The Spring 2025 cohort of the Ruidosos Fellowship will focus on two key areas:

• Understanding narrative power and the regional terrain 
• Executing mass media and press strategies for an organization

During the Ruidosos Fellowship, the program will kick off with a one-week intensive Academy. In the Academy, fellows will learn about the fundamentals of narrative and the history of how social movements have used mass media. Fellows will also allocate time to start their cohort project. 

After the Academy, we will meet biweekly (approximately every other week) for on-going workshops, co-working sessions, and other cohort activities. We will incorporate plenty of time for fellows to complete their cohort project by the end of the program. Ruido Studios will regularly schedule 1-1 check ins with all fellows to provide support. 

If you are applying under Option 2, you will be paired with South Texas Environmental Justice Network, our host organization, as a communications organizer to support their day-to-day activities and campaigns. Your role duties may include:

• Designing graphics for mobilizations 
• Press outreach and management
• Managing social media accounts
• Using Action Network to set up mass email blasts and other actions
• Support during events, protests, and other activities

All fellows will co-present on the cohort project during our Ruidosos Fellowship graduation.

Our Spring 2025 Ruidosos Fellows will work on researching and analyzing the regional terrain through which narratives flow and spread. Ruido Studios’ ultimate goal is to create a guide that illustrates all the diverse mediums through which border residents are exposed to ideas that influence their beliefs on the issues we are targeting (culture, immigration, environment, reproductive justice, LGBTQ, and the economy). 

For this cohort, fellows will focus on researching media and press outlets in the Rio Grande Valley. 

Must haves:

• Be based in the Rio Grande Valley
• Demonstrate a long-term commitment to progressive communications and community organizing on the border
• Trainings will go from intermediate to advance level,  so we recommend having at least 1 year of experience in communications and/or digital organizing— whether that’s through DIY independent projects, grassroots groups, or working with nonprofit organizations
• You are able to dedicate the time requirements and expectations of the program. 
• You are interested in pursuing a career in communications, digital organizing, movement journalism, or related field

Other important factors:

• English and Spanish fluency is highly preferred, but not required
• People of all immigration statuses are eligible to apply

• Step 1: Attend info session (optional)
• Step 2: Submit application
• Step 3: If you are selected, schedule your virtual interview with Ruido Studios
• Step 4: (Option 2 only) If you are selected, virtually complete brief scenario exercise 
• Step 5: Ruido Studios sends acceptance notices