Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change

Deadline: 10-Nov-22

Faith For Our Planet, in collaboration with Duke University’s prestigious Divinity School, has launched an exciting new program for climate-conscious youth leaders from around the world.

Whether you are a religious leader, a climate activist, an early career professional in a faith-based organization or a recent graduate who’s just starting out – as long as you’re eager to learn how to mobilize faith communities to combat climate change, they’ve got you covered.

A cohort of 25 to 30 youth leaders and agents of change will be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to expand their networks and develop their skills to deliver an impactful faith-based climate action project.

On this journey, they will be trained by distinguished specialists in the field of religious studies, climate change, policy, media, and sustainable development who will help them acquire knowledge and skills in eco-theology, systems thinking, community mobilization, advocacy and more!

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 many globally reputed international scholars, including 15 Nobel Laureates and three Turing Award recipients.

Details

• The fellowship is a fully funded, week-long residential program at Duke University for the next generation of faith leaders. This is an invaluable opportunity for young climate conscious individuals from all faiths and walks of life to become a part of a global network of religious actors engaged in climate action.
• Through expert lectures, interactive sessions, policy dialogues, and vocational training, fellows will explore various themes and tap into transferable skills to curate 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, their 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

Eligibility Criteria

• The fellowship seeks to attract 25 individuals, between the ages of 20 to 35. They hope to maintain an inclusive cohort with representation from diverse backgrounds. A diverse 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 35 (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 http://faithforourplanet.org/youth-fellowship/