AJWS Global Justice Fellowship (2017-2018)

October 16, 2017 - April 10, 2018

A fellowship designed to inspire, educate and train American rabbis to become activist leaders in support of global justice.

Get to know the incredible 2017-2018 Fellows! Read below to learn what these fellows will experience during their fellowship.

Program-in-Brief

What: The AJWS Global Justice Fellowship is a selective program designed to inspire, educate and train American rabbis to become activist leaders in support of global justice. The fellowship includes a 7-day educational trip to a developing country and the opportunity to advocate for laws and policies in Washington, D.C. that will promote human rights around the globe. Participants experience the power of grassroots efforts to overcome injustice and then use their moral authority to influence national decisionmakers and mobilize their own communities to take action.

When: U.S. programming from October 16, 2017 – April 10, 2018; international travel from January 14-21, 2018.

Where: In addition to international travel, meetings will take place in New York City, Washington, D.C., and via a virtual seminar space.

Who: The fellowship is open to all North American rabbis who possess the potential to provide outstanding leadership to help shape the future of the American Jewish community’s commitment to global justice.

Application Deadline: The application deadline has passed.

Cost: $180 – $540 (sliding scale based on financial ability) plus cost of visas, vaccinations, medications, health/travel insurance and some meals.

The GJF application process is currently closed, and we will begin recruiting in Spring 2018. If you are interested, please contact Joseph Gindi at jgindi@ajws.org or 212.792.2899.

Fellowship Schedule and Requirements

Below is a list of events, workshops, dates and commitments required of all fellows.
(Click to expand each section)

  • 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 campaign themes.

    Welcome and Introductory Webinar
    October 16, 2017

    In-Person NYC Seminar
    October 31 - November 1, 2017

    Educational Preparation (including short readings, video clips, and brief text studies done as individuals, in partner study, and/or web-based discussion)
    ~20 hours total between October and April

  • Travel

    An immersive, 7-day experience in a community where AJWS works in Central America or the Caribbean—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.

    Travel Prep Webinar
    December 12, 2017

    International Travel
    January 14-21, 2018

  • 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 15, 2018

    Lobby in Washington, D.C.
    March 12-14, 2018

    Program Siyum Webinar
    April 10, 2018

    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

    • Fundraise for AJWS

    • Share action alerts with social action committee, community members and clergy association

  • How can I learn more?

    For more information about the application and program logistics, please refer to the FAQs on the main GJF page or contact us using the form below.

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