Call for Applications, Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship 2018 in the UK

Deadline:  4 March 2018
Open to: entrepreneurs from North America and Europe, especially from Jewish and Muslim communities
Venue: 29 July – 4 August 2018 at Windsor Castle’s, George’s House in the UK

Description

The mission of the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship is to forge bridges across boundaries between minority communities in Europe and North America, particularly (but not exclusively) Jewish and Muslim. Over time, this is being achieved through building a network of entrepreneurs and community leaders invested in empowering pluralistic societies, nurturing wisdom and collaborative leadership.

“The AdR Fellowship has been a forerunner in predictive disruption nearly 10 years ago by realizing that existing interfaith activities could not bring their desired impact to scale.
AdRF’s model combining entrepreneurship with social sciences advocates that doing good while doing business go hand in hand. It helps its fellows learn how to navigate uncertainty, act on future trends and contribute to the emergence of a new economic paradigm.
AdRF acknowledges that the challenge may not lie ultimately in people’s propensity to change, but in their ability to adapt to the pace the world requires”Ariane de Rothschild

Since its inception in 2009, the AdR Fellowship has been passionately committed to diversity, the promotion of cross-cultural and religious understanding, and the respect for human dignity. In a world where divisive forces polarize people and communities, these values are ever more urgent and vital.

There is already a large amount of interfaith initiatives but little focus addresses interreligious and cross-cultural relations from a social innovation and business-driven perspective. AdRF strongly believes that entrepreneurs and social innovators can make a huge impact on their environment and in bridging to other communities.

The Fellowship focuses on entrepreneurs from North America and Europe, especially from Jewish and Muslim communities, who demonstrate a proven commitment towards inclusion while at the same time strengthening the sustainability of their organization.

Eligibility

In order to be considered eligible to apply, you must fulfill all of the following criteria:

  • who demonstrate convincingly their potential for both economic self-sufficiency and social impact;
  • with at least a tested proof of concept or (even better) a solid track-record in developing a socially impactful business in wide-ranging sectors ( housing, food, education, art, health, environment, technology…) ;
  • and a commitment to empower under-served communities, reduce isolation and build collaboration with society at large.

The AdR Fellow is a visionary leader who challenges retrenchment and fear of the Other. She/he endeavors to make a real impact through developing innovative solutions and promoting inclusive collaboration.

Costs

The Fellowship is fully underwritten by the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation. All selected candidates are provided with return tickets from and to their place of residence, accommodation and in-residence meals.

Successful candidates will be subject to a deposit check of $500 which is refundable at the end of the summer session.

Application

  • Business: Doing good while driving revenue and sustainability;
  • Differences: We believe they exist and should be respected but should be harnessed  to rise above and cross-fertilize;
  • What’s sacred: Human dignity;
  • Disruption: True transformation can only happen with a level of boldness, discomfort and risk;
  • Religion:  What divides us can also unite us;
  • Program: exploration of business models for social change/ reflection on minority identities and global challenges/ peer-to-peer support;
  • What’s in it for you? An incredible opportunity to think, train, collaborate and transform;
  • What do we expect from you? Rigor, creativity and commitment.

In order to apply, register HERE.

If you have any questions, check the FAQ section

The official web-page.

Now Accepting Applications for the JACL Kakehashi Program 2017-2018!

September 20, 2017                                                                                         
Contact:   Kenzi Hirai, Norman Y. Mineta Fellow
                  Elle Kurata, Daniel K. Inouye Fellow        japanprogram@jacl.org
January 2016 JACL Kakehashi Program Participants
Picture provided by: Taylor Kim
Apply now for the 2017-2018 JACL Kakehashi Program! Up to 200 participants will be selected to participate in this year’s JACL Kakehashi Program, coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and supported by funding from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The goal of the JACL Kakehashi Program is to build relations between Japan and Japanese Americans/Asian Americans. The program provides participants with a better understanding of Japan through a variety of fields, including politics, economics, and culture. JACL Kakehashi Program alumni are encouraged to become effective advocates in enhancing U.S. – Japan relations.
Participants selected in a competitive process will travel to Japan for 9-days where they will visit a number of historical and educational sites, experience traditional and cultural activities, and participate in a homestay with a local family.
Check out the website to apply to be a participant or a supervisor.
Trip Schedule 
 
