Deadline: 4-Aug-23
Do you have a project idea for social change in your community? Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity is looking for the next cohort of change-makers 2024.
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a life-changing fellowship for Indigenous social equity in Australia, Aotearoa and the Pacific region. Based at the University of Melbourne, the AFSE program represents a 20-year investment into Indigenous-led social change through a powerful network of Fellows.
Features
- It has two features:
- an intensive foundation year with a postgraduate qualification at the University of Melbourne (fee-free)
- lifelong membership in a global community of change-makers across seven international Atlantic Fellows hubs.
How It Works?
- Foundation year
- Fellows undertake a Master of Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne. You are required to attend six modules in-person throughout the year, and deliver a well thought through social change project at its completion.
- Lifelong Fellowship
- Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you graduate and become a Lifelong Fellow. You will join Fellows from the seven Atlantic hubs around the world, coordinated and led by the Atlantic Institute, located in Oxford. As of 2023, 683 Fellows have been drawn from 70+ countries.
- Social change projects
- A key part of the Fellowship is your social change project. Throughout the foundation year you will refine and develop your social change project in each module, drawing on the most current and impactful critical Indigenous scholarship from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
What they are looking for?
- They are looking for ideas that are:
- innovative, including improving existing approaches or ideas;
- community-based, offering ways for community members to engage and participate;
- have a high potential for impact towards a more fair and just society; and
- offer a vision and a sustainable strategy for driving change.
Benefits
- AFSE meets the full cost of all course fees for the postgraduate study (Master’s or Graduate Certificate of Social Change Leadership) at the University of Melbourne, and all associated Student Services and Amenities Fees. This applies to all Fellows.
- In addition to tuition fees, every Fellow receives:
- a basic stipend of $10,000 (to remove barriers to participation, which can be used to purchase laptops, childcare, to cover incidental expenses, etc.)
- access to a professional development fund of $3,500 in total (available for up to 3 years)
- eligibility to apply for up to $25,000 for to a project development funds (available for up to 3 years)
- The cost of participation in the foundation year will be met by AFSE, including:
- travel and accommodation expenses
- special events relating to the program (e.g. dinners, graduations, guest speakers, etc.)
- special activities associated with the program (e.g. theatre, art exhibitions, etc.) In addition, an equity stipend of up to $42,000 is available.
Eligibility Criteria
- The AFSE Fellowship is designed for community focused, mid-career applicants. As an Indigenous led social equity program, the majority of Fellows are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori peoples. However, there are places for non Indigenous peoples from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific Island nations who demonstrate a track-record of work in Indigenous affairs and have standing in community as a result of their long-term commitment to Indigenous equity.
- AFSE welcomes between 20 and 25 Fellows each year. You do not have to have an undergraduate degree to apply but if selected will have to undertake postgraduate study.
- Are you:
- A citizen or permanent resident of Australia or Aotearoa, New Zealand or a Pacific Island nation?
- Not enrolled in any other form of study in 2024 (or have your thesis under examination as at January 2024)? Willing to commit to a non-residential foundation year experience, which includes:
- 7 weeks’ travel away from home across the year (see dates below)
- approximately 10 hours study time per week
- 5000-word assessments per subject (8 subjects for the Master’s course and 4 subjects for the Graduate Certificate)
- Do you:
- Have an undergraduate degree or 5-8 years of work experience in social change?
- Have proficiency in English?
- Have a passport or ability to acquire a passport? (for international travel)
- If you are employed, have the support of your employer to complete a full year nonresidential program which requires at least seven weeks away from work, plus additional study time as required?
- Please note: International and national travel is required by all Fellows. The program is held across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
For more information, visit Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity.