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New Generation of Advocates Program - Egypt

Freedom House is pleased to announce it is accepting applications for candidates to participate in the New Generation of Advocates Program - Egypt. Intended for human rights defenders and democracy advocates, the New Generation of Advocates Program expands the horizons of young civil society leaders in the Middle East and North Africa in several ways:

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New Generation of Advocates Program
Program Description

Overview

The New Generation of Advocates Program is an initiative developed by Freedom House in partnership with local organizations in the North Africa region, including the Arab Institute for Human Rights and the Centre for Documentation and Information on Human Rights with the goal of developing a new generation of democracy advocates. The New Generation of Advocates Program provides a valuable two-way exchange between young leaders in the Middle East and North Africa and their counterparts in the U.S. The program exposes participants to tangible examples of democracy – an active civil society, a free media, and a responsive government. At the same time, it allows Americans to learn from and interact with emerging leaders from the Middle East and North Africa who are committed to promoting peaceful reforms within their societies.

Intended for human rights defenders and democracy advocates, the New Generation of Advocates Program expands the horizons of young civil society leaders in the Middle East and North Africa in several ways:

• Provide training in advocacy and policy reform to build the capacity of fellows as more effective advocates of reform.

• Offer visiting fellowships with counterpart organizations in the U.S. where participants will be introduced to a range of civic organizations and democratic practices in both mature and developing democracies.

• Link to the Blue Umbrella website: a networking and solidarity strategy to support civil society leaders through an interactive website, Communities of Practice and International Solidarity Committee.

The New Generation of Advocates Program cultivates a new generation of actors by enhancing their ability to lead civil society organizations and effectively promote reform through professional fellowship training, experience sharing and the creation of local, regional and virtual/international communities of reform activists. Integrated program components will include professional fellowships to the U.S., a local, regional and international “Blue Umbrella” community of reform activists; and supplemental experience-sharing working sessions and trainings.


Program Components

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION
All selected participants and alternate candidates to the program will be required to attend Freedom House’s pre-departure orientation. The pre-departure orientation will be held one to two months before the program begins and will introduce participants to American culture and customs and answer any questions about program components and logistics.

TRAINING
Prior to starting fellowships, fellows receive intensive training in civic engagement and advocacy strategy development. Upon returning home, fellows will have a chance to meet and continue follow-up training with program staff in the field.

ORIENTATION
Visiting Fellows will meet in Washington, D.C. for a one week orientation program that will introduce them to the opinion- and policy-making community in the United States. All fellows will attend meetings as a group with U.S. government officials, journalists, and representatives of non-governmental organizations to get a complete picture of how these sectors function and interact in American.

FELLOWSHIPS
New Generation Visiting Fellows will gain practical, hands-on experience and learn how civil society organizations operate in the U.S. Fellows will be hosted for five-weeks in organizations that best match their specific needs and interests. Participants in U.S. fellowships will learn from examples of civil society in a mature democracy in such areas as government monitoring, women’s rights, media, and civic activism.

This professional fellowship program is designed to provide the participants with an opportunity to increase their professional skills and experience by working side-by-side with American counterparts. Fellows should be proactive in taking initiative to learn from their environment and for their host colleagues, and may have opportunities to make contacts with potential partners and resources who share similar values and goals to their own.

BLUE UMBRELLA
Selected candidates, upon finishing the fellowship program will be requested to share the knowledge acquired with each other through the Blue Umbrella website.

The Blue Umbrella website includes Communities of Practice, whereby reform activists interact in person and through on-line forums to share experiences and best practies in areas such as government monitoring, women’s rights, and civil liberties.

In addition, an International Solidarity Committee composed of influential personalities in the United States and Europe has been formed to help raise the profile of participating activists and advocate on behalf of democratic development in the region. Through their efforts, they seek to prevent governmental interference with democracy advocates in the region, proactively support the efforts of activists, and help shield them and their organizations from political challenges and threats.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates will be selected for the fellowship through a competitive process based on the merits of their written application form, past and present experience and performance in a face-to-face interview.

All candidates must be committed to peace and democracy and have professional and/or volunteer experience in civil society organizations working on issues such as human rights, women’s rights, democratic development, or freedom of expression.

Successful candidates will demonstrate adaptability to new situations, initiative in their work and activism, a spirit of volunteerism, strong commitment to strengthening democratic practice, perseverance in achieving their goals, and ability to maximize the benefit of meeting people from many different sectors and fields to help advance the goals of their home organizations.

