Helpers Fellowship and become a catalyst for positive change in Portland’s divers communities.
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Portland is a Welcoming City that wants all residents to feel like they belong here, and Natural Helpers is a shining example of that commitment.
— Mayor Mark Dion
Bridging Communities,
Building Leaders
“Natural Helpers” is a nationwide program designed to bridge the gap between residents and the resources available by identifying, training and empowering local community members.
Launched by the Office of Economic Opportunity in February 2020, the inaugural Natural Helpers program was designed as a weekend leadership program to connect community members to resources and opportunities to foster a greater sense of belonging in all aspects of life in Portland.
In 2024, the program was expanded to become a 4 month fellowship, with 8 full-day, immersive sessions focused on introducing a diverse cohort of fellows to a range of community resources and organizations, leadership training and community building opportunities.
The Natural Helpers Mission
B . M. B
Be Better Equipped
The work “Natural Helpers” are already doing is incredibly important. Become an even more valuable resource to your community with trainings, tools, and resources that can help you to best serve your community.
Make Connections
Not only will you learn more about the resources available to you and your community, but make connections with other community leaders with whom you can share challenges, experiences, and best practices.
Boost Community
Adjusting to a new life and culture is a very difficult process, but with informed and empowered leaders, communities of New Mainers can thrive and feel more at home in Portland.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference
Ideal Candidates Are:
Community members passionate about fostering inclusion and belonging
Natural connectors who enjoy bringing people together
Individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
Have experience helping community members find resources
Have effective communication skills
Be aware of the needs and goings-on in their community
Have access to a computer or smartphone with ability to regularly check email
People eager to learn about community resources and organizations
Leaders ready to drive positive change in Portland
The Natural Helpers Fellowship is a part of the Welcoming America network, a network of 300+ non-profits and government agencies working to build more inclusive and welcoming communities within the United States. Learn more at Welcoming America.
The Natural Helpers RoadMap
Your NH Journey | Follow the part to becoming a more valuable and resourceful community leader
8 Saturday Sessions
Bi-weekly • 8 hours each
Immersive learning experiences
8 Volunteer Hours
Workforce & Community Development
Hands-on community service
Networking
Connect with 50+ Partners
CBOs, Government Agencies
and Private Businesses
*Must attend at least one networking activity
Immersive Activities
Unique experiences
Like downhill skiing!
Graduate
57+ hours complete
Join our alumni network
Extracurriculars
Optional activities & mentorship
Community Impact
Real change in Portland
Fellowship Details (More About the NH Program)
Natural Helpers is an intensive and immersive fellowship where fellows will connect deeply with resources in the greater Portland area. Fellows will receive 8 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.
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Applications and nominations open: November 2025
Applications close: December 2025
Interviews: December 2025
Final selection of cohort: January 2026
Dates of training: February- May 2026
Graduation: May 2026
All trainings are currently scheduled to take place at City Hall (389 Congress St.), however there will be some alternate sites. Sites will be provided to selected cohort.
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We understand that your time is valuable, we also understand that to participate will be an additional task on top of the leadership each fellow provides to the community. Because of this, Natural Helpers program will provide the following stipends:
Childcare Stipend- Childcare Stipend will be provided for Fellows with families .
Transportation- Transportation Stipend for Fellows.
Fellowship Stipend- All Fellows will receive a stipend for participation. First payment at the midpoint of the program and last payment at the end.
We will provide Free breakfast and lunch.
Group network final dinner + graduation dinner.
We will provide Mentorship through various sources.
Access to Organization Leaders/ Networks across Portland.
Immersive experience with organizations from various sectors
OEO + NH Swag and clothing gear.
We will provide a Mayoral NH certificate, USM educational certificate and credentialing.
** Others: Leadership & facilitation skills, Deep community connections, cultural competency training and lifelong Natural Helpers alumni membership
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How do you connect the dots?
There are countless resources available to Portlanders, and this session seeks to educate you on knowing what these specific resources are, where to find them, and how to access them so you can guide your fellow community members in doing the same. Community organizations and services will be presenting on what they have to offer and how to access their essential services. Some topics include accessing legal services, the Metro, recreation, enrolling in school and healthcare, and more. During these sessions, Natural Helpers will also have the chance to apply what they have learned by analyzing several case studies and making appropriate references to services that could help in each unique scenario.
How can you problem solve through leadership skills?
You will likely encounter (and probably already have encountered) a diverse set of situations and problems varying in scope. This session will focus on how to develop leadership skills to provide Natural Helpers with the means and knowledge to assess and deal with the situation at hand in the most professional, effective, and sensitive way.
The Natural Helpers Impact
Measuring our Collective Difference in Portland Communities
5000+
Community Member Served
20+
Community Initiatives
20+
Partner Organizations
100+
Fellows Trained
Our Partners & Supporters
Working together to build inclusive communities
Everyone belongs in Portland, Maine.
The Office of Economic Opportunity is dedicated to ensuring full participation in the systems that shape the lives of all communities. Participants in the Natural Helpers Leadership Program will serve the community and the city to address needs and drive equity.