Trip Date
Application Deadline
Copy of Passport Deadline
Notification of Selection 
Trip 1:
December 13-20, 2017
October 9, 2017 No later than October 31, 2017 Early November 2017
Trip 2:
March 12-20, 2018
January 2, 2018
No later than January 25, 2016
Early November 2016
Program and Application Guidelines
Applicants must be (1) a student in good standing currently enrolled in accredited college or university OR a young professional who has completed a minimum of a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university; (2) between the ages of 18-25 years old, (3) Japanese American or Asian American heritage. Please click here for additional program and eligibility guidelines.
You do not need to be a JACL member to be eligible.
The online application is available here. All applications and requested documentation must be received by the deadlines specified on the application.
If you have any questions or issues, please contact Elle Kurata or Kenzie Hirai at japanprogram@jacl.org, or call 202-223-1240 (Monday-Friday, 10:00am-5:30pm EST).

Your chance to WIN FREE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION in Warsaw for #RockitWAW!

Deadline:  30 January 2017
Open to: participants from around the world
Venue: 16– 17 February 2017 in Warsaw, Poland

 

Rockit Digital Summit is an annual international conference bringing innovation, entrepreneurial mindset and technology to digital communication and media.

RockitWAW is the major networking conference for digital communication professionals from media, marketing, business, non-profit, and governmental sectors in Europe and Central Asia. RockitWAW brings you the world-class speakers & inspiring discussions around digital communication, tech trends and developments in media. This is the event to share ideas, inspire others and get inspired yourself.

Who will be there 450+ attendees:

  • Media – journalists, bloggers, editors, media managers
  • Marketing – digital marketing and advertising professionals
  • Business – entrepreneurs, startups, corporate managers
  • Non-profit – activists, communication specialists
  • Government – press officers, political consultants

Join RockitWAW! Rock the Digital!

 

 

Award

Your chance to WIN FREE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION in Warsaw for #RockitWAW!
All you have to do is write a public post telling us why you want to join Rockit. It can be a picture, gif, video, text – you name it! And don’t forget to tag Rockit Digital Summit and use #IWant2RockitWAW hashtag!

Application

The owner of the most creative post will join #RockitWAW at our expenses! The more “likes” and shares you get – the bigger are your chances!
The contest ends by Monday (30.01) midnight!
If you already bought your tickets you can still participate. If you win we will reimburse you the money.

In order to apply, register HERE.

If you have any questions, feel free  to contact via email :  nino@digicomnet.org  or  artur@digicomnet.org.

The official web-page.

Royal Caribbean Is Hiring Someone to Travel the World and Take Photos for Instagram

Are you on the hunt for an internship? Are you already employed, but thinking your life might be better if you quit your job and instead got paid to Instagram for three weeks? Well then, hold on to your iPhones.

Royal Caribbean UK & Ireland will be hiring one savvy photographer this summer for its new “intern-ship” program, according to Conde Nast Traveler. This lucky human will get to spend three weeks between June and July 2017 setting sail with Royal Caribbean and documenting their adventures all over Instagram. The intern will board Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas and travel to Beijing, New York, and Barcelona, respectively, with all of their daily expenses covered.

The intern will also receive 3,000 British pounds ($3,723) in prize money and get “complimentary access to climbing walls, Flowrider, restaurants, swimming pools, zip wires, water-slides and onboard fitness facilities.”

All you have to do to apply is post a “most extraordinary” travel photo or video to Instagram and tag @RoyalCaribbeanUK and #ExtraordinaryExplorer. Applicants must be at least 21, own an iPhone, and have “extensive knowledge of all 23 filters.” Apply here before applications close on Jan. 31.

