Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change (2024)

Deadline: 10-Aug-23

The Faith For Our Planet (FFOP) is looking for the next generation of interfaith leaders in climate action. If you’re one, apply now!

Faith For Our Planet, in collaboration with Duke University’s prestigious Divinity School, is pleased to announce the open call for its second annual Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change.

FFOP is offering a fully funded, week-long residential program at Duke University for the next generation of eco-conscious faith leaders. This is an invaluable opportunity for young climate conscious individuals from all faiths and walks of life to be part of a global network of religious actors engaged in climate action.

Through lectures, interactive sessions, policy dialogues, and vocational training fellows will explore various ecotheological themes and develop transferable skills to create impactful faith-based climate action projects for their respective communities. The curriculum will be delivered by distinguished specialists in the field of theology, climate change, policy, media, and sustainable development.

As a part the program, the fellows will benefit from knowledge of:

• World religions and the environment
• Eco-theology: the theological study of relationship between religion and the environment
• Systems thinking: identifying the political and economic paradigms of climate change
• Project planning and community mobilization
• Strategic communications, advocacy and community outreach

Upon completion of the program, the Fellows will join the ranks of the FFOP Fellowship Alumni Association, providing them with various opportunities to be part of FFOP’s regional events, as well as climate and interfaith campaigns.

Note: All travel, visa, accommodation, and subsistence costs will be provided by Faith For Our Planet.

Vision and Approach

• The program is designed to convene the next generation of interfaith leaders and changemakers who will apply the learnings from the fellowship to benefit their communities, organizations, and institutions. They cultivate trust and understanding by connecting individuals across faiths, cultures and sectors, while building their knowledge and skills on climate action and how to channel their ideologies into shared responsibilities.
• Through this process, FFOP generates trust and an increased value of making a difference, and more importantly, an improved understanding of the role of religion and faith leaders in generating impactful climate action.
• Through this initiative, they will focus on specific skills of the next generation of global faith leaders to:
  • Better understand the importance and urgency of climate action by equipping them with an improved understanding of climate change through a systems-based approach.
  • Better utilize skills and methods on community mobilization and social action, such as communication, building public narratives, resource mobilization, project planning for their climate action projects/initiatives.
  • “Think Globally, Act Locally” as agents of change capable of conceptualizing climate crisis as a shared cause yet articulated to suit local needs.
  • Engage with and build powerful networks with other young leaders, experts in the field, premised on mitigating climate change.

Where will the 2024 fellowship be held?

• The first FFOP Youth Fellowship will be hosted at Duke University, widely considered as one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and around the world. Duke has produced globally reputed international scholars, including fifteen Nobel Laureates and three Turing Award recipients.
• The campus spans over 8,600 acres on three contiguous sub-campuses at the heart of which is the magnificent Duke Chapel indicative of the university’s religious roots and spirit.
• Building on that legacy and excellence, they have experts from the Duke Divinity School that have designed, and will be delivering, this fellowship for the next generation of global interfaith leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

• The fellowship seeks to attract 25 individuals, between the ages of 20 to 30. They hope to maintain an inclusive cohort with representation from diverse backgrounds. A representation of major faiths, students of eco-theology, environmental and community activists, early career professionals eager to deepen their knowledge of faith and environmental protection, members of FBOs and NGOs working in the field of climate change and ecology are all welcomed.
• Participants entering the program should meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Be between the ages of 20 to 30 (required)
  • Have acquired or currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
  • A degree in environment, religious studies, philosophy, or any number of relevant fields is preferred. Equally, relevant work experience (paid, volunteer, internships, etc.) are also considered.
  • An established local network (social, professional, religious, etc.) or willingness to mobilize accessible local network,
  • A strong interest in learning about eco-theology and commitment to lead a faith-based climate action project,
  • Good communication skills and a fluency in English,
  • A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and interfaith cooperation.
• Participant Expectations:
  • The fellowship seeks to support proactive leaders and agents of change. As such, participants are expected to:
    • Commit their time for the entire duration of the fellowship including any pre or post fellowship sessions,
    • Commit to FFOP Youth Alumni Association’s engagements and events,
    • Commit to working on a 3-month project focused on making a positive impact at a local, national, and/or international level. The project should leverage insights gained during the fellowship on (inter) faith-based climate action,
    • Demonstrate eagerness to learn and expand their professional networks and to benefit from exposure during the fellowship,
    • Demonstrate commitment to become leaders in their communities.

For more information, visit FFOP.