I do not know too much about digital humanities work, have no editorial experience, and/or I am not familiar with the 1977 National Women’s Conference. Can I still apply?

Yes! We believe that everyone needs to start somewhere with content and skill-based learning in graduate school. This program is an ideal space to build editorial experience, get familiar with digital humanities on the content side, engage women’s/gender studies, and learn about late twentieth century history. Please let us know what you bring to the table and the ways you would like to grow in your questionnaire and letter of interest.  

I am not sure what an editorial fellow will do. What will I be working on for five hours a week?

You will be assigned to copy edit individual biographies. Two fellows will read each biography with one focused on fact-checking content and the other aligning the biography with our style guide. You will work on your own, but also be part of an editorial group that is a cohort of four fellows and one faculty lead.

What happens after the fellows copy edit each biography?

Every biography is edited by two fellows and one faculty lead before publication on the Sharing Stories site and biographies are released in full sets of a state/territory delegation. For examples of published biographies, see the Discover NWC Stories section of our site.

What are the other commitments besides individual biography editing work?

You will be expected to participate in a one hour virtual editorial group meeting once a month at a time selected by your group. You may request additional one-on-one time with your faculty lead if more questions about your editing tasks arise. There will also be a few mandatory virtual onboarding workshops and activities in the fall. We will poll the fellows to find times that work for everyone’s schedule. Participation in virtual social mixers in the fall and a works-in-progress research workshop in the spring are optional, but strongly encouraged.

What will the onboarding in September 2025 entail?

The virtual onboarding workshops will introduce the history of the NWC and the Sharing Stories project. Workshops will also provide a window into the backend development work and interdisciplinary collaboration required of a digital humanities project. Finally, fellows will learn about the various components of the editorial process and the basics of how to edit biographies including frequently used sources and editorial guidelines. These full fellows program workshops will be supported by more onboarding within editorial groups.  

I noticed that this program continues through the summer, when I have my own research trips and other commitments. How can I balance my fellows tasks with these other activities?

By this point in the program, we expect fellows to work independently to get the remaining editorial work completed based on an individualized, flexible timeline worked out with a faculty lead. All work does need to be completed by the end of July 2026, but you could stack your time and finish early in May to have time for summer research trips and other commitments.

I am graduating in December 2025 or May 2026. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, it is possible to remain a fellow even after graduation as we know that mid-year graduations are becoming more common. To be involved in the 2025-2026 fellows program, you must be enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application and in fall 2025. If a fellow graduates mid-year, they are still expected to participate the full 2025-2026 year.

I have a TAship, RAship, or another job. Can I still apply?

This program is not a job, but rather considered to be service to the profession. Fellows will receive an honorarium for their contribution that should not conflict with or replace employment. In terms of workload, applicants will have to weigh other commitments against the benefit of participation as a fellow.

When and how will I receive my honorarium as a fellow?

Honorariums will be mailed in July 2026 with a certificate of service to each fellow’s preferred address.

What is the selection process for the Editorial Fellows Program, and when will I hear if I am selected to be a fellow?

Applications will begin to be vetted right after the April 1, 2025 deadline. The selection committee will be the Sharing Stories Editorial Board faculty leads and co-directors who will be looking at the accomplishments and potential of each candidate. This review will take place in April, with fellows and alternates contacted by May 9. Fellows will be required to accept the program by May 15 and the 2025-2026 Editorial Fellows will be announced on May 19.

*This program is brand new. We may not have anticipated all the important questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to our project manager Dr. Sandra Davidson with others: sddavids@central.uh.edu