Fellows will be away from their homes for 8 weeks, thus must be adaptable to traveling in a foreign country, and through the fellowship component of the program, be comfortable integrating into a new office environment as the only fellow in the city.

Spouses and children are not eligible to participate in the program.

The New Generation Program targets 25 to 40-year-old activists.

English language proficiency is required.

Candidates selected for the New Generation Program will be issued a J-1 visa, which has a two-year residency requirement. This means that participants may not seek immigration, work or student visas for the U.S. for two-years following the end of the program and must return to their home countries.

Expectations

Through the trainings and fellowship program, fellows are expected to develop strategies for advancing political reforms in their particular areas of practice.

The New Generation Program seeks candidates that demonstrate a commitment to a process of clarifying their goals and visions, developing strategic plans, and designing action plans; and who seek to follow through and implement their visions through their home organizations or other institutions upon their return home.

Application Materials

To apply to the New Generation of Advocates Program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application Form (including signature and date)
• Current Resume or CV (must be in English)
• Personal Statement (must be in English)
• Letter from Employer
• Copy of first 3 pages of passport

Incomplete applications and applications that arrive after the due date will not be considered.
All application materials must be submitted in English.

Time Line and Notification Schedule

May 3, 2009 Deadline
Applications are due to Freedom House from all candidates. Completed applications should be emailed to vfp@freedomhouse.org.

Mid to Late May
Interviews with recommended candidates will be held with Freedom House program staff. Interviews will be held in English only.

Late May to Early June
Applicants will be notified of their candidacy in a letter from Freedom House.

July
Pre-departure orientation is held in Cairo for all selected participants and alternate candidates.

September 23
Participants arrive in Washington, D.C.

September 27 – October 2
Week-long civic mobilization training will be held with all participating fellows in Washington, D.C.

October 5 – 9
Orientation will be held in Washington, D.C.

October 12 – November 13
Five-week fellowships begin in the U.S.

November 16 - 20
Follow-on sessions which could include public panel discussion, media opportunities, a roundtable forum with international foundations, and program evaluation will be held in Washington, D.C. with all New Generation Visiting Fellows.

To Be Announced
A follow-on seminar will be held following the fellowship program to support fellows’ efforts to integrate lessons learned through the trainings and fellowship into their work in their home organizations.

Financial and Travel Information

Freedom House provides transportation to and from the United States to the country of origin for all participants in the New Generation Program. Freedom House also covers the cost of transportation to the airport for travel, fees associated with visa and airport tax. To be reimbursed for such costs participating fellows must provide original written receipts.

Each Visiting Fellow receives a stipend to cover basic living expenses, such as, food, and daily transportation. This money will be disbursed twice each month during the term of your fellowship.

New Generation of Advocates Program
Application Form
Applications must be completed in English.

I. Personal Information

Title (Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Dr as listed in passport):

Last Name (surname/family name as listed in passport):

First Name (given name as listed in passport):

Middle Name:

Nickname or Primarily Used First and Last Name:


Gender:

Place of Birth (city, country):

Date of birth (day/month/year):

Age:

Country of Citizenship:


Home address: (street address):

City:

Country:

Home phone (with country and city code):

Mobile telephone (with country and city code):

E-mail:

Relationship Status (married or single):

Please list any previous travel to the U.S. or other countries:

Emergency Contact Person (name, relationship to you and phone number):


The following questions are for passport related information needed for the visa processing. You must also include a copy of the first 3 pages of your passport along with the application form.

Passport number:

Place of Issue:

Issuance date (day/month/year):

Expiry date (day/month/year):

Country of Passport:
Father’s Name:
Mother’s Name:

II. Employment Information

Organization name:

Current Position Title:
How long have you been in this position?:
Name of Direct Supervision:

Mailing Address:


Telephone (with country and city code):
Fax (with country and city code):
E-mail:
Website:
The organization is registered as (check one):
0 NGO 0 Governmental Organization 0 Private Organization 0 Other (specify) _______

Area of work done by the organization (check all that apply):

0 Democracy 0 Human rights 0 Media 0 Other (specify) ______

Type of work done by the organization (check all that apply):
0 Research 0 Grant Management 0 Fundraising
0 Community Organizing 0 Education 0 Workshops/Conferences
0 Service Provision 0 Cultural Activities 0 Advocacy
0 Campaigning 0 Lobby 0 Trainings
0 Programs Development 0 Government Watchdog
0 Other (specify)

What is the total number of staff/ volunteers at your organization? Staff ( ) Volunteers ( )
Please list any awards you or your organization has received:

Please describe your current work, responsibilities, and kinds of decisions you are entitled to make:






III. Education

Please list any degrees you have received or studies pursued.

