2021-2022 Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship (US)

Deadline: 11-Jan-21

Are you ready to join the network of leaders in the movement to end hunger around the world? If yes, then apply for the 2021-2022 Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship.

The Emerson Fellowship is an 11-month program in which participants develop leadership skills as they gain hands-on experience working to end hunger and poverty in the United States through efforts led by local, state, regional, and national host organizations.

Field Placements: For the first six months, Emerson Fellows are placed with organizations across the United States with a local or regional focus, including food banks, anti-hunger/anti-poverty advocacy groups, food policy councils, research institutions, and state, local, and regional government agencies.
Policy Placements: Following their field placements, fellows shift their focus to national anti-hunger/ anti-poverty policy through placements with national advocacy groups, think tanks, and federal government agencies.

Benefits

Emerson Fellows gain:

Membership in a dynamic learning community of fellows;
Connection to an extensive network of alums, partners, and experts;
Experience working with community and policy leaders;
Training, mentoring, and leadership development; and
Project management experience.

Funding Information

Emerson Fellows typically receive financial packages ranging from $38,000 to $45,000 over the duration of the fellowship.

Selection Criteria

A commitment to ending hunger and poverty in the United States;
An ability to adjust and adapt to new situations;
A commitment to racial equity and social justice;
Demonstrated leadership qualities and skills;
An ability to solve problems in creative and innovative ways;
Enthusiasm for learning from a wide variety of individuals with expertise in the area anti-hunger/anti-poverty space; and a willingness to search for new models in anti-hunger and anti-poverty work;
A lived experience with hunger and poverty;
Experience working in low-income communities;
Excitement about peer learning in a tightknit community of fellows;
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience;
U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency (required).

Application Requirements

The application is in two parts: a webform to collect biographical information and preferences, and a three-page addendum, saved as a single PDF, which will include:

A one-page resume;
A one-page personal statement, single-spaced, which addresses the following:
- What values, principles, and identities (race, class, gender, etc.) shape your interest in the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship?
- What particular qualities, knowledge, experiences, and skills will you contribute to your potential field and policy placements?
- How do you expect this fellowship to contribute to achieving your professional goals?
A one-page response to the following short essay questions (each response should be single-spaced and half-page in length):
- How have your community work and life experiences changed your perspective on hunger and poverty over time?
- What role do you believe government plays or should play, in addressing complex social problems such as hunger, poverty, and systemic racism?