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme 2017-2018

Deadline:  6 January 2017
Open to: International students
Scholarship: For Master’s level studies, a monthly allowance of €1,181 (a maintenance allowance of €1,031 and a monthly stipend of €150) and can be awarded for 12-36 months.  For PhD level studies, monthly allowance of €1,400 and is awarded for a maximum of ten months

Description

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme was established by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development to enable French higher education establishments to attract top foreign students to enrol in their master’s and PhD courses. It helps to shape the future foreign decision-makers of the private and public sectors, in priority areas of study, and encourages applications from emerging countries at master’s level, and from emerging and industrialized countries at PhD level.

Eiffel scholarships are available in three main fields:

  1. engineering science at master’s level, science in the broadest sense at PhD level (engineering science; exact sciences: mathematics, physics, chemistry and life sciences, nano- and biotechnology, earth sciences, sciences of the universe, environmental sciences, information and communication science and technology);
  2. economics and management;
  3. law and political sciences.

French higher education establishments nominating candidates for the Eiffel Programme undertake to enrol them:

  • either in a master’s degree course;
  • or in a PhD programme, under joint supervision or dual enrolment, in partnership with a foreign higher education establishment.

For Master’s level studies, the scholarship is awarded for:

  • a maximum of 12 months for entry at M2 level,
  • a maximum of 24 months for entry at M1 level,
  • a maximum of 36 months for an engineering degree.

It is awarded on the condition that the student fulfils the academic requirements of each year of the course. Should the student wish to take an intensive language course beforehand, the Eiffel scholarship duration can be extended by a maximum of two months, if this is clearly indicated in the application. The Eiffel scholarship does not cover the cost of such language courses. The scholarship can cover a period of internship lasting for no more than 25% of the total duration of the course. The training period has to be an integral part of the course and be referred as mandatory in the brochure of the higher education establishment. In any non mandatory internship, the scholarship will be interrupted. If the course includes an international academic exchange, the scholarship shall be suspended during the period spent abroad, without any possibility of extension. If the scholarship holder signs an apprenticeship contract or a professional training contract, the scholarship shall be automatically terminated.

For PhD level studies,  The Eiffel scholarship is awarded for a maximum of ten months. For scientific and economic disciplines, no language course is provided for and the scholarship duration cannot be divided up. For law students, the ten-month scholarship can, with the consent of the selection committee, be split into two or three stays in France, of three or four months each. These stays must take place over a maximum of three calendar years. Only law students have the option of taking French lessons alongside their studies. This must be clearly requested in the application.

 

Eligibility

In order to be considered eligible to apply, you must fulfill all of the following criteria:

  • Nationality: this programme is reserved for candidates of non-French nationality. Candidates with two nationalities, one of which is French, are not eligible.
  • Age: for master’s courses, candidates must be no older than 30 on the date of the selection committee meeting, 6th of March 2017; at PhD level, candidates must be no older than 35 on the date of the selection committee meeting, 6th of March 2017.
  • Origin of applications: only applications submitted by French educational establishments are accepted. These establishments undertake to enrol scholarship holders on the course for which they have been selected. Applications submitted by any other means shall not be considered. Furthermore, any candidate nominated by more than one establishment shall be disqualified.
  • Courses of study: scholarships are for students wishing to enrol on a master’s course, including at an engineering school, and for PhD students. The Eiffel Programme does not apply to French-run master’s courses abroad, as non-PhD scholarship holders must complete at least 75% of their course in France. It does not apply to training under an apprenticeship contract or a professional training contract either
  • Combination with other scholarships: foreign students who, at the time of application, have already been awarded a French government scholarship under another programme are not eligible, even if the scholarship in question does not include social security cover.
  • Eiffel PhD scholarships: Establishments may nominate a candidate who was previously awarded an Eiffel scholarship at master’s level for a scholarship at PhD level. Candidates who have already been awarded an Eiffel scholarship once during their PhD cannot be awarded it for a second time. No application will be accepted for any student who applied previously but was rejected, even if the application is submitted by a different establishment or in another field of study.
  • Eiffel master’s scholarships: no application will be accepted for any student who applied previously but was rejected, even if the application is submitted by a different establishment or in another field of study. Students who have already been awarded an Eiffel scholarship at master’s level are not eligible to re-apply at master’s level.
  • Language skills: when pre-selecting non-French-speaking candidates, establishments must make sure that their language skills meet the requirements of the relevant course of study.

