We are very excited to launch our newest program, the Beyond the Bars Justice Leadership Fellowship program. We are now accepting applications for both Columbia and Community Fellows.
About the Fellowship
The Beyond the Bars Fellowship offers students and community members the opportunity develop a deeper understanding of mass incarceration and social change and to collaborate in planning the annual Beyond the Bars Conference. This interdisciplinary leadership program brings together a diverse group of Fellows from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to develop their leadership skills in justice work. Fellows will gain a foundational understanding of the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, an understanding of a variety of methods of social change and become part of a community of people working together for change. In addition, Fellows will work together with the Center for Justice and the Criminal Justice Caucus to organize the annual Beyond the Bars Conference on mass incarceration. The Fellowship is made up of both Student and Community Fellows bringing together the University and the Community to learn and work collaboratively towards change.
What You Will Gain
- Leadership Development:Participate in regular seminars, 1-2 per month, and develop both your understanding of justice issues and your capacity to enact change.
- Organizing Experience:Work collaboratively to organize the annual Beyond the Bars Conference
- A Community of Mentors and Colleagues: The Fellowship is an experiential learning community that will support you as you develop your understanding and skills in justice work.
Commitment
The Fellowship requires that all Fellows participate in the monthly leadership programming, attend the spring retreat, and attend and actively participate in conferencing organizing meetings and activities. Credit may be available for Columbia Fellows depending on their school/departments ability to work with the Center for Justice in receiving credit.
Eligibility Criteria
Fellows
Columbia Fellows
- Current Columbia student enrolled at least half time in an undergraduate or graduate program
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to justice
- Commitment to fulfill all requirements of the fellowship
- Applicants who have been impacted by the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply
Community Fellows
- Community member not enrolled at Columbia University
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to justice
- Commitment to fulfill all requirements of the fellowship
- Students from other colleges and universities may apply
- Applicants who have been impacted by the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply
Selection Process
Applications for the Fellowship will be reviewed by a selection committee including Center for Justice faculty and staff.
Application Period and Timeline
The priority application deadline is September 8th. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through 9pm September 20th. Interviews with finalists will be held the weeks of September 15th and September 22nd and selected Fellows will be notified by September 29th. The Fellowship will begin October 7th.
Application Materials
- A 1-2 page cover letter including; why you are interested in becoming a Beyond the Bars Fellow, what you hope to gain from the Fellowship, and an assessment of your strengths and challenges.
- A resume
Tentative Calendar
* Most seminars and conference planning meetings will be in the evening from 6:30 – 8:30.
Fall
August 21st: Application Period Opens
September 8th: Priority Application Deadline
September 22nd: Application Period Closes
September 29th: Accepted Applicants are notified
October 7th: Fellowship Begins
October 7th: Introduction to Fellowship / What is Justice?
October 14th: Conference Planning Session 1
October 21st: Seminar #1 – Understanding Mass Incarceration – Causes and Consequences
October 28th: Conference Planning Session 2
November 11th: Seminar #2 – Understanding Power, Privilege and Oppression in Justice Work
November 18th: Conference Planning Session 3
December 2nd: Seminar # 3 – Methods of Change
Spring
January 24th: Daylong Fellowship Retreat – Organizing for Change / Conference Planning
January 27th: Conference Planning Session 4 – all conference planning meetings for the spring will be arranged according to need
February 10th: Seminar #4 – What Does Leadership in Justice Work Look Like?
February 24th: Seminar #5 – Exploring Justice Paradigms: Beyond Retributive Justice
March 6th and 7th: Beyond the Bars Conference
March 24th: Seminar #6 – Closing and Reflections
Questions
If you have any questions about the Fellowship or the application, please email Cameron Rasmussen at [email protected].