Facilitator-in-Training (FiT) Program
The Facilitator-in-Training (FiT) Program is an 18-month, paid opportunity for young people (ages 18 - 25) to build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to co-facilitate the Open Doors training.
More than a training program, FiT is a pathway for youth to step into leadership roles. It brings their voices, perspectives, and lived experiences directly into spaces where adults are learning how to better support young people.
Why the FiT Program Exists
Open Doors was built with youth voice at its core. That commitment doesn’t stop once the curriculum is developed.
The FiT Program was created to ensure youth continue to shape the work in real time.
This means:
- Youth co-facilitating alongside experienced trainers
- Youth helping guide conversations with adults
- Youth contributing lived expertise that can’t be taught from a script
Just as important: the program is designed to uplift (not tokenize) youth voice.
What Participants Do
FiTs engage in a mix of learning, practice, and real-world experience:
- Participate in monthly skill-building labs focused on facilitation and group engagement
- Complete self-paced learning on topics like cultural humility, restorative justice, harm reduction, and storytelling
- Observe live Open Doors trainings and reflect on what they learn
- Co-facilitate trainings once they’re ready, alongside experienced facilitators
- Engage in optional outreach and community engagement
What Participants Gain
- Hands-on facilitation experience
- Leadership and public speaking skills
- Deeper understanding of youth-centered approaches
- Skills for integrating lived experience as a valuable source of knowledge
- A community of peers and mentors
- Paid opportunities for participation and facilitation
Participants typically spend 4-8 hours per month in the program and are compensated for their time and contributions.
Program Structure
(At a Glance)
- Monthly virtual skill labs
- Optional 1:1 coaching and support
- Self-paced coursework and reflections
- Training observation opportunities
- Co-facilitation of live trainings
Who Should Apply
The FiT Program is designed for young people who:
- Are interested in leadership and facilitation
- Care about supporting other youth
- Want to grow their skills in communication and engagement
- Want to draw from their lived experiences and insights to create positive change
- Are open to learning, reflecting, and collaborating
Interested in joining a future cohort?
New FiT cohorts every 9 months. Join our list to stay in the loop.
The next recruitment window will be in September 2026.