Students undertaking a course of study abroad take priority over those already living in France.

Costs & Scholarships

 

For Master’s level studies:

The Eiffel scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,181 (a maintenance allowance of €1,031 and a monthly stipend of €150). In addition, the following expenses are directly covered:

  • one international return journey;
  • social security cover;
  • cultural activities.

Scholarship holders may also receive an additional housing allowance, under certain conditions. 

For PhD level studies:

The Eiffel scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,400. In addition, the following expenses are directly covered:

  • one international return journey (for students in law or political sciences who may make several trips, only one return journey shall be covered);
  • social security cover;
  • cultural activities.

Scholarship holders may also receive an additional housing allowance, under certain conditions.

For both master’s and PhD levels:

In order to receive the first instalment of the monthly allowance, scholarship holders must have started their course of studies at the host establishment in France. Tuition fees are not covered by the Eiffel Programme. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development expects the educational establishments, which gain greater international influence through this programme, to ensure scholarship holders benefit from the best financial conditions, in accordance with the Quality Charter. Students admitted to state-run educational establishments are reminded that, as French government scholarship holders, they are exempt from enrolment fees.

Application

Applications are not accepted from students directly. Applications for EIFFEL scholarships are submitted by French Higher Education Institutions. You must apply and meet the requirements of the French Higher Education Institution in order to be considered for the scholarship.  The deadline for applications to Campus France is 6 January 2017. Application deadline to participating French Institutions is earlier and falls around November-December 2016.

It is important to read the Eiffel Programme Guide and the Application Guide and visit the official website (link found below) to access the online application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

If you have any questions, check the FAQ section or write to:  candidatures.eiffel@campusfrance.org.

The official web-page.

Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) for Master’s Students in Japan, 2017-2018

Deadline:  Varies from country to country
Open to: nationals of countries eligible for the YLP
Grant monthly with 242,000 yen; Traveling; Transportation to/from Japan, School Fees, Accommodation

Description

Applications are open for Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) for 2017-2018 academic year. These scholarships are available for international students to pursue master’s program in the field of Public Administration/Public Policy, Local Governance, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration and Law from October 2017 in Japan.

The Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) aims to contribute to the fostering of future national leaders in Asian and other countries. In addition, while deepening the participants’ understanding about Japan, it should help form a network among national leaders, contributing to the establishment of friendly relationships and improved policy planning activities among Asian and other countries, including Japan.

Launched in 2001 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan, the Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) is a yearlong academic scholarship program that aims to prepare and empower young professionals from all over the world for future leadership roles in their respective fields.

Eligibility

  • Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of countries eligible for the YLP.
  • Age: Applicants must be, in principle, under 40 years of age, as on 2nd October, 2017 (i.e. born on or after 2 October 1976).
  • Academic Background: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized/accredited university or college, and have achieved shown excellent academic performance.
  • Work Experience: At least 3 years of full-time work experience in public administration (preferably 5 years or more).
  • English Proficiency: A minimum TOEFL-iBT score of 79 (TOEFL-PBT score of 550), IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
  • Health: Applicants must be in good health.
  • Visa Requirement: In principle, selected applicants must acquire “College Student” (ryuugaku) visas before entering Japan. The visas should be issued at the Japanese legation, located in the country of applicants’ nationality.  Applicants who change their resident status to any status other than “College Student” after their arrival in Japan will immediately lose their status as a Japanese government scholarship student.
  • Applicants who meet any or all of following conditions are not eligible. If identified after acceptance of the scholarship grantees, the applicants will be required to withdraw from the scholarship:
    [1] If an applicant is a service member or a civilian employee registered on the active military list at the time of his/her arrival in Japan;
    [2] Those who cannot arrive in Japan during the period designated by accepting university;
    [3] If an applicant is, in principle, currently enrolled in a Japanese university or other type of school with the resident status of “College Student,” or will be enrolled in a Japanese university, etc. as another source or self-financed international student between the time of application for this scholarship in his/her country and the time the scholarship period is due to begin; or
    [4] Those who will lose their status as public administrators or government officials following the time of application or before completion of the program.

