Alston / Bannerman Fellowship Program

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The Alston / Bannerman Fellowship Program is committed to advancing progressive social change by helping to sustain long-time activists of color. The program honors those who have devoted their lives to helping their communities organize for racial, social, economic and environmental justice. style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffbf" The program provides resources for organizers to take time out for reflection and renewal. Fellows receive a $25,000 award to take sabbaticals of three months or more.
Who is Eligible for an Alston/Bannerman Fellowship?
Criteria
To qualify for an Alston/Bannerman Fellowship, you must:
* be a person of color
* have more than 10 years of community organizing experience
* be committed to continuing to work for social change
* live in the United States or its territories
Beyond the basic eligibility criteria, the Alston/Bannerman Program seeks applicants whose work:
*Attacks roots causes of injustice by organizing those affected to take collective action.
*Challenges the systems that perpetrate injustice and effects institutional change.
*Builds their community's capacity for self-determination and develops grassroots leadership.
*Acknowledges the cultural values of the community.
*Creates accountable participatory structures in which community members have decision-making power.
*Contributes to building a movement for social change by making connections between issues, developing alliances with other constituencies and collaborating with other organizations.

The Alston / Bannerman Program distinguishes between organizing, services and advocacy, and believes that organizing low-income people at the grassroots level is the most effective way to achieve progressive social change. Therefore, the Alston / Bannerman Program does not make awards to individuals :

*who provide services, such as substance abuse counseling, after-school programs, HIV-AIDS outreach or shelter for the homeless.

*who advocate on behalf of a community without directly involving the members of that community in asserting their own interests and choosing their own leadership.

We do recognize, however, that services, advocacy and organizing are sometimes combined, and that providing services can be a companion to organizing. Similarly, we know that cultural work can be part of an organizing process. In such cases, applicants must demonstrate that their work has a direct or close connection to organizing, leadership development and democratic participation.
We also recognize that organizing is a full-time job for some, but for others it is voluntary work done outside of their employment. Both are eligible to apply.
Requirements

*Fellows are expected to stop their day-to-day work activities for at least three months and devote that time to activities which are substantially different from their normal routine.
*Fellows are expected to attend pre- and post-sabbatical retreats.
*Sabbaticals must be taken within one year of the awarding of the Fellowship.
*Fellows must submit a report on their sabbatical.

The Alston / Bannerman Fellowship Program is committed to advancing progressive social change by helping to sustain long-time activists of color. The program honors those who have devoted their lives to helping their communities organize for racial, social, economic and environmental justice. The program provides resources for organizers to take time out for reflection and renewal. Fellows receive a $25,000 award to take sabbaticals of three months or more.

Why a sabbatical program for activists?
The Alston/Bannerman Program recognizes that working for social change usually means long hours at low pay, with few tangible rewards and few escapes from the day-to-day pressures. Without time to stop and reflect, the pressures can prove overwhelming, but without resources, it is impossible to take the time. Therefore, the Fellowship Program gives long-time activists of color the financial support and freedom to take a break and recharge.

Who are the Alston/Bannerman Fellows?
Since 1988, there have been 181 Fellows. They've worked on a broad range of issues from environmental justice to fair wages, from immigrant rights to native sovereignty, from political empowerment to economic revitalization. They are from 32 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. For examples of the kinds of organizing recognized by the Alston/Bannerman Program, see the brief bios of Past Fellows.

What do Fellows do during their sabbaticals?
Alston/Bannerman Fellows have the freedom to use their sabbaticals however they think will best re-energize them for the work ahead. No product (other than a brief report) is required. Past Fellows have used the time and resources to travel, study, visit with other activists, read, relax, acquire new skills, explore new interests, spend time with their families, retore their health, plan, evaluate and "just be still." Some Fellows have called their sabbaticals "life saving", some "life changing", but all of them report tremendous benefits, for themselves and their organizations, from the chance to step back and rejuvenate. See what Fellows say about their sabbaticals for more information.

To apply, you must complete an application form, which is available here or by mail. The deadline to mail your application is December 15. Finalists are selected on the basis of the applications and interviewed by telephone. The Board of Directors will choose the new Alston/Bannerman Fellows in March.
Instructions for Completing the Application
You do not have to fill out an actual application form, but be sure to follow the same format and include all the information requested. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Do not worry about your writing skills. We are interested in what you have to say, not how well you say it. If you are especially uncomfortable with writing, however, you may complete the PERSONAL STATEMENTS on an audio cassette tape (no micro-cassettes or videos, please)
If you are not able to complete the application in English, you may do it another language and we will have it translated. It would be better, however, if you could work directly with a translator.

You may send additional materials, such as brochures, newsletters, press clippings, etc., but please be selective. Also, be aware that materials will not be returned.
The application asks you to list three people we may contact who are familiar with your work. We strongly encourage you to also get letters of reference from them or from others, but it is not a requirement.

Mail your application to:
Alston/Bannerman Fellowship Program
1627 Lancaster Street
Baltimore, MD 21231

We will not accept applications by e-mail or fax.
Applications will be acknowledged by postcard and the Fellows will be selected by the end of March. In the meantime, please do not call for information on the status of your application.

Applications must be postmarked by December 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Alston/Bannerman Program define people of color?

People of color means of African, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American or Arab descent.

Do I have to be a paid, professional organizer to apply?
No, most Fellows have been paid organizers, but your work can be as a volunteer organizer or leader, or a mix of paid and unpaid work.

Can I reapply if I have applied before?
Yes, you are welcome to reapply. Many Fellows applied more than once before receiving the Alston/Bannerman award.

If I reapply do I have to start from scratch?
No, but you must resubmit the application with any updated information and changes you want to make.

How many copies of the application do I have to send?
Just send one original copy.

Who selects the Fellows?

The Program Coordinator does an initial screening of applications and the Fellows are selected by the Board, which is made up primarily of past Fellows.
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What Fellows Say about Their Sabbaticals

"My sabbatical took me to South Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. What a wonderful opportunity to explore, reflect and interact with so many amