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About VOIS Institute

The VOIS Institute—Voices of Influence and Storytelling—is a core initiative of the Innovative Poverty Solutions (IPS) Model, embodying its commitment to community-driven leadership and narrative change. VOIS empowers those with lived experience of poverty to become visible, influential leaders in shaping both public understanding and practical solutions.

The VOIS Institute—Voices of Influence and Storytelling—is a core initiative of the Innovative Poverty Solutions (IPS) Model, embodying its commitment to community-driven leadership and narrative change. VOIS empowers those with lived experience of poverty to become visible, influential leaders in shaping both public understanding and practical solutions.

LEAD.

VOIS Fellows Program: Developing Leaders with Lived Experience

At its heart is the VOIS Fellows Program, a leadership track for Circles NWA graduates that equips them to share their stories, influence policy, and drive change in their communities.

The VOIS Fellows Program is a multiyear leadership development initiative designed for graduates of the Circles NWA program. These individuals bring their lived experience of poverty and are ready to lead change in their communities. VOIS—Voices of Influence and Storytelling—equips emerging leaders with the tools, training, and support needed to advocate effectively, influence policy, and shift public narratives.

Fellows participate in weekly sessions that blend expert-led workshops, peer learning, and hands-on leadership practice. Topics include storytelling for social change, policy and advocacy engagement, media and messaging, public speaking, and developing thought-leadership. Fellows also have the opportunity to lead projects and engage in regional and statewide advocacy opportunities.

The program includes immersive retreats, one-on-one coaching, and tailored support to reduce barriers to participation—such as childcare, and meals. VOIS fosters a strong culture of mutual support and long-term investment in leaders who are closest to the issues and best positioned to create lasting impact.

VOIS is more than a fellowship—it’s a movement of community-rooted leaders shaping a more just and equitable future.

LEARN.

IPS staff and VOIS Fellows offer learning labs for organizations, educators, congregations, businesses, and community partners to bring lived experience, research, and storytelling into conversation to deepen understanding and drive change.

Poverty Learning Labs

Immersive, experiential sessions designed to raise Poverty IQ—deepening understanding of the structural causes and lived realities of poverty in Northwest Arkansas. These labs aim to shift assumptions, build empathy, and equip community members, employers, and decision-makers to engage more effectively in solution-building.

Narrative Change Labs

Interactive workshops exploring how dominant narratives shape public perception of poverty—and how shifting those narratives can open new possibilities for equity and action. These sessions help participants unpack harmful myths, explore alternative frames, and practice justice-centered storytelling.

Coming Soon

Contact us to learn more about how IPS can support your group, organization, or business through customized Poverty Learning and Narrative Change Labs.

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ADVOCATE.

At its heart is the VOIS Fellows Program, a leadership track for Circles NWA graduates that equips them to share their stories, influence policy, and drive change in their communities.

Advocacy is embedded in everything VOIS does. The lived experiences of Circle Leaders and VOIS Fellows continue to shape how IPS responds to urgent regional challenges—from affordable housing to benefit cliffs.

These voices have helped drive attention to the realities many in our community face and have positioned Circles and VOIS at the forefront of conversations about systemic change. Grounded in community voice, our advocacy is focused, responsive, and driven by those closest to the issues, ensuring that policy conversations are informed by lived experience, not assumptions.