Nationality: 

YLP in Government: P. R. China, Rep. of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Hungary, Czech, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey. (29 Countries)

YLP in Local Governance: P. R. China, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Hungary, Czech, Poland, Romania (20 Countries)

YLP in Healthcare Administration: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Poland, Romania, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam (15 countries in alphabetical order)

YLP in Business Administration: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines,
P. R. China, Rep. of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam (15 countries)

YLP in Law Course: P. R. China, Rep. of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Mongolia, Singapore, India, South Africa, Turkey and Bhutan (16 Countries)

Scholarship Award

  • Allowance: Each grantee will be provided monthly with 242,000 yen during the term of the scholarship. However, the amount of allowance will be subject to change depending upon the annual budget of the Japanese government for each fiscal year. The scholarship will not be paid to a grantee who takes a leave of absence or is long absent from the assigned university.
  • Traveling Costs:
    1) Transportation to Japan: Each grantee will be supplied in general, accounting to his/her itinerary and route as designated by MEXT, with an economy-class airplane ticket from the international airport nearest to his/her home address* to Narita or Haneda International Airport. Expenses such as domestic transportation from his/her home address to the international airport, airport tax, airport usage fees, special taxes on travel, or inland transportation within Japan will NOT be supplied.
    2) Transportation from Japan: The grantee who returns to his/her home country within the fixed period after the expiration of his/her scholarship will be supplied, in general, upon application, with an economy-class airplane ticket for the travel from Narita or Haneda International Airport to the international airport nearest to his/her home address.
  • School Fees: Fees for matriculation and tuition will be paid by the Japanese government.
  • Accommodations:
    1) In principle, grantees may reside at residence halls provided by GRIPS.
    2) Private Boarding Houses or Apartment Houses: Those who cannot accommodate in the facilities described above will be arranged at private boarding houses or apartments recommended by the GRIPS Student Office.

Application

All YLP applications must be made through the specific recommending authorities for each course. Applicants must submit the following documents to their recommending authorities by the designated date. Documents submitted will not be returned.

  • Application for Admission
  • Photographs
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
  • Recommendation Letter from the recommending authority
  • Recommendation Letter from the applicant’s direct superior at work
  • Recommendation Letter from the applicant’s superior at work, or supervising professor of the university
  • Certificate of Health
  • Official degree certificates or certified copies of diplomas from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
  • Essay explaining applicant’s aspirations and future plans following program  completion
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Family Register
  • Copy of the Passport
  • English Proficiency Certificate
  • Answer to the Essay Questions

Application Deadline: The deadline of the applications differs according to the country. Please contact with Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country.

The official web-page.

 

Akademie Schloss Solitude Residency Program for 2017–2019

Deadline: 30 November 2016
Open to: persons up to 35 or if older who have completed a university or college degree within the past five years
Fellowship: stipend amounting to EUR 1,150 monthly and a combined apartment / studio plus many benefits

Description

Akademie Schloss Solitude is granting Approx. 70 Residental Fellowships of 3-12 months in duration. More than 1.300 artists from more than 120 countries have developed and advanced projects at the Akademie since its opening in 1990, creating a close-knit, global network of Solitude alumni that expands from year to year.

