A Voice For the Voiceless
The Advocacy Project helps marginalized communities to tell their story, claim their rights and produce social change. We recruit graduate students to volunteer as Peace Fellows with partners.
The Impact of Service
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Frequently Asked Questions About Peace Fellowships
(Updated January 25, 2011)
Background
How did the fellowship program begin?
What work will I do?
Will my work be evaluated?
Recruitment
What type of recruits is AP seeking?
What are the key personal qualities in an AP Peace Fellow?
What are the ideal qualifications for a peace fellowship?
I want to apply for a fellowship right away but don’t see any openings listed. Can I send you my resume to keep on file?
What is the timetable for recruitment?
What if I am not selected for my first choice? Will I be considered for other placements?
Does AP have fellowship opportunities in the Washington DC office?
Do I have to be a US citizen or attend a US university to apply?
Why do some positions say “women applicants only, please”?
Fundraising
Does AP charge a fee?
Will fellows be compensated financially by AP or the host? If not, how do fellows fund their trips?
What is a sponsored fellowship?
What kind of non-financial support can fellows expect from AP during deployment?
Preparation and Deployment
Does AP deploy fellows in the fall, winter, or spring?
Will I sign a written agreement?
What kind of organization will I work with?
What is the relationship between AP and the host organizations?
Is training mandatory?
Post-Deployment
What kind of follow-up will be expected of fellows after our return from the field?
What type of skills does this program develop and how will it benefit my career and me personally?
Are there any other benefits to becoming an AP Peace Fellow?
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Background.
How did the Fellowship program begin?
The program was launched as Interns Without Borders in 2003, when AP recruited eight graduate students to work with AP partners as an experiment. The program grew steadily and was renamed Fellows for Peace in 2006. 199 fellows have served since 2003.
What work will I do?
AP’s mission is to help community-based advocates to tell their story, take action, and produce social change. Peace Fellows help us jump-start the process. The fellowship begins when someone is accepted into the program, in the spring. The fellow will then contact his or her host organization and discuss the logistics and work plan. Together, they will set at least one major goal for the summer, with a measurable output/outcome. Second, all fellows will help their hosts to produce information, develop IT tools, and build a constituency of supporters – which can all be done within the three month period. These services are described in detail on the AP website. Please consult them carefully before applying! All fellows will develop a written work plan within two weeks of arriving. This will also serve as a template for evaluating the fellowship.
Will my work be evaluated?Yes. Setting goals and measuring results is an important feature of the fellowship. All fellows will be asked to evaluate the AP training, report midway through their fellowship, and complete a questionnaire within two weeks of their return. These help us to update and improve the program. They also help fellows to meet their own personal goals.
Recruitment
What type of recruits is AP seeking?This program is targeted at graduate students who have professional experience and are mid-way through a Masters program. This allows AP to take advantage of their skills and enthusiasm, while giving fellows the chance to use their summer experience during their second year of study. Most young professionals have a natural flair for IT, which is central to AP’s model and highly valued by community advocates. Given the challenging nature of the fellowships, we do not generally recruit undergraduates. But exceptions may be made, and we encourage undergraduates to apply if they have an appropriate skill or interest.
What are the key personal qualities in an AP Peace Fellow?The key to a successful fellowship is an ability to adapt – because assignments always throw up surprises. In addition, fellows should be self-reliant, curious, flexible, and possess judgment; be able to improvise; set clear goals and be organized; be excellent team players; and be willing to both learn and teach. You should be confident in your abilities! You will be challenged, but you will also be expected to contribute meaningfully
What are the ideal qualifications for a Peace fellowship?
While specific fellowships have different requirements, fellows are expected to have an understanding of human rights, social justice, conflict, and development; writing, editing, and research skills; and at least one year of graduate-level study in a relevant field. ICT skills are a plus. Unless indicated otherwise, fellows will only need to know the host language if they are deployed to Latin America and Middle East.
I want to apply for a fellowship right away but don’t see any openings listed. Can I send you my resume to keep on file?
No. Because each position has very different qualifications and requirements, we ask that you please not send us your application until the openings are posted. At this time, you will be asked to specify the positions that interest you. Any materials received prior to the open recruitment period will not be reviewed.
What is the timetable for recruitment?
Recruitment for the summer of 2011 will begin with the posting of fellowships (in December 2010). The deadline for applications is February 20, 2011. We will acknowledge your application by the end of February. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by phone in March and offers made within a month. All hiring will be completed by the end of April. Please let us know immediately if you change your mind and decide to withdraw your application, since that could open up a fellowship for someone else.
What if I am not selected for my first choice? Will I be considered for other placements?
Yes. If you have more than one choice, please list them in order and explain in your cover letter. You may also be considered for placements that you have not listed.
Does AP have fellowship opportunities in its Washington, DC, office?
Yes. AP offers a limited number of internships in the DC office. Check our website, call or email: korr@advocacynet.org.
Why does AP ask for a cover letter? Can I just send you my resume or CV?
