Join the Natural Helpers Fellowship and become a catalyst for positive change in Portland’s diverse communities.
Together We Grow. 🌱
“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
Building Leaders, Bridging Communities
“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 Natural Helpers program was designed to connect community members to resources and opportunities that foster a greater sense of belonging in all aspects of life in Portland. Through specialized trainings, mentorships and direct financial support, the fellowship equips participants with the education and connections needed to address the ever-evolving needs of their communities.
By investing in these community leaders, Portland's Office of Economic Opportunity strengthens the entire community, fostering connections, economic growth, and positive change.
Apply to be a Natural Helper
Selected applicants will be
notified by January 2026
Attend 8 Sessions
Sessions will be held every
other Saturday February-May
Complete Community Impact Commitments
8 volunteer hours serving
your community through
meaningful service projects
Celebrate with the Cohort
Participate in unique experiences
like horseback riding or downhill skiing!
Graduate
57+ hours complete
Join our alumni network
Throughout the program, Natural Helpers also have access to:
Networking Events
Connect with community leaders and fellow Natural Helpers
Community Resource Presentations
Learn about vital services and programs in our community
Mentorship
Receive guidance from experienced Natural Helper alumni
Leadership Training
Develop skills to become an effective community advocate
Program Roadmap
The Natural Helpers Mission
The Natural Helpers Fellowship brings together trusted, community rooted leaders and organizational partners to tackle complex issues, challenge perceptions, and strengthen critical thinking through rigorous experiential learning. Through our theory of change framework that emphasizes resource navigation and cross-cultural dialogue, participants wield data, knowledge, and empathy to strengthen collective capacity while honoring the inherent wisdom within every community.
Fellowship Details
Natural Helpers is an intensive and immersive 4-month 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, and participation in Natural Helpers is an additional commitment on top of the leadership you already provide in your community. To support your involvement, the program provides:
Childcare Stipend Available for Fellows to cover childcare needs during program sessions.
Transportation Support Reimbursements available to cover travel costs to program sessions and activities.
Meals Provided Free breakfast and lunch from local restaurants during program sessions.
Certificates Fellows receive a Mayoral Certificate and a USM Leadership Certificate upon graduation of the program.
Community Impact Funding Access to funding to support community initiatives or professional development.
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Beyond financial support, Natural Helpers offers a unique fellowship experience designed to strengthen leadership, connection, and growth.
Fellows will benefit from:
Mentorship Each fellow is paired with an experienced local leader as their mentor.
Immersive Experience Participation in unique team building activities like horseback riding or skiing.
Experiential Learning Hands-on experiences with organizations across Portland.
Access & Networks Direct connection to organizational leaders and civic networks.
Skill-Building Training in leadership, resource navigation, advocacy and more.
Community & Belonging Shared meals, deep connections, and lifelong alumni membership.
Swag & Gear OEO + Natural Helpers branded materials
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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.
Applications are now closed for the 2026 Cohort. Check back in Fall 2026 to apply.
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.
Our Partners + Supporters
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.