International artists are invited to apply from the following disciplines: Architecture (design, landscape architecture, urban planning), Visual Arts (including performance art), Performing Arts (stage design, dramatic texts, dramaturgy, musical theater, performance, direction, drama, dance), Design (fashion, costume, product and furniture design, visual communication), Literature (essay, criticism, poetry, prose, translation), Music/Sound (interpretation, sound installation, sound performance, composition), Time-based Media (including video, video installation, documentary and fiction film) and Web-based Media (web design, web development/coding, web art and digital journalism). Furthermore, scholars, scientists and professionals from the disciplines of the Humanities, Social Sciences(Culture and Geopolitics), Economy/Economics (Urban Policy) and History (its practices of writing and politics in the contemporary).

The responsible specialist jurors make decisions on the allocation and the duration of the fellowships. Fellowships are granted for three to twelve months. One of the following three languages is assumed: German, English or French.

Eligibility

  • Persons up to 35 or if older who have completed a university or college degree within the past five years;
  • Several fellowships are also awarded regardless of the applicant’s age.

Fellowship

The fellowship includes the following:

  • A combined apartment / studio, furnished with electricity, water and heat free of charge;
  • A stipend amounting to EUR 1,150 monthly (plus one-time expenses incurred by the fellowship holder travelling to and from Stuttgart from his or her primary place of residence). The Akademie may also offer additional financial supplements, depending on its respective budget situation;
  • A supplement for so-called double housekeeping (subsidy for apartment or studio costs); freight cost subsidy for the transport of materials, tools and instruments to and from Stuttgart; a project promotion subsidy and a one-time materials subsidy; in the case of non-German guests (from non EU-countries), assumption of part of their health insurance expenses;
  • The use of the workshops owned by Akademie Schloss Solitude under the supervision of the technical director, are free of charge for fellowship holders.

Application

The next application round/call for applications for fellowships from 2017–2019 will take place from 1 September 2016 to 30 November 2016. Within this time frame only, applicants will be able to register on the application website and download the application form.

The link to the application website will be posted on the frontpage of the Solitude website as from 1 September 2016.

General information about the residency program of Akademie Schloss Solitude can be found under Residency.

Questions will only be answered by e-mail at  apply@akademie-solitude.de

For more information, please visit the official website.

‘Allies in Action’ small fund is open for proposals

THE CURRENT ROUND WILL CLOSE ON Sunday 18 SEPTEMBER 2016. Please review the below information carefully before deciding to apply.

We established ‘Allies in Action’ because we believe that for a social change towards acceptance of diversity and towards equality to happen, we need to activate and develop meaningful ties and relationships between different communities, create a diverse support network for LGBTI persons, and be strengthened by voices and expertise of non-activist allies. Simply put, we believe in the power of person-to-person contacts, the significance of committed individuals that become multipliers within their communities, and in bottom-up progress.

We established ‘Allies in Action’ to support impactful, creative, and genuine ideas by local LGBTI communities and those who are ready to contribute by action and knowledge to better environments for LGBTI and to a better understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics (SOGISC).

The fund is meant to enable initiatives and actions that inform and involve individuals, communities, and groups outside of LGBTI movements. We seek to enable participation of those who are well-placed to have a positive impact on the everyday life experiences of L, G, B, T, or I persons, as well as on improved understanding of SOGISC and diversity. They would contribute through exercising their professions in an ethical way and by sharing information within their professional or social circles. Among these audiences are lawyers, psychologists, educators, social workers, journalists, healthcare professionals, art and culture opinion makers, as well as parents and family of LGBTI and more.

Initiatives supported by ‘Allies in Action’ can have very diverse goals – from stepping up voices of parents of LGBTI, to incorporating SOGISC issues into broader cultural events, to SOGISC-related educational activities/ publications by professionals for their colleagues, etc. We welcome creativity and innovation in approach.

Do you think this vision and your ideas for action match? Share your initiative with us!

First off, be sure to carefully review our conditions. We would not like you to waste time on a proposal that will not fit the program.

