The Beyond the Bars Fellowship offers students and community members an interdisciplinary leadership development program to develop and deepen their identity, analysis, skills and network towards ending mass criminalization and incarceration, and creating a more just and safe world.
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The Beyond the Bars Fellowship offers students and community members an interdisciplinary leadership development program to develop and deepen their identity, analysis, skills and network towards ending mass criminalization and incarceration, and creating a more just and safe world. Through seminars, workshops and guest lectures Fellows explore their own experiences and identities as people working for social change; gain a theoretical and practical understanding of mass incarceration; and are introduced to various models of social change including community organizing, legislative advocacy, messaging and communications and more. In addition, Fellows identify issues and existing efforts for change, and then work together to develop advocacy and / or organizing projects to further support those efforts. A primary goal of the Fellowship is to support Fellows’ in finding their place in the movement, while offering them the knowledge, skills, experience and community to sustain their work. The Fellowship is made up of both students and community members and our aim is to work collaboratively with the university and community towards social change.
Is the Fellowship Right for me?
We aim to bring together Columbia University students with the larger NYC community to create a diverse and rich learning environment that can be mutually beneficial to all Fellows. We encourage people impacted (directly and indirectly) by mass criminalization and incarceration to apply. Please note that extensive experience is not a requirement. You must reside in New York City or the surrounding areas to participate in the Fellowship.
What will you gain?
- Leadership Development: Participate in regular seminars, workshops and guest lectures to deepen your understanding of yourself, as well as develop your understanding of justice issues and your capacity to enact change.
- Organizing Experience: Work collaboratively with other Fellows’ on advocacy and organizing projects.
- A Community of Mentors and Colleagues: The Fellowship is an intentional and experiential learning community that will support your growth as a social justice advocate.
- A stipend of $1000
All applicants should meet the following:
- Have a desire to be a part of group learning environment
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for social justice.
- Commitment to fulfill all requirements of the Fellowship
Columbia Fellows should be Current Columbia student enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate program.
Community Fellows are not enrolled at Columbia University. We encourage applicants who are not students or have not attended college to apply. Students from other colleges / universities are welcome to apply.
Deadlines
The priority application deadline is Friday August 28th. After that we will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until Wednesday September 2nd.
To Apply
Apply here: https://bit.ly/BTB-Fellows-2021
Application Process
August 5th: Application Period Opens
August 28th: Priority Application Deadline
September 2nd: Application Period Closes
August 31st- September 9th – Interviews
September 11th: Accepted Applicants are Notified
October 1st: Fellowship Starts
Tentative Fellowship Calendar
The Fellowship meets most Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30pm starting October 1st going through to early April. All Fellowship meetings will be online until if and when it is safe to meet in person.
Fall Dates
October 1st
Oct 8th
October 15th
October 22nd
October 29th
November 5th
November 12th
November 19th
December 3rd
December 10th
Spring Dates
Saturday January 16th – Day Long Restorative Justice Training
January 21st
January 28th
February 4th
February 11th
February 18th
February 25th
March 4th-7th: Beyond the Bars Conference
March 18th
March 25th
April 2nd - 4th: 3 Day Closing Retreat (if health and safety conditions allow)