Fellowship for Leaders Committed to Serving Their Community and Country

+More Perfect Union Fellowship

July 16-20, 2025

University of Montana

Missoula, Montana

The 2025 +MPU Fellowship applications have now closed! The 2025 Cohort will be announced soon.

Here is what this year’s fellows can expect based on our 2024 Cohort at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.

+MPU Fellows are veterans, military spouses, national service and public service professionals, and social entrepreneurs from all across the country. Fellows are seeking a volunteer opportunity to grow their leadership, expand their networks, close divides, and strengthen their hometowns.

The 2025 +More Perfect Union Fellowship will be hosted July 16-20 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 our democracy.

Alongside 15 future chapter leaders, Fellows will bond over meals and coffee through interactive activities, participate in engaging events like mountain Rucks and walking trails, listen to world-renowned keynote speakers, and have network opportunities with influential leaders across the nation. Fellows and instructors come together in meaningful conversations on Service, Courage, Humility, Compassion, Virtue, and Hope—our Core Values.

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 change at the community level—with the support of an organization as tough as bricks.

Don’t just take our word for it, watch the 2024 Fellowship

Criteria for Fellowship Candidates

Fellows may apply individually or have someone nominate them. Individuals recommended/applying as candidates for the Fellowship must meet the following criteria:

Have served or are still serving in the military or are a military spouse, or a public servant (AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, VISTA, Peace Corps, educators, first responders and health-care workers, local, state and federal government employees, and nonprofit workers)
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
Comfortable hosting events and speaking in front of large audiences and cameras
Willing to uphold +MPU’s values in accordance with our Community Agreement
Are from or support a diverse background in terms of political ideology, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and geography
At a crossroads in their lives—having already achieved professional success, they are ready to renew their commitment to serving the public good and aiding American democracy by serving their communities

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 unite the country and strengthen communities through social connection, service, and civic engagement. We do this by establishing local chapters called Brickyards. These Brickyards need leaders capable of bringing Americans together to serve their local communities through connection, 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 two Brickyard events per quarter. 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—veterans and civilians—to participate in this movement to move our country forward. The +MPU Fellowship is for civic and servant leaders dedicated to serving their community.

Can a previous Fellow apply for this year?

The Fellowship is a 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 a +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
Pre-Fellowship virtual events and pre-work in 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 +MPU 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.

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. There 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:

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 Co-Founder and Executive Director
Meet the 2024 Fellowship Cohort

Join us in building something
for America.