We only support initiatives that:

  • Are led by LGBTI persons and/ or allies of LGBTI (with no limitation in regards presence or absence of official registration of the group);
  • Are implemented locally by groups in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Russia, or Ukraine;
  • Are focused on a specific, carefully selected audience/ target group outside of LGBTI movement and serve to engage, inspire, mobilise individuals and collectives that are in a position to impact everyday realities of LGBTI persons, advocacy capacity of LGBTI organisations, and/ or proper understanding of issues pertaining SOGISC;
  • Demonstrate a clear vision of how this action contributes its bit to a change you want to achieve in your environment;
  • Are concrete and scalable (i.e. with balanced, matching goals and actions);
  • Are endorsed by LGBTI organisations (if proposed by an informal group of allies or activists);
  • Require funding from ‘Allies in Action’ of no more than 5,000 euros (if your initiative will be additionally funded by someone else, then the total combined budget should not exceed 12,000 euros);
  • Value feedback and are interested in the opportunity of engaging external expertise, and therefore commit to regular communication with us in the course of application, implementation, and reporting.

We prefer:

  • Initiatives that feed into, reinforce, and/or diversify other ongoing efforts towards better environment for LGBTI persons and protection of their rights (by you or another group);
  • Genuine and innovative approach to action that is strongly rooted in a local reality, with its limitations, opportunities, and existing relations;
  • Duration of action or initiative of no more than 6 months in total (from receipt of the award to its completion and reporting);
  • Willingness to share experience with colleagues and activists across the above-indicated countries and beyond.

We don’t support:

  • Initiatives proposing direct support and/or services to the LGBTI communities;
  • Initiatives aimed at the anonymous, faceless ‘general public’ or ‘broader audience’, without a clear vision of the specific people (or their groups/ communities) that you want to approach or work with and why you think it is needed;
  • Continuation of regular, ongoing activities;
  • Structural costs, such as ongoing office rental or salaries (please note that honorariums/ one-off fees needed within your specific action can be supported if scalable);
  • Initiatives proposed and managed through external third-party organisations (unless it is a joint action by your group and a local LGBTI organisation). We want to cooperate directly with the groups we support, without an additional layer in-between.

Proposals to which any of the above NO-criteria apply will not be accepted for consideration.

It is possible to submit a proposal if you have received an AiA grant previously already,

We commit to:

  • Supporting you in planning, implementation, and reporting if you are selected for award;
  • Ensuring that both application and reporting processes are not too heavy, while turning them into our joint learning experience;
  • Connecting you with other individuals, groups, organisations, processes, and materials that you might find interesting and helpful in your work, or where your expertise or experience will benefit others.

How to apply for support?

To begin with, we will need a brief proposal from you that will contain essential information about your group/ organisation and plans and will demonstrate why this program and your initiative are a good match.

Please use this format to share your action plans and send them to us at ILGA-Europe and COC Netherlands. We are looking forward to receive your proposal!

Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by an expert advisory group that consists of representatives of international human rights and donor organisations with experience in the program region and knowledge of the LGBTI landscape there.

You can submit your proposal at any time. However, keep in mind that submissions are reviewed as a pool several times per year.

THE CURRENT ROUND WILL CLOSE ON 18 SEPTEMBER 2016.

After that, you should count on up to two weeks of follow-up communications.

Final decisions will be announced in the first weeks of November.

Successful initiatives are expected to receive funds and to be launched in mid-November and be completed by June.

Please feel free to reach out to us at ILGA-Europe and COC Netherlands should you have any questions.

(ВЕРСИЯ НА РУССКОМ)

 

USCIRF Internship Opportunity in Washington DC

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to monitor the status of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief abroad, as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related international instruments, and to give independent policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

USCIRF offers the following types of internships:

  • Communications
  • Government Relations
  • Policy: Legal Research
  • Policy: Regional Policy Analysis (Africa; East Asia; Europe and Central Asia; Middle East; South Asia)

General Information on USCIRF Internships

  • Currently enrolled students are eligible for internships with USCIRF.
  • All USCIRF internships are paid; course credit may be available.
  • USCIRF does not provide housing or moving expenses.
  • Internships can be full-time (40 hours a week) or part-time (20-30 hours a week) for a minimum of 8 weeks, but not to exceed 16 weeks.

