Columbia University’s Human Rights Advocates Program 2014

August 5, 2013 By fundsforngos


Deadline: 1 November 2013

The Columbia University’s Institute for the Study ofHuman Rights organizes the Human Rights AdvocatesProgram (HRAP) for human rights defenders working at the grassroots level.

HRAP leverages the resources of Columbia Universityand those offered by New York City as a center of NGOsand international organizations to provide proven grassroots leaders with critical skills-building and networking opportunities. Through workshops, seminars, participation in University classes and otheractivities as well as meetings with policy makers and potential funders, Advocates share their experiences, reflect critically on their strategies, and plan future campaigns. More than 260 advocates from over 80 countries have participated in this program since 1989. The cumulative reach of HRAP participants is extraordinary: alumni have worked with organizations whose memberships range from the thousands to the millions.

HRAP focuses both on strengthening the skills of the individual Advocates and providing the tools for them to build sustainable organizations that advocate for disadvantaged peoples.

The Program is designed for lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, and other human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, minority rights, LGBT rights, labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, and corporate social accountability.

Participants are selected on the basis of their previous work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students or government officials will not be considered. Applicants holding full or part-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.

Advocates must work at the grassroots level. Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered except for those representing marginalized communities.

Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program. Only one application per organization should be submitted. More than one application means all applications from that organization will be disqualified. It is up to the applicant to make sure he/she is the sole applicant from his/her organization.

For more information, visit this link.