Wassmuth Torchbearer Program
A New Generation of Civic Leaders
The Wassmuth Torchbearer Program invites young professionals in the Treasure Valley to step into the work of building a more just and joyful community.
At a time when the world feels fractured and exclusionary, this fellowship creates space for something different: deep listening, honest dialogue, and meaningful community building.
Through shared learning, community dialogue, and collaborative projects, fellows develop the knowledge, skills, relationships, and perspective needed to strengthen civic life in the Treasure Valley. Torchbearers learn to listen deeply, stay curious, and lead with their values.
The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights is proud to serve as a regional partner of the Go For Broke National Education Center’s National Torchbearer Program, connecting our Boise-based cohort to a national network of young professionals in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Maui, O’ahu, and Middlebury, Vermont.
This program draws inspiration from the legacy of Japanese American World War II veterans who fought for an imperfect country because they believed in the promise of what America could become. Their story challenges each generation to steward the Go For Broke spirit through courageously contributing to creating communities that center dignity and belonging.
The Wassmuth Torchbearer Fellowship invites a new generation of leaders in the Treasure Valley to carry that responsibility forward.
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Applications Open Now
How can we co-create just and joyful communities? The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights invites you to join us in exploring this question.
Emerging leaders (ages 21 – 39) from across the Treasure Valley and beyond are invited to apply to join our first cohort of Wassmuth Torchbearers.
Program Information:
The Wassmuth Torchbearer Fellowship is a two-year leadership experience designed to cultivate and sustain civic engagement among young professionals in Boise, Idaho.
Year One: The Fellowship Year
Participate in the National Torchbearer Program, traveling to Los Angeles for two national convenings. These gatherings bring together cohorts from across the country for civic leadership training, cross-community dialogue, collaborative learning, and relationships building.
Meet monthly at the Wassmuth Center with the Boise cohort to deepen learning, explore civic challenges facing the Treasure Valley, and design community impact initiatives that foster dialogue, community engagement, and belonging.
Year Two: The Mentorship Year
In the second year, Torchbearers continue meeting monthly as a local cohort and will be joined by a new cohort of Wassmuth Torchbearer Fellows. While national convenings conclude, fellows deepen their impact by expanding civic dialogue initiatives launched during their fellowship year and mentoring new Torchbearers.
Important Information
The Wassmuth Torchbearer Fellowship is designed for young professionals who are:
- Curious about people whose experiences differ from their own.
- Motivated to strengthen civic life in the Treasure Valley.
- Willing to listen deeply and engage across disagreement.
- Interested in building bridges among communities.
- Ready to contribute their time, energy, and creativity to strengthen our community.
Applicants must be 21 – 39 years old and live in the Treasure Valley. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. What matters most is not a specific title, but a commitment to curiosity, dialogue, and community building. We especially invite applicants who bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and community connections.