Fellowship for Leaders Committed to Serving Their Community and Country

2023 +More Perfect Union Fellowship

June 22-25, 2023

University of Montana

Missoula, Montana

+MPU Fellows are service-oriented professionals, social entrepreneurs, and veterans from all across the country who are looking for an opportunity to grow their leadership, expand their networks, and lead +MPU chapters in their home communities.

The 2023 annual +MPU Fellowship will be hosted June 22-25 at the scenic 130-year-old University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.  In an extended and immersive weekend, +MPU Fellows will receive world-class leadership training from notable experts and instructors who have dedicated their professions to the common cause of strengthening democracy.

Alongside 24 other future chapter leaders, Fellows will bond with one another over meals and coffee, through interactive activities, engaging events like mountain hikes and an optional morning 5K, and networking opportunities with influential leaders across the nation. Fellows and instructors come together in meaningful conversations on service and self-awareness, humility and hope.

See our inaugural 2022 class on the ground in the Montana Mountains.

By the end of this 4-day collaborative Fellowship, graduates will be ready to launch +MPU Brickyards in their hometowns. You’ll be joining a network of +MPU Fellowship alumni who are among the top leaders in the country who are affecting real community change – with the support of an organization as tough as bricks.

Apply for the +MPU 2023 Fellowship
Don’t just take our word for it, watch the Inaugural 2022 Fellowship
a group of people who are Black, white, and Hispanic wearing green shirts that say More Perfect Union while on a hike in Montana.
Don’t just take our word for it, watch the Inaugural 2022 Fellowship

Criteria for Fellowship Candidates

Fellows may apply individually or have someone nominate them. Individuals recommended/applying as candidates for the Fellowship should be:

  • Military Veterans or service-minded professionals who have a minimum of five years of service;
  • Reside in one of the 50 states;
  • Be 25 years of age or older;
  • Willing and able to commit to a minimum of one year of service as +MPU Brickyard leader in your local community;
  • Whose leadership has achieved positive, tangible outcomes in military service, nonprofit or social enterprise spheres;
  • At a crossroads in their lives—having already achieved professional success, they are ready to renew their commitment to serving the public good and healing American democracy by serving their communities;
  • Possess a breadth of experience and level of maturity that will enable them to contribute effectively to the fellowship experience;
  • In agreement with the +MPU Community Agreement;
  • Are from a diverse background in terms of political ideology, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and geography.

Apply for the +MPU 2023 Fellowship

view of the top of a mountain with green grass and large mountains and an american flag at the center

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good Brickyard Leader?

+MPU is committed to training and equipping community leaders to establish local chapters — which we call Brickyards — all across the United States. Local Brickyards are a mobile place for citizens to connect and engage in service projects, civic education, and leadership development.

The annual +MPU Fellowship is a selective, bespoke leadership program. +MPU Fellows represent a diverse and talented cohort who hail from different backgrounds, but all share a proven commitment to serving the public good.

If you are passionate about improving our communities by bringing people together in hopes of creating a stronger America, this Fellowship is for you.

How does the fellowship fit into the larger MPU mission?

The MPU mission is to heal the divide in America by establishing local chapters called Brickyards. These Brickyards need leaders capable of bringing Americans together to serve their local communities through connection and service events and meaningful conversations. The MPU Fellowship serves as the pinnacle of leadership training within the organization and builds Brickyard leaders through exceptional training.

Do I need to be a member before applying?

The MPU Fellowship is for servant leaders across America who are interested in helping the MPU movement locally. Being a member of MPU is certainly helpful in understanding our mission, vision, and how events are structured. Membership is not required, but strongly encouraged.

What is expected of me upon completion of the Fellowship?

You will be expected to return to your community and begin hosting local events with people from all backgrounds using MPU Conversation and Event Planning tools to host events.  The goal is to host one per month as the local team grows. There will also be monthly leadership development events hosted on a digital platform. Your attendance will be expected.

Do I need to be a Veteran to be a Fellow?

No. MPU was inspired by veterans but is American-led. We need all Americans – veteran and civilian – to participate in the MPU movement to move our country forward. The MPU Fellowship is for civic leaders dedicated to serving their community either through military or public service.

Can a previous Fellow apply for this year?

The Fellowship is dedicated time for new leaders, veterans, and civil servants to be trained and inspired to lead a Brickyard. We will not be accepting previous Fellows in this year’s cohort.

What should I expect if I am accepted/ not accepted?

If you are accepted as an MPU Fellow you should expect a welcome letter from MPU that outlines the next steps of your Fellowship.  This will include:

  • Completing the Memo of Understanding
  • Acknowledgment of the MPU Community Agreement
  • Acknowledgment of the MPU Values
  • Two pre-Fellowship digital events in April and May
  • Travel Information for the Fellowship weekend

NOTE:  There is no cost to you for the Fellowship with the exception of one meal.

If you are not accepted, you will receive a letter informing you. However, we encourage you to continue your membership with MPU and serve in your local community. You may reapply the following year.

When and where is the Fellowship held?

The MPU Fellowship is hosted at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. MPU will fly Fellows, speakers, and leaders from across the country to provide a rich Fellowship training and bonding weekend. The 2023 Fellowship will be from June 22-25.

Does the Fellowship cost anything?

Thanks to partners and generous investors, we are proud to provide the Fellowship at no cost to attendees.

+MPU will pay for all flights, transportation costs, housing, activities, and food throughout the Fellowship. The one exception is one dinner that Fellows are responsible for on their own in Missoula, Montana.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to us: [email protected]

MPU is Proud to Partner with:

Garrett Cathcart headshot with mountains in the background
To be an MPU Fellow is an incredible opportunity. We'll fly you to the University of Montana. You'll receive world-class training, and hear from world-class leaders. But most importantly, you'll meet other high-achieving leaders who are passionate about the same things you are: helping your country and community. Garrett Cathcart, +MPU Executive Director

Meet all the 2022 Brickyard Leadersicon / directional arrow / right

Join us in building something
for America.

Apply for the +MPU 2023 Fellowship