The Human Rights Advocates Program, an initiative of the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University, is a capacity-building program designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and networks of proven human rights defenders at the grassroots level. The program focuses both on strengthening the skills of the individual advocates and providing the tools for them to build sustainable organizations that advocate for disadvantaged peoples.
The 2012 HRAP will begin in the latter half of August and run until mid-December 2012. Advocates are expected to participate fully in the offerings provided by HRAP, including skills workshops on advocacy planning and strategies, fundraising, press and media, and building sustainable organizations; Columbia University courses on human rights, public health, the environment, development, and labor rights; and meetings and networking opportunities with NGO staff, activists, policy makers, representatives of international institutions, and academics.
The program is designed for lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, and other human rights activists working with NGOs on issues, including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, minority rights, LGBT rights, labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, and corporate social accountability.
Participants are selected on the basis of their previous work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students or government officials will not be considered. Advocates must work at the grassroots level. Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered except for those representing marginalized communities. Fluency in English is required. Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally. Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement from their organizations for their participation in the program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the program. Only one application per organization should be submitted.
ISHR makes every effort to provide full fellowships to cover program costs as well as travel and housing. A reasonable stipend is also provided to cover basic costs.
Visit the ISHR Web site for complete program information, an FAQ, and the application form.
http://hrcolumbia.org/hrap/apply/instructions/