Deadline: 06 October 2017
Eligibility: individuals from all over the world
Benefits: transportation and accommodation
Description
The Obama Foundation Fellowship program seeks to support outstanding civic innovators from around the world in order to amplify the impact of their work and to inspire a wave of civic innovation.
The Obama Foundation Fellows will be a diverse set of community-minded rising stars – organizers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more – who are altering the civic engagement landscape. By engaging their fellow citizens to work together in new and meaningful ways, Obama Foundation Fellows will model how any individual can become an active citizen in their community.
The inaugural class of 20 Fellows will be integral to shaping the program and the community of Fellows for future years. For this first class, we’re seeking participants who are especially excited about helping us design, test and refine the Fellowship.
Our two-year, non-residential Fellowship will offer hands-on training, resources, and leadership development. Fellows will also participate in four multi-day gatherings where they will collaborate with each other, connect with potential partners, and collectively push their work forward. Throughout the program, each Fellow will pursue a personalized plan to leverage Fellowship resources to take their work to the next level.
Other criteria
- Civic innovators
Individuals who are working to solve important public problems in creative and powerful ways. They are inspired by a broad vision of what it means to be “civic,” one that includes leaders tackling a range of issues, in both traditional and unconventional ways.
- Discipline diverse
People working from all angles and with different perspectives to strengthen our communities and civic life. This fellowship is for organizers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more. It is for those working within systems like governments or businesses, as well as those working outside of formal institutions.
- At a tipping point in their work
Successful applicants have already demonstrated meaningful impact in their communities, gaining recognition among their peers for their contributions. Now, they stand at a breakthrough moment in their careers. They’re poised to use the Fellowship to significantly advance their work, perhaps by launching new platforms, expanding to broader audiences, or taking their work to a national or global stage. If you’ve already gained global recognition for your work or if your civic innovation work has just begun, you may not be the ideal candidate for this program.
- Talented, but not connected
Committed to expanding the circle of opportunity to include new and varied voices. Thus they have a strong preference for civic innovators who are not currently connected to the networks and resources they need to advance their work. If you’re not sure whether you fit this description, feel free to apply — and make sure to articulate how the resources of the Fellowship would uniquely impact your work.
- Good humans
They are building an authentic community. A strong moral character is essential for the strength of this community, the integrity of the program, and the longevity of its value. They’re seeking inspirational individuals who demonstrate humility and work collaboratively with others towards shared goals.
Benefits
- Guidance in developing a personalized Fellowship roadmap to help you get the most out of the program;
- Ongoing skill-building and training courses tailored to your particular needs;
- Individual coaching and mentoring to help you move your work forward;
- Participation in a global cohort of leaders poised to change the civic engagement landscape;
- Exposure to opportunities provided by other Foundation programming, such as mentorship roles and speaking engagements;
- Participation in four gatherings (including economy airfare to/from the event, lodging, and all meals during the events);
- For the inaugural class – the opportunity to shape the Fellowship program for future years.
The Foundation will cover transportation and accommodation for the in-person convenings. While they can provide support in procuring visas, Fellows will be responsible for covering any visa costs.
Apply
When you submit your application materials, you affirm that the information presented is accurate to the best of your knowledge. Applications are subject to additional research, reference checks, and vetting. The Foundation shall select, at its sole discretion, those applicants selected to advance in the Fellowship selection process.
Application form & Tips HERE.
More information HERE.
