From The Command Team: Exciting Updates to Our Training Process!
From the Command Team
From the Command Team: Exciting Updates on Our Training Process!
Hey family, it’s time for an update!
For those who may not know, for the last six months, we stopped onboarding new members to our Command Team. The pause may have been long for those who were hoping to get started, but we're certain it will have been worth the wait!
A New Way to Grow With Us: Introducing The Autonomy Project's Leadership Map
At The Autonomy Project, leadership has never been about titles - it’s about showing up, building trust, and growing alongside community.
Over time, we’ve learned something important:
People don’t need to be perfectly prepared to lead.
They need a clear path, real support, and space to grow at their own pace. So we’ve redesigned how folks move into leadership here. This new pathway is meant to feel accessible, transparent, and sustainable for you, and for the community we’re building together.
How It Works
Instead of jumping straight into big responsibilities, leadership at AP now grows in clear, supported stages.
Each stage builds on the one before it, so you’re never asked to carry more than you’re ready for.
Stage 1: General Volunteer
Where everyone begins. This is the foundation. You’ll get familiar with how our events run, how our community moves, and what it actually feels like to be part of AP.
You May:
- Work Check-In, welcoming attendees as they arrive.
- Help with Merch, selling snacks and refreshments to our community members.
- Support performers or teams with event-specific needs.
- Assist with setup or teardown of events.
This stage is about showing up, learning the rhythm, and building relationships.
It’s also, honestly, one of the best ways to make friends here.
Minimum Commitment:
- Complete an application + background check
- Attend Orientation
- Sign up for a shift within 30 days
- Follow through on your commitments
Stage 2: Shift Lead
Learning leadership in real time. This is where things start to click. Shift Leads help keep events running smoothly and begin coordinating volunteers during real, live moments - with support.
Shift Leads:
- Coordinate general volunteers during an event.
- Support setup and teardown of events.
- Learn event tech systems.
- Practice calm, clear communication under pressure.
You’re not expected to know everything - you’re expected to learn by doing.
Minimum Commitment:
- Complete 3 volunteer shifts (across key roles)
- Complete Shift Lead training
- Shadow an experienced Shift Lead
- Use systems and follow checklists (we love a good system around here)
Stage 3: Apprentice
Behind-the-scenes, at a manageable pace. This is where you start seeing how things really run. Apprentices step into backend work in small, structured ways - no overwhelm, no guessing.
As an Apprentice You Will:
- Shadow a Team Lead or Command Team Member, learning tasks through completing them with a Mentor.
- Take on clearly defined tasks with guidance.
- Deeply learn the systems you're most interested in.
- Practice clear, compassionate communication under pressure.
Depending on your interests, this could look like:
- Event planning support
- Marketing assistance
- Educational outreach and planning
- Systems and admin work
- Volunteer coordination
- Building care and resets
This stage is about consistency, not intensity.
Minimum Commitment:
- Complete at least one Shift Lead event (if local)
- Contribute 2–4 hours per month
- Stay in this stage ~60 days or through a project cycle
- Use Notion, Google Drive, and Slack
- Work steadily through small, defined tasks
Stage 4: Command Team Member
Owning real pieces of the work This is where leadership becomes ongoing.
Command Team Members take responsibility for recurring work that keeps AP running - not just during events, but in between them.
As a Command Team Member You Will:
- Lead or co-lead events.
- Own operational workflows or processes.
- Support marketing, merch, or systems on a regular basis.
- Help steward member experience
- Maintain documentation and processes
- Contribute to outreach and advocacy
This isn’t about doing everything - it’s about owning something reliably.
Minimum Commitment:
- Contribute 2–4 hours per week
- Participate in team communication (meetings or async)
- Complete recurring responsibilities on schedule
- Communicate proactively and consistently
Why We Made This Change
We wanted a system that:
- Makes leadership more accessible
- Sets clear expectations
at every stage
- Prevents burnout by growing responsibility gradually
- Supports people in building real confidence, not just taking on roles
This pathway reflects how leadership actually develops, through practice, trust, and time.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re new:
👉 Apply as a General Volunteer here!
👉Application approved? Register for General Volunteer Orientation here!
If you’re already involved and ready for the next step:
👉 Apply
for Shift Lead or Apprentice here
and let us know where you want to grow
We’re building this together - one step, one shift, one project at a time.
A Final Note
You don’t have to rush through this.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to “prove” yourself all at once.
If you show up, stay curious, and keep respectfully building relationships - you’re already on the path.
Share
KEEP THE LIGHT ON
When the world feels uncertain, safe spaces like The Autonomy Project become a beacon of hope. Your donation keeps our lights on—literally and figuratively—for those who need it most.
RECENT ARTICLES
