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 or clean demographic data, which often includes both substantive historical research alongside checking style and form. In the first half of our program, you will write a biography and spend time learning the editorial process in extensive onboarding. In the second half, you will hone your editorial skills while also engaging in professionalization activities and presenting your own work-in-progress. Throughout the fellows program, you will be part of an editorial pod that is a cohort of four fellows and one faculty lead.
What happens after fellows conclude their copy editing tasks?
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. Likewise, all demographic data of a state/territory delegation is cleaned (fact-checked) by two fellows before being published. For examples of published demographic datasets, see the Researching the NWC section of our site and the raw data published on the Texas Data Repository.
What are the other commitments besides individual editorial work?
You will be expected to participate in a one hour virtual Editorial Pod 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 six mandatory virtual onboarding workshops and activities and one mandatory virtual graduate research symposium during the Sharing Stories Fellows Program. We will poll the fellows to find times that work for everyone’s schedule.
What will the onboarding of this program 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 cohort 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 your assigned faculty Review Leader. All work does need to be completed by the end of July 2027, 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 2026 or May 2027. 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 2026-2027 fellows program, you must be enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application and in fall 2026. If a fellow graduates mid-year, they are still expected to participate the full 2026-2027 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 2027 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?
The selection committee will be the Sharing Stories Editorial Board Review Leaders. These scholars have ample editorial experience, a commitment to graduate mentorship, and familiarity with the Sharing Stories from 1977 project. Review of applications will take place after the April 30, 2026 deadline. Fellows and alternates will be contacted on June 3. Fellows will be required to accept the program by June 15. The 2026-2027 Editorial Fellows will be announced on Women’s Equality Day, August 26, 2026.
More questions? Please feel free to reach out to our project manager Dr. Sandra Davidson: sddavids@central.uh.edu