The New York City Social Justice Fellowship originates from the NYC Community Fellows Program - one of the only and the largest individual award programs for community organizers in our city - that was founded by George Soros' Open Society Institute (OSI) in 1998. RCLA carries on the legacy of this program, with a particular eye towards strengthening the fellowship's growing network of leadership alumni and capturing valuable learning from the rich and diverse body of knowledge accumulated in the program. The Social Justice Fellowship extends RCLA's work with national leadership networks (described in the "Programs" section of this webpage), while also deepening our work within New York City and furthering our collaborative research exploring how leaders make change happen.
Manuela Arcinegas, Andre Lancaster, Andres Mares-Muro, Gloria Ross, Nathaly Rubio-Torres, Rashid Shabazz, and Ijeoma Ude. To see photos and learn more about them and their projects, click here.
In the tradition of the original OSI program, the New York City Social Justice Fellowship continues to support innovative public interest projects that address critical issues such as immigrants' rights, environmental justice, health, the arts, workers' rights, civic participation, education, and equitable economic development. The program provides support to social change agents who are passionate, insightful and resourceful about making concrete improvements in disadvantaged and marginalized communities, with an emphasis on addressing structural barriers and enhancing social equity. Furthermore, the fellowship seeks to encourage public and community service careers; expand the number of role models available to youth in inner-city neighborhoods; promote initiatives and entrepreneurship that empower communities; address not only direct needs but systemic barriers and policies in need of change; and create vehicles for fellows to effectively document, reflect and share their learning.
The NYC Social Justice Fellowship is currently undergoing a re-design process. Therefore we are unfortunately not able to accept applications for 2008 at this time. Please look for updated information towards the end of June on our website. Thank you.
For further information, please contact Stephanie Etienne, SJF Program Coordinator.