ABC is open to all Native women in Washington State who are interested in expanding their knowledge on advocacy and aspire to deepen their involvement in political leadership.

This program is non-partisan, and all political affiliations are welcome.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must identify as Native American, Alaska Native, First Nations, and/or Indigenous. Enrollment in a federally recognized tribe is not required; however, applicants will be required to include documentation of Indigenous ancestry, which can include enrollment and/or a brief narrative describing Indigenous ancestry, including name(s) of indigenous communities and connections to those communities.

• Participants must primarily reside in the State of Washington (to include sovereign tribal lands within the exterior boundaries of Washington State).

• Applicant must self-identify as a woman. We recognize that gender is both fluid and expansive, and our programs are open to those who identify as two-spirit, nonbinary, and/or genderqueer and feel comfortable in woman-focused spaces.

• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age as of April 23, 2026.

• Applicant must be able to attend and fully participate in the Advocacy Boot Camp welcome retreat as well as all follow up meetings (dates below).

Successful applicants will have:

• Involvement in and commitment to community service and advocacy.

• Demonstrated interest and/or commitment to developing a pathway to political leadership – this can be serving on boards and commissions, running for elected office (local/tribal/school board/other offices), or pursuing careers related to policy, advocacy, government, and/or campaigns.

• Demonstrated effort and thoughtfulness in completing this application.

Applications will close on Sunday, February 15, 2026 11:59pm PST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be evaluated upon submission, and those who are selected to enter round 2 of the application process will be invited to complete an interview on a rolling basis, and so applicants are highly encouraged to submit their applications early.

All applicants will be notified of their application status on March 6, 2026.

Selected applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable program fee of $250.

The full cost of the program is significantly higher than the required fee, and NAN is able cover the vast majority of costs affiliated with the program, including lodging during the welcome retreat, meals, staff and speaker costs, and program materials. Unfortunately, NAN is unable to offer childcare or accommodate guests.

Selected participants must also arrange for their own transportation.

Please reach out if a payment plan needs to be arranged.

ABC participants will be required to attend 3 events throughout 2026: the welcome retreat in April and 2 in-person follow up sessions . Failure to attend the entire program will result in being excused from the program. All in-person events will be held across Washington.

2026 Program Timeline (Subject to change):

• Thursday - Sunday, April 23 – 26: Welcome retreat (in-person, Bainbridge Island, WA)

• Saturday, May 16: Follow up 1 (in-person, 8:00am - 5:00pm, location TBD)

• Saturday, June 27: Follow up 2 (in-person, 8:00am - 5:00pm, location TBD)

The April kick-off retreat is an "in-residence" program, meaning attendees will be expected to stay on-campus the entire program, including overnight, to maximize the experience and participate in the sisterhood. All food and snacks will be provided by NAN during the retreat. The retreat is hosted at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island, WA. More information on their campus can be found on their website.

Participants will be paired with another cohort member to an assigned room (double occupancy) during the retreat. You will share one bathroom per room. Please make a note at the end of your application if this is a concern.

The follow-up meetings will not require overnight accommodations.