WHAT IS PUBLIC ALLIES?

Public Allies is a national movement committed to advancing social justice and equity by engaging and activating the leadership capacities of young people. Its 10-month apprenticeship program offers a pathway into social justice careers. Participants receive a monthly stipend and medical benefits to support living costs, as well as an educational stipend upon completion of the program.

Public Allies Maryland is a program of Baltimore Corps and a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Our program is made possible through funding of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

what is baltimore corps?

Baltimore Corps enlists talent to accelerate social innovation in Baltimore and advance a citywide agenda for equity and racial justice. At Baltimore Corps, we believe that by empowering today’s visionaries alongside tomorrow’s generation of leaders, we can build a stronger and healthier city, making Baltimore the social change capital of the United States. 

What does Baltimore Corps look for in a PARTNER organization?

Baltimore Corps’ partner organizations are those tackling Baltimore’s biggest challenges. A partner organization can be a nonprofit organization, for-profit social enterprise, government agency, or other impact-oriented initiative that hosts a Baltimore Corps Public Ally for 10 months with the option to extend. 

While applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis, each of our partners is intensely focused on generating social impact in Baltimore City, across all sectors and many focus areas. Partner organizations deploy Allies in roles that directly lead to building capacity: expanding existing programs; piloting new programs; or providing specialized support. 

WHAT KINDS OF ALLIES NORMALLY APPLY?

We recruit a highly diverse pool of candidates. Allies can be anyone over the age of 17 with a high school diploma or GED, and who is a U.S. citizen or has permanent residency. Our candidate recruitment also focuses on mission alignment and commitment to our values of Advancing Equity and Racial Justice, Increasing Sector Effectiveness, and Putting Baltimore First. 

WHAT ELSE IS MY ALLY COMMITTING TO?

A primary value of the apprenticeship year is to develop each Ally through intensive programming designed to equip them with the necessary tools and resources to be highly effective contributors in their roles. Allies’ programming commitments include weekly trainings, one-to-one monthly meetings, coaching, and quarterly 360-degree feedback meetings with Baltimore Corps staff. Program commitment subject to change.

WHAT AM I COMMITTING TO THROUGH PUBLIC ALLIES?

Organizations are responsible for paying their Ally a stipend $16,500 over the 10-month period (42 weeks), which can be paid directly to your Ally according to your regular payroll schedule. Additionally, organizations are responsible for paying the cost of medical/dental benefits, a program and placement fee of $1,000. Allies are hired and paid through the host organization. 

Baltimore Corps strives to elevate our partners in as many ways as possible. A cornerstone of that mission is creating an ecosystem of collaboration within Baltimore’s impact sector. A representative of all Partner Organizations must attend the matching fair, opening reception, Race & Equity Series, and graduation. Partner participation also is required in our 360-degree feedback process and exit interview with each Ally. Program commitment subject to change.

what ARE THE PROGRAM AND PLACEMENT FEES?

Each partner organization pays a program and placement fee of $1,000 to support Baltimore Corps’ investment in each Public Ally. Baltimore Corps is intentional about developing leaders, facilitating Allies’ professional development over the duration of the apprenticeship through case management, training, orientation, retreats, and coaching. All Baltimore Corps professional development is done in alignment with our values – Advancing Equity and Racial Justice, Increasing Sector Effectiveness, and Putting Baltimore First – to ensure Allies have the necessary foundation to truly help move Baltimore forward. This fee also supports a portion of the costs incurred by Baltimore Corps for recruitment of talent, and consulting and support of the partner organization throughout the matching and placement process.

what happens after the ALLY YEAR ends?

This is largely up to you. While Public Allies Maryland is a 10-month program and there is no obligation to continue, our aim is to strengthen Baltimore’s social impact sector by retaining talent and helping leaders collaborate across networks. You may wish to extend an offer of employment or explore possibilities with Baltimore Corps’ Fellowship program.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN hosting A PUBLIC ALLY AND A BALTIMORE CORPS FELLOW?

While Public Allies and Fellows, alike, are committed to Baltimore and our core values of increasing sector effectiveness and advancing equity and racial justice, Public Allies allows us to expand the social sector talent pipeline to those in the beginning stages of their careers. Fellows are expected to take more of a leadership role and are looking to advance their careers, whereas Allies are earlier in their professional development. Additionally, Public Allies is a national program and a part of the AmeriCorps national service network, while the Baltimore Corps Fellowship is a local trademark program of Baltimore Corps. 

CAN I pursue FUNDING to support an ally?

Baltimore Corps understands that organizations and government agencies may pursue funding for the express purpose of obtaining a Public Ally to support a strategic initiative. We encourage you to share your ideas with us prior to telling funders your organization is looking for a Public Ally through Baltimore Corps so that all parties are aligned on the proposal. Please email partnerships@baltimorecorps.org with any questions.