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The Advocacy Project seeks to help community-based advocates produce, disseminate and use information, and so become more effective advocates for human rights and social justice

Fellows > FAQs

FAQs

Recruitment / Selection Process

• 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?
• When do you expect to begin recruiting for summer?
• What technical skills and experience should an AP Peace Fellow have?
• What other qualities should an AP Peace Fellow have?
• What if I am not selected for my first choice? Will I be considered for other placements?
• Does AP have fellowship opportunities in its Washington, DC, office?
• Why does AP ask for a cover letter? Can I just send you my resume or CV?
• Do I have to be a US citizen or attend a US university to apply?
• Why do some positions say “women applicants only, please”?

Preparation & Deployment

• Does AP deploy fellows in the fall, winter, or spring?
• What kinds of organizations host fellows and how does AP choose them?
• What is the relationship between AP and the host organizations?
• Is training mandatory?
• 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?

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?

* * *

Recruitment / Selection Process

• 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.

• When do you expect to begin recruiting for summer?

We are currently recruiting for 22 international Peace Fellowships.  We anticipate posting approximately 15 more in mid-January.  Please allow 2-4 weeks for applications to be reviewed.  We anticipate the hiring process to be complete by mid-March.

• What technical skills and experience should an AP Peace Fellow have?

While specific fellowships have different requirements, in general fellows are expected to have an understanding of issues relating to human rights, social justice, conflict, and development; excellent writing, editing, and research (especially Internet research) skills; at least one year of graduate-level study in a relevant field. Also, some ICT skills, with the ability and willingness to expand your skill-set, are a plus. Unless indicated otherwise, no knowledge of the host language is required but it’s always a bonus. (Our Latin America and Middle East Fellowships do have a language requirement). 

• What other qualities should an AP Peace Fellow have?

AP fellows must have a commitment to social justice and human rights; be self-reliant, flexible, and have a sense of improvisation; be excellent team players; and be willing to both learn and teach. Confidence in your abilities tempered with a humble regard for the experiences and expertise of those around you is crucial. You will be challenged, but you will also be expected to contribute meaningfully to your host organization.

• 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?

No. AP does offer graduate and undergraduate-level internships in the DC office, however.  We are currently recruiting for a number of spring internships.  We typically start recruiting around April for summer internships.

• Why does AP ask for a cover letter? Can I just send you my resume or CV?

Please send us a cover letter detailing your position preferences and also why you feel you are a good fit for that fellowship and why it suits your interests and plans. An application submitted with no cover letter will be considered incomplete. 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 all over the world. Please note that most positions require fluency in English, an ability to fundraise, and the ability to attend a three-day training course in Washington, DC, in May.

• 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.

Preparation & Deployment

• Does AP deploy fellows in the fall, winter, or spring?

Yes, occasionally. We are trying to expand our non-summer fellowships, which are for four to six months in either the fall/winter or winter/spring. Please check our website for openings.

• What kinds of organizations host fellows and how does AP choose them?

Our mission is to strengthen, support, and empower advocates who work at the community level for social justice. We do this through offering services and in some cases fellows. We send fellows to organizations that are working directly with community-based advocates. These groups are sometimes the advocates themselves, and other times are larger organizations or foundations that are supporting these groups in the field. Many of these groups have been partners of the Advocacy Project for many years. Others we are just getting to know. In this case, AP does not send fellows to the organization until we have developed a relationship with that group, received references from past volunteers, and agreed on a program for the fellow.

• What is the relationship between AP and the host organizations?

Close, although communications are often difficult. Fellows are a key component to helping AP and the host organization build an effective relationship.

• Is training mandatory?

Yes.  Fellows will be required to attend a three-day training session in Washington, DC, in late May. Only under extreme circumstances will a fellow be excused from this training, though alternative arrangements must be made. Pending funding, a small reimbursement may available to help defray the cost of travel.

• Will fellows be compensated financially by AP or the host? If not, how do fellows fund their trips?

All of our Peace Fellowships are unpaid and require Fellows to secure their own funds. Fellows are encouraged to speak with their university career centers about school grants and scholarships that are available for unpaid internships.  AP will work with each fellow to guide him or her in the search for funding.  Fellows should expect to raise between $2,500-$5,000, with the exception of Afghanistan, which is more expensive. In general, Fellows are able to raise sufficient funds. 

• What is a sponsored Fellowship?

If a Fellowship is sponsored, the fellow will receive a stipend of $1,000. 16 Fellowships were sponsored in 2007. We hope to secure more sponsored Fellowships for 2008.  Sponsored Fellowships also cover the cost of insurance.  (Non-sponsored Fellowships require that the Fellows themselves pay for their 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 Internship Coordinator and other staff. Someone will also be available to answer tech questions.  We are happy to provide moral support as well a help with practical matters like housing (though the host usually provides this as well). Finally, there is an emergency protocol in place, though it has never been used.

Post-Deployment

• What kind of follow-up will be expected of fellows after our return from the field?

In the Fall, fellows will be expected to attend our annual Ambassadors’ Reception at the home of the Ambassador of Liechtenstein, an AP board member, as well as the Fellowship Debriefing on the same weekend. You will also be expected to hold at least one awareness-raising event on behalf of your host. This may be done at your school, or through other community groups. AP will guide and support you in this. 

• What type of skills does this program develop and how will it benefit my career and me personally?

Many graduate students are eager to find jobs “in the field” after graduation, but it is very hard to get those positions without prior field experience. This fellowship provides direct exposure to grassroots advocacy efforts and the opportunity to work alongside small NGOs in the developing world. Leadership, confidence, and creativity are among the key qualities past fellows say they have strengthened. Exposure to the challenges of grassroots advocacy is also crucial whether you intend to work in nonprofits, the government, or large foundations. Personally, you will 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, broaden their global perspective, and gain a first-hand understanding of human rights issues in the cross cultural context.  This will ultimately lead to a future of global citizens dedicated to justice. This can be measured by assessing Fellows’ Personal Statements, a major section of the Final Evaluation, where Fellows are asked to reflect upon their experience and its lasting impact on a personal level.

• Are there any other benefits to becoming an AP Peace Fellow?

You will become a member of the AP Interns and Fellows Alumni Network. (AP Fellows for Peace was formally known as Interns Without Borders). You will be able to tap into the experience and connections of an ever-growing network of young, dedicated professionals working for social justice.

There are also academic benefits since you will build upon the theoretical frameworks gained in the classroom by gaining practical field experience in international service, human rights and social justice. This is demonstrated by the possibility of incorporating your fellowship into school projects, theses, internships, etc.

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