Degree University Country Graduation Year




Please list any fellowships or training programs related to human rights, democracy defense, women’s issues and media in which you have participated.

Training/Program Name Organizers Trainer Dates





IV. English Proficiency

Indicate your level of English competency for each skill (excellent, good, fair, or none):

Reading Writing Speaking

0 Excellent 0 Excellent 0 Excellent

0 Good 0 Good 0 Good

0 Fair 0 Fair 0 Fair

0 None 0 None 0 None

Although not required, if you have taken a language proficiency exam please include a copy of your test results with your application


Please list the highest English language class/course taken:

Date of class/course taken:

Location of class/course:

List other languages (other than English) for which you have at least basic knowledge, and indicate your level of competency for each skill (excellent, good, fair, or none):

Language Reading Writing Speaking




V. Volunteer and Affiliation Information

If you are affiliated or volunteering in an organization, an association or an informal group please provide the following information:

Organization Name:
Present Position/Title:
For how long have you been working/ volunteering as an activist in your field:
Name of Direct Supervisor:
Mailing Address:

Telephone (with country and city code):
Fax (with country and city code):
E-mail:
Website:
The organization is registered as (check one):
0 NGO 0 Governmental Organization 0 Private Organization 0 Other

Area of work done by the organization (check all that apply):

0 Democracy 0 Human rights 0 Media 0 Other (specify)

Type of work done by the organization (check all that apply):
0 Research 0 Grant Management 0 Fundraising
0 Community Organizing 0 Education 0 Workshops/Conferences
0 Service Provision 0 Cultural Activities 0 Advocacy
0 Campaigning 0 Lobby 0 Trainings
0 Programs Development 0 Government Watchdog
0 Other (specify)

For how long have you been working/ volunteering at this organization:
What is the total number of staff/ volunteers at this organization? Staff ( ) Volunteers ( )
Please list any awards you or your organization has received:
Please describe your current work, responsibilities, and kinds of decisions you are entitled to make with this organization






VII. Personal Statement

Please answer the following questions in a separate sheet of paper.

(1) What is your vision for reform in your country and how do you see yourself realizing that vision?

(2) What skills, knowledge or expertise do you hope to gain from this program? What do you want to do in your fellowship program and who would you like to work with in the U.S.?

(3) How will the program impact your future goals?

(4) Please describe any previous work or experience you have or initiatives you have contributed to, related to human and women’s rights, democracy promotion and media.

(5) Please specify your professional goals for the fellowship program and describe in as much detail as possible the type of work you are most interested in doing during your fellowship and what you hope to achieve. If you know or have a specific host organization in mind please indicate in your answer.

VIII. Resume

Candidates must submit a copy of their current Resume in English.

IX. Letter from Employer and Recommendation Letter

Candidates are asked to submit a letter from his/her employer stating they endorse the candidate for the program. The letter should also confirm that they will release the candidate if selected to participate in the 8 week fellowship program beginning April 1. 2009.

X. Acceptance of Terms

I certify that the information given in this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

If selected for the Freedom House Fellowship, I will participate in the entire program (fellowship, seminars and the networking/exchange of information efforts) to the best of my ability.


Signature: Date:
X. Application Checklist

Completed applications must be emailed to the New Generation Program office at vfp@freedomhouse.org.

REMINDER: Incomplete applications and applications that arrive after the due date will not be considered. All application materials must be submitted in English.

The following items constitute a completed application file:

 Completed Application Form (including signature and date)
 Current Resume (must be in English)
 Personal Statement (must be in English)
 Letter from Employer

New Generation of Advocates Program

Application Form

Applications must be completed in English.

Title (Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Dr as listed in passport):

Last Name (surname/family name as listed in passport):

First Name (given name as listed in passport):

Middle Name:

Nickname or Primarily Used First and Last Name:

Gender:

Place of Birth (city, country):                                                 

Date of birth (day/month/year): 

Age:

Country of Citizenship: 

Home address: (street address):

City:                                                                            

Country: 

Home phone (with country and city code):                                                                                        

Mobile telephone (with country and city code):

E-mail:

Relationship Status (married or single): 

Please list any previous travel to the U.S. or other countries:

Emergency Contact Person (name, relationship to you and phone number):

The following questions are for passport related information needed for the visa processing.  You must also include a copy of the first 3 pages of your passport along with the application form.

