2022 Our Circle Equality Fellowship Call for Applications
What is the fellowship about?
Many young Human Rights leaders develop their activism and advocacy skills while they are in university and while they are part of student organizations, some of which have received mentorship and support from Our Circle and its partners. However, as we learned from the participants of the Strengthening Human Rights Defender in Belize Project many of them lose their platform in advocacy when they leave their universities or one off projects end. There are very limited opportunities for them to take part in the movement, without affiliation with a more established organization. On the other hand, many of these older organizations are not able to tap new advocates who will sustain their work in the movement.
The fellowship aims to not only build the capacity of young and emerging Human Rights advocates, but also contribute to the sustainability of these organizations which are instrumental to the active participation of more diverse voices in leadership and good governance.
The Equality Fellowship is a leadership training program for second-line leaders and advocates currently working in different fields but are committed to start or restart their engagements and connections to the Human Rights advocacy community.
What can I learn from the fellowship?
The curriculum of the academy will include 8 Discourse and Discussion (D&D) sessions, hangout sessions, field visits, and a batch project. These activities aim to review the knowledge and improve capacities of the fellows in terms of working for Human Rights advocacy. The field visits and batch project will also create avenues for the fellows to be acquainted with different Human Rights organizations and possible partner institutions. For this cycle, the activities will be done online.
The D&D Sessions will include the following topics:
Session 1: Leadership and Advocacy
Session 2: Effective Advocacy Communication
Session 3: Gender, Sexuality, and Feminism
Session 4: Human Rights Advocacy
Session 5: Vulnerable Communities Issues and Protection
Session 6: Project Management
Session 7: Community Organizing
Session 8: Lobbying
To know more about the curriculum and tentative schedule of the fellowship, click here.
The fellowship will also provide communications support and online class package to all fellows to assist them in participating with the program.
Can I apply to be a fellow?
The Fellowship is accepting 25 participants per batch. Below are the general criteria for the application:
To ensure representation and inclusion, slots for queer women and transgender individuals are also set for the selection process.
When can I apply?
The application for the first batch of Equality fellows is currently open until 20 August 2022 (Saturday) at 11:59PM. Late and incomplete submissions will not be entertained.
How can I apply?
Your application should contain the following documents:
Phyllis Staine
Our Circle Resource Center
14 New Road (l/f)
Belize City, Belize
You will receive a reply confirming your submission within 3-5 working days and containing the link to a Slack group for further announcements.
If you were not able to receive a confirmation email, please let us know through the same email or through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcirclebze.
Interview Process:
Interviews are scheduled on 26th - 28th August 2022 (Friday-Sunday). All applicants will be interviewed by the 5-member Our Circle Selection Panel. Each interview will last for around 10-20 minutes.
We will be posting the scheduling system on the official Slack group for the Fellowship Applicants. The link to the Slack group will be sent together with a confirmation of your application.
Interviews will be done via Google Meet. Details of the virtual meeting room will also be communicated through Slack Messaging App.
Many young Human Rights leaders develop their activism and advocacy skills while they are in university and while they are part of student organizations, some of which have received mentorship and support from Our Circle and its partners. However, as we learned from the participants of the Strengthening Human Rights Defender in Belize Project many of them lose their platform in advocacy when they leave their universities or one off projects end. There are very limited opportunities for them to take part in the movement, without affiliation with a more established organization. On the other hand, many of these older organizations are not able to tap new advocates who will sustain their work in the movement.
The fellowship aims to not only build the capacity of young and emerging Human Rights advocates, but also contribute to the sustainability of these organizations which are instrumental to the active participation of more diverse voices in leadership and good governance.
The Equality Fellowship is a leadership training program for second-line leaders and advocates currently working in different fields but are committed to start or restart their engagements and connections to the Human Rights advocacy community.
What can I learn from the fellowship?
The curriculum of the academy will include 8 Discourse and Discussion (D&D) sessions, hangout sessions, field visits, and a batch project. These activities aim to review the knowledge and improve capacities of the fellows in terms of working for Human Rights advocacy. The field visits and batch project will also create avenues for the fellows to be acquainted with different Human Rights organizations and possible partner institutions. For this cycle, the activities will be done online.
The D&D Sessions will include the following topics:
Session 1: Leadership and Advocacy
Session 2: Effective Advocacy Communication
Session 3: Gender, Sexuality, and Feminism
Session 4: Human Rights Advocacy
Session 5: Vulnerable Communities Issues and Protection
Session 6: Project Management
Session 7: Community Organizing
Session 8: Lobbying
To know more about the curriculum and tentative schedule of the fellowship, click here.
The fellowship will also provide communications support and online class package to all fellows to assist them in participating with the program.
Can I apply to be a fellow?
The Fellowship is accepting 25 participants per batch. Below are the general criteria for the application:
- 20-35 years old;
- Young professionals, student leaders, activists, and advocates who are currently or previously engaged in Human Rights advocacy work and campaigns in Belize. Graduates of the University of Belize's Social Work Department are especially encouraged;
- Can communicate in English;
- Committed to the values of freedom, equality, social justice and solidarity, and plans to continue and pursue social and political development work and political management positions.
To ensure representation and inclusion, slots for queer women and transgender individuals are also set for the selection process.
When can I apply?
The application for the first batch of Equality fellows is currently open until 20 August 2022 (Saturday) at 11:59PM. Late and incomplete submissions will not be entertained.
How can I apply?
Your application should contain the following documents:
- Letter of Application addressed to Our Circle’s Managing Director, Ms Derricia Castillo-Salazar
- Accomplished Application Form (Download here)
Phyllis Staine
Our Circle Resource Center
14 New Road (l/f)
Belize City, Belize
You will receive a reply confirming your submission within 3-5 working days and containing the link to a Slack group for further announcements.
If you were not able to receive a confirmation email, please let us know through the same email or through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourcirclebze.
Interview Process:
Interviews are scheduled on 26th - 28th August 2022 (Friday-Sunday). All applicants will be interviewed by the 5-member Our Circle Selection Panel. Each interview will last for around 10-20 minutes.
We will be posting the scheduling system on the official Slack group for the Fellowship Applicants. The link to the Slack group will be sent together with a confirmation of your application.
Interviews will be done via Google Meet. Details of the virtual meeting room will also be communicated through Slack Messaging App.