We’re excited to announce the launch of NextGen for the Shomari Figures for Congress campaign. This unique opportunity will allow students like you to play a critical role in one of our country’s most pivotal battleground races – the race for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.

This November, Shomari Figures – a dedicated public servant with experience across all three branches of the federal government – is on the ballot as the Democratic nominee to represent Alabama’s 2nd District. District 2, the result of a federal court decision to combat racial gerrymandering, is now our state’s second majority-minority district. When Shomari wins, we’ll be making history electing two Black members at the same time from our state.

Shomari Figures is the most qualified candidate for this historic seat. From serving under President Obama as Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel and White House Liaison to the Department of Justice to serving as Counsel and Advisor in Congress and as Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Shomari has dedicated his career to fighting for the issues that matter most to all of us. There is no one better experienced to represent our communities in Washington, but we need your help to seize the opportunity before us and win this race.

What is NextGen for Figures?

NextGen for Figures is designed to engage and empower young people across District 2. Through the program, fellows will gain hands-on experience in a high-stakes, grassroots campaign, develop and strengthen professional and interpersonal skills, and contribute to meaningful change.

Program Phases:

1. Early Period (July-August)
   • Activities: In-office work, event support (managing advance and providing event briefings), voter registration, campaign training, and professional development opportunities.
   • Training: Full day orientation and subsequent training allowing participants to meet campaign staff, become better familiar with the campaign processes, procedures, vision and mission, and receive pertinent program materials and information.
2. Persuasion Period (August-October)
   • Activities: Canvassing, attending and supporting campaign events, voter registration efforts, in-office work, and volunteer coordination with a focus on engaging with voters directly to build support for our grassroots campaign.
3. Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Period (October-November)
   • Activities: Field leadership, campaign office support, and intensive voter outreach efforts with the goal of maximizing voter turnout to secure the victory on Election Day.

What are the NextGen Fellows' Responsibilities?

• Staffing events.
• Organizing and participating in phone banks, canvassing and other direct voter contact activities.
• Conducting research and performing various administrative tasks.
• Assisting with campaign communications, event planning, and constituent outreach, including digital/social media engagement, news monitoring, and copy editing.
• Participating in volunteer management, leadership training, and strategy sessions.
• Completing a final project, to be formatted similarly to a policy brief or strategy memo, relevant to the campaign.

NextGen Application Highlights
Applicants must be between 18-24 years old and enrolled in a high school, college, or graduate program. Participants are expected to work 12-20 hours a week, either in-office or remotely, and complete additional tasks and events as needed. Our campaign can support most college credit programs, so please indicate in your application if you are seeking college credit.