General Eligibility Requirements (applicable to all USCIRF internships)

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Currently enrolled undergraduates (sophomores, juniors and seniors) and graduate students (including JD and LLM candidates)
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Successful completion of a background check

Application Deadlines

Internships are available year-round, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, given the number of applications received, the following are recommended application deadlines:

Fall Semester: September – December
Application Deadline: July 1

Spring Semester: January – April
Application Deadline: November 1

Summer Semester: May – August
Application Deadline: March 1

Application Requirements

  • Cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you would you like to intern at USCIRF
  • Resume
  • 3-5 page writing sample
  • 2-3 letters of reference

E-mail, fax, or mail your application materials to:

Internship Program

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
732 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite A714
Washington, DC 20401
202-523-3240 (phone)

202-523-5020 (fax)

internship@uscirf.gov

Please specify the internship and semester you are applying for in your cover letter and the subject line of an e-mailed application.

Available Internships

Communications Intern

  • Maintain and expand database of media, NGO, think tank, academia, and religious contacts
  • Post on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook
  • Help update website
  • Help prepare materials for distribution to the public and press, including press releases, policy briefs, newsletters, and reports
  • Create daily press clips for distribution
  • Help organize and provide logistical support for events such as press conferences, public hearings, and speaking engagements
  • Provide general administrative support as needed

Eligible candidates should have:

  • experience with Social Media such as Twitter and Facebook;
  • knowledge of Adobe InDesign and other publishing programs;
  • excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills;
  • an interest in human rights and foreign policy;
  • ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a team;
  • a willingness to perform administrative tasks.

Government Relations Intern

  • Track foreign policystatements, religious freedom, human rights and related legislation, and relevant policy publications
  • Attendand report on Congressional hearings
  • Review relevant government agency websites and publications daily
  • Research positions and actions taken by Members of Congress and Congressional committees and organizations
  • Undertake other research as needed
  • Provide general administrative support as needed

Eligible candidates should have:

  • excellent writing and comprehension skills;
  • a passion for foreign policy and human rights;
  • ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a team;
  • a willingness to perform administrative tasks;
  • familiarity with the full Microsoft Office suite (Excel and Word in particular).

Policy Department: Legal Research Intern (open to current 2L, 3L, and LLM students)

  • Conduct research on a variety ofinternational human rights and comparative law topics, as assigned

Eligible candidates are:

  • law students with coursework or experience in constitutional law, international affairs, human rights, religious affairs, or a related field;
  • familiar with legal research techniques and the full Microsoft Office suite;
  • interested in the field of international human rights.

Fluency in a foreign language is preferred, but not required.

Policy Department: Regional Policy Analysis Intern

  • Research a variety of international religious freedom and human rights issues, with a focus in one or more of the following world regions:
  • Africa
  • East Asia
  • Europe and Central Asia
  • Middle East
  • South Asia

(Specify what region you are applying for in your cover letter and the subject line of an e-mailed application.)

  • Assist with preparations for meetings, roundtables, Commission travel, and other events
  • Attend meetings at USCIRF with international visitors and other groups interested in USCIRF’s work
  • Attend and report on public hearings and other events in the DC area on issues relevant to USCIRF’s work
  • Provide general administrative support as needed

Eligible candidates:

  • possess demonstrable knowledge, including academic background, of a particular world region;
  • have completed coursework (or have experience) in public policy, international affairs, political science, human rights, religious affairs, government affairs, or a related field;
  • are willing to perform administrative tasks;
  • are familiar with the full Microsoft Office suite (knowledge of Microsoft Access is preferred, but not required).

Fluency in a foreign language (particularly Mandarin Chinese, Russian, or Arabic) is preferred, but not required.

 

internship@uscirf.gov