By signing below I affirm that I understand that the fellowship is integral to achieving AJWS’s intended impact, which is to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. AJWS pursues this goal through two key strategies: (1) making grants to grassroots organizations in Africa, Asia and the Americas working to effect social change and (2) mobilizing the American Jewish community and its allies to actively support changes in U.S. policy that promote the human rights of marginalized people in the developing world. I understand that the Fellowship is a key programmatic tool in this second strategy.
I have reviewed all of the information about the program on this website, understand the core purpose of the program mentioned above and commit to the following:
Orientation: A series of virtual and in-person educational opportunities to build community among fellows, provide context for the travel experience and introduce participants to AJWS’s advocacy priorities. I am committing to the following orientation programming (all events are required unless otherwise indicated):
- Welcome and Introductory Webinar – October 10, 2018
- In-person NYC Seminar – November 5-6, 2018
- Educational Preparation (including short readings, video clips, and brief text studies) – ~20 hours total between October and April
Travel: An immersive, 7-day experience in Guatemala — emphasizing engagement with local experts, meeting local advocates funded by AJWS, exploring the impact of U.S. policy on developing world communities, and training in activism and leadership skills. I am committing to the following international travel:
- Travel Prep Webinar - Tuesday, December 11, 2018
- International Travel to Guatemala - January 13-20, 2019
Take Action: Engage in follow-up workshops—both virtual and in-person, including direct lobbying in Washington, D.C.—to develop organizing and leadership skills, stay updated on AJWS’s key issues, and plan area events individually and with your fellowship group to further engage your communities.
- Post-Travel Webinar - February 12, 2019
- Lobby in Washington, DC - March 11-13, 2019
- Program Siyum Webinar - April 9, 2019
- Publicly support AJWS's human rights campaigns
- Speak and/or write about your experience and AJWS's campaign work
- Generate local press
- Participate in meetings with elected officials and advocate that they sponsor/sign letters to push forward AJWS's human rights agenda
- Support AJWS sign-on letters by mobilizing your own community
- Expand AJWS's reach
- Empower lay-leaders to organize an event to build AJWS's base in your community
- Organize local clergy to mobilize support for AJWS's advocacy campaign
- Share action alerts with social action committee, community members and clergy association