Developing Leaders Program 2026

Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PPMW) was founded on the visionary idea that access to sexual and reproductive health care could transform people’s lives. For over 80 years, PPMW has provided high quality, supportive reproductive medical care for families in the DC metro area.

About the role

The Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC’s Developing Leaders Program (DLP) is a

non-partisan, 6-month long, professional development program created for young professionals who

are passionate about reproductive health and rights and are looking to become leaders in the

reproductive rights space. Launched in 2013, DLP has graduated over 400 rising leaders positioned to

actively engage as fierce advocates, allies, and supporters of the reproductive rights movement and

PPMW.

Accessibility: PPMW is wheelchair accessible and can provide ASL interpreters upon request.

What you'll do

Through this unique opportunity, DLP cohort members will receive and participate in:

• Orientation: Participants kick off the program year with a one-day introductory meeting where they’ll have the opportunity to connect with cohort members and PPMW leaders through structured activities and informal discussions.
• Training: Participants learn from expert faculty and partners about sexual and reproductive health policy and activism, the biology of reproductive health, contraception and abortion, and clinic operations through a series of presentations at monthly trainings.
• Mentoring: Participants will have the opportunity to mentor and be mentored during the year by connecting with PPMW leadership and DLP alumni.
• Campaigns: Participants will work on projects that further the goals of PPMW’s public affairs, education, and fundraising objectives.
• Fundraising: Participants will be encouraged to raise at least $500. Those who meet this goal at the end of the program will receive a certificate and PPMW swag.
• Leadership: Upon graduation, Cohort members are eligible to serve in a leadership role on DLP’s Core Team. Core Team members work closely with PPMW to manage the Cohort, facilitate meetings, and recruit guest speakers. Core Team members also receive an annual stipend.

DLP Cohort Requirements

• Strong passion for reproductive freedom and health
• Must attend an in-person or virtual orientation
• Participants are young professionals: at least 25 years old and not currently a full-time undergraduate student
• Commitment to volunteering at a minimum of 3 events throughout the program year
• Mandatory attendance at DLP orientation and 80% of monthly meetings
• Meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of the month except in January to accommodate winter holidays
• Additional (non-mandatory) meetings and social activities will be scheduled throughout the year
• Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply
• Meetings will be in-person!
• If accepted, all applicants are required to pass a background check