We need a cover letter because competition for fellowships is intense (We had over 500 applications in 2009). Also, we need to understand your preferences and experience. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Some positions also require a writing sample.
Do I have to be a US citizen or attend a US university to apply?
No. We encourage applications from outside the US. But please note that positions carry requirements, including a fluency in English. You will also be asked to attend a three-day training course in Washington DC, Ottawa, or London (UK) before deployment.
Why do some positions say “women applicants only, please”?
The Advocacy Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other personal factors. However, given the highly sensitive nature of some of our positions, we must occasionally limit recruitment to women only. This may be due to cultural and security constraints or to psychological considerations for beneficiaries. We hope you understand.
Fundraising
Does AP charge a fee?
No. AP does not ask partners or fellows for a fee, but does require all fellows to participate in a group insurance policy. This is mandatory and provides comprehensive insurance during the fellowship. The cost typically runs to about $250. Once you accept an offer in writing, and only then, we will also ask you for a $150 deposit which will be returned to you at training. If you default, this money will be sent to the host organization. The purpose of this is to avoid last-minute cancellations - something that can be demoralising for community-based organizations. Contact us for more information.
Will fellows be compensated financially by AP or the host? If not, how do fellows fund their trips?Most Peace Fellowships are unpaid, although a small number may carry a stipend or sponsorship (below). Fellows are encouraged to approach their university career centers for grants, and many universities offer a grant for fellowships. AP will also work with each fellow to put up a fundraising page online. Fellows should expect to raise between $2,500-$5,000. In general, fellows are able to raise sufficient funds. On occasions, they raise more than they need: one fellow was able to make a $5,000 donation to her host organization.
What is a sponsored Fellowship?
AP seeks donors for specific fellowships. If a fellowship is sponsored, the fellow will receive a stipend of $1,000. Sponsored fellowships also cover the cost of insurance.
What kind of non-financial support can fellows expect from AP during deployment?
Throughout your deployment, you will be “back-stopped” 24/7 by the AP Fellowship Coordinator and other staff. Someone will also be available to answer tech questions. All fellows are required to be contactable by phone at all times. AP places a high premium on security, which is dealt with at length during training.
Preparation & Deployment
Does AP deploy fellows in the fall, winter, or spring?
Yes. AP is increasing the number of long term fellowships and we expect to have at least 6 in place by the spring of 2011. All projects that are undertaken with partners and seek funds will be staffed by a full-time fellow. Check our website for openings.
Will I sign a written agreement?
Yes. All fellows will receive an offer in writing and sign a written contract. AnyfFellow who breaks the agreement during their fellowship will be asked to leave the program immediately, after consultation with the AP Board. Their school will also be notified.
What kind of organization will I work with?Our mission is to support advocates who represent marginalized communities. These advocates usually emerge from the group and share their problems. AP does not initiate partnerships but we receive many inquiries, and try to take on between three and four new partners in any given year. Partnerships are open-ended. For more details, visit the partnership page.
What is the relationship between AP and the host organizations?Close and often based on personal friendship. But communications are often difficult. Fellows play a key role in building and cementing the partnership with AP.
Is training mandatory?
Yes. All fellows will be required to attend a three-day training session in late-May. 2011 trainings will take place in Washington, DC; Ottawa; and Europe. The purpose of training is to introduce fellows to the work of their hosts, provide relevant skills training, and cover practical issues (eg security). A training manual will be posted online by end-March. Training builds teamwork, and provides a basic grounding in the skills that will be needed to implement the AP model and work plan.
Post-Deployment
What kind of follow-up will be expected of fellows after our return from the field?
Fellows are encouraged to continue promoting the work of their host on return. Many past fellows have organized outreach events for their hosts at their university, and stay in touch long after their fellowships have ended. While this is not required, it is strongly encouraged and we will do what we can to support such outreach.
What type of skills does this program develop and how will it benefit my career and me personally?An AP fellowship is expected to produce four specific benefits. First, the fellow will learn new skills (photography, video-editing, fundraising etc). Second, the fellowship will build character. Third, it will enhance academic learning and help fellows in their final year of graduate study. Finally, serrving as a Peace Fellow can help your future career. This program is one of the few to offer a substantial time abroad, and the only one that gives volunteers direct exposure to grassroots human rights advocacy. This is valuable if you plan to work in a nonprofit, government, or a foundation. Personally, you will also be challenged, stretched, and tested. You will meet extraordinary people and often help them achieve extraordinary things. You will be inspired and you will inspire. In addition, Fellows for Peace fosters responsible global citizenship. You will build cultural bridges, and gain a first-hand understanding of human rights in a cross-cultural context. These important outcomes are all measured in the final evaluation. Please consult the AP website for feedback from past Fellows.
Are there any other benefits to becoming an AP Peace Fellow?
You will become part of the AP family! Almost 200 remarkable young men and women have served abroad as fellows. You too can tap into the experience and connections of this growing network of young, dedicated professionals working for social justice. AP also offers help with professional contacts, including references.