Williams Environmental Justice Fellowship
Bryant Williams Environmental Justice Fellowship
What is the purpose of the fellowship?
Designed and guided by an advisory committee of Bryant’s close friends and colleagues, a one-year paid fellowship program will provide selected fellows with a holistic and grounded experience working with a frontline EJ organization on the southside of Chicago. In addition to contributing much-needed skills and capacity to a grassroots EJ organization, Bryant Williams fellows will also participate in professional development and networking activities intended to foster their long-term social justice impact, personal well-being, and professional success.
Fellowship Goals
Goal 1: Honor and commemorate Bryant’s leadership in the Chicago Environmental Justice Network and commitment to EJ movement leadership development
Goal 2: Provide fellows with a supportive and holistic fellowship experience that leads to a full-time position at a BIPOC led EJ organization
Goal 3: Support ongoing EJ campaigns and build capacity of BIPOC led EJ organizations on the south and/or west sides of Chicago through selecting fellows that understand frontline communities and have skill sets that may include organizing, policy, research, communications, planning, or Arts/Culture experience
Who is eligible for this fellowship?
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) recent graduates, or early career professionals seeking a first step in their transition to a career that contributes to the Environmental Justice movement in Chicago. Strong candidates will have education, training, and skill sets, including organizing, policy, research, communications, planning, or arts/culture experience. Candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds, and those with differently-abled bodies, are highly encouraged to apply. Preferences will be given to applicants with lived experience in Chicago frontline EJ communities.
Unsure if you should apply? Reach out to Bryantwilliamsfellowship@gmail.com for more information, exceptions, and accommodations.
When will the fellowship begin?
The 2024 fellowship application process will launch in April, 2024. We are currently working on some final program revisions and identifying host organizations for the 2024-2025 Fellowship year. Updated information will be posted in late April, 2024. Would you like to be notified when the application launches? Email us at Bryantwilliamsfellowship@gmail.com.
Where will fellows be hosted?
Host organizations are BIPOC-led EJ organizations located on Chicago’s south and/or west sides and participating in the Chicago EJ Network. Host organizations meet the following criteria:
Geographically or identity-based
Located in communities that are historically and systemically overburdened by pollution
Values/Mission grounded in EJ principles
Rooted, in, accountable to, & representative of local EJ communities of color, low-income communities, and tribal and Indigenous groups most impacted
Works to build local power
Is a 501c3 or fiscally sponsored project
What will the fellowship be like?
Fellows will work at the host organization on four days of the week, and spend the other day of the week focused on professional development/skill development (hard and soft), mentoring, and networking. Fellows should expect to work in community organizations that are leading bold organizing campaigns and transformative visions for healthier communities. These campaigns are often rooted in histories of environmental racism and can be emotionally intense for staff and community members. Fellows must practice flexibility and patience and be open to personal transformations while adapting to EJ community organizing culture.
Grounded in the EJ Principles, EJ community organizing culture is values-centered with a strong commitment to transformative relationships, service to frontline communities, and accountability. At their host organizations, fellows will work in teams and utilize their skills to advance grassroots organizing campaigns, policy advocacy efforts, community-led research projects, or educational initiatives.
During the fellowship year, fellows will also have opportunities to work with mentors and participate in facilitated professional development workshops and programming. Social and networking events will be organized so that fellows can build relationships with leaders from different environmental sectors.
Benefits
$50,000 Paid Fellowship
Receive a $5,000 Healthcare Stipend
Learn and adapt to community organizing culture
Gain direct experience in environmental justice work
Receive direct holistic and culturally-relevant mentoring
Gain hard skills in: research (qualitative/quantitative), communications, advocacy/policy, operations/administration, finance/business development, and arts/culture.
Gain soft skills in: community listening, emotional intelligence, navigating professional work environment, and career path and trajectory.
Network with other environmental professionals
The application process
What is needed to apply?
Complete the Bryant Williams Fellowship Application (Link will be added when program launches in late-April, 2024)
Resume (no more than two pages)
A written project example (no more than two pages)
Relevant coursework or experience in environmental justice is a plus.
Do I need to be a U.S Citizen?
No, U.S. Citizenship is not required.
Will I need to live in Chicago during the fellowship?
Yes, the host sites and fellowship work will take place on the south and/or west sides of Chicago.
Will the fellowship cover relocation costs?
No, relocation expenses will be the responsibility of the Fellow. Housing recommendations and resources may be provided if needed.
What’s next after I submit my application materials?
The selection process will involve a multi-stage process in which an Advisory Committee and host organizations are involved in reviewing and vetting candidates. Finalist candidates will be interviewed by host organizations and an Advisory Committee member. Host organizations will make the final decision in terms of offering a position, which will be approved by the Advisory Committee.
I have questions about the application, who should I contact?
Questions can be sent to Bryantwilliamsfellowship@gmail.com.