Passport number:      

Place of Issue: 

Issuance date (day/month/year):       

Expiry date (day/month/year): 

Country of Passport:   

Father’s Name: 

Mother’s Name:

Organization name: 

Current Position Title: 

How long have you been in this position?: 

Name of Direct Supervision: 

Mailing Address: 

Telephone (with country and city code):

Fax (with country and city code):

E-mail:

Website:

The organization is registered as (check one):

       NGO      Governmental Organization   Private Organization    Other (specify) _______

Area of work done by the organization (check all that apply):

       Democracy       Human rights       Media        Other (specify)            ______

Type of work done by the organization (check all that apply):

 Research                                              Grant Management             Fundraising   

 Community Organizing                        Education                            Workshops/Conferences

 Service Provision                                  Cultural Activities                Advocacy  

 Campaigning                                        Lobby                                  Trainings

 Programs Development                       Government Watchdog

 Other (specify)                                                                        

What is the total number of staff/ volunteers at your organization?   Staff (  )    Volunteers (  )

Please list any awards you or your organization has received:

Please describe your current work, responsibilities, and kinds of decisions you are entitled to make:   

Please list any degrees you have received or studies pursued.

Please list any fellowships or training programs related to human rights, democracy defense, women’s issues and media in which you have participated.

Indicate your level of English competency for each skill (excellent, good, fair, or none):

Reading                                  Writing                                    Speaking

 Excellent                              Excellent                             Excellent

 Good                                    Good                                   Good

 Fair                                      Fair                                      Fair

 None                                    None                                   None

Although not required, if you have taken a language proficiency exam please include a copy of your test results with your application

Please list the highest English language class/course taken:

Date of class/course taken: 

Location of class/course:

List other languages (other than English) for which you have at least basic knowledge, and indicate your level of competency for each skill (excellent, good, fair, or none):

If you are affiliated or volunteering in an organization, an association or an informal group please provide the following information:

Organization Name:

Present Position/Title:

For how long have you been working/ volunteering as an activist in your field: 

Name of Direct Supervisor: 

Mailing Address:

Telephone (with country and city code):        

Fax (with country and city code):

E-mail:

Website: 

The organization is registered as (check one):

      NGO     Governmental Organization     Private Organization       Other                     

Area of work done by the organization (check all that apply):

      Democracy        Human rights          Media           Other (specify)                             

Type of work done by the organization (check all that apply):

 Research                                              Grant Management             Fundraising   

 Community Organizing                        Education                            Workshops/Conferences

 Service Provision                                  Cultural Activities                Advocacy  

 Campaigning                                        Lobby                                  Trainings

 Programs Development                       Government Watchdog

 Other (specify)                                                                        

For how long have you been working/ volunteering at this organization: 

What is the total number of staff/ volunteers at this organization?   Staff (   ) Volunteers (   )

Please list any awards you or your organization has received:

Please describe your current work, responsibilities, and kinds of decisions you are entitled to make with this organization

Please answer the following questions in a separate sheet of paper.

(1) What is your vision for reform in your country and how do you see yourself realizing that vision?

(2) What skills, knowledge or expertise do you hope to gain from this program? What do you want to do in your fellowship program and who would you like to work with in the U.S.? 

(3) How will the program impact your future goals?

(4) Please describe any previous work or experience you have or initiatives you have contributed to, related to human and women’s rights, democracy promotion and media.

(5) Please specify your professional goals for the fellowship program and describe in as much detail as possible the type of work you are most interested in doing during your fellowship and what you hope to achieve.  If you know or have a specific host organization in mind please indicate in your answer.

Candidates must submit a copy of their current Resume in English.

Candidates are asked to submit a letter from his/her employer stating they endorse the candidate for the program.  The letter should also confirm that they will release the candidate if selected to participate in the 8 week fellowship program beginning April 1. 2009. 

I certify that the information given in this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. 

If selected for the Freedom House Fellowship, I will participate in the entire program (fellowship, seminars and the networking/exchange of information efforts) to the best of my ability.   

Signature:                                                                                            Date:                                                  

Completed applications must be emailed to the New Generation Program office at vfp@freedomhouse.org.

REMINDER:  Incomplete applications and applications that arrive after the due date will not be considered.  All application materials must be submitted in English.

The following items constitute a completed application file:

            o         Completed Application Form (including signature and date)

            o         Current Resume (must be in English)

o                  Personal Statement (must be in English)

o                  Letter from Employer

o                  Copy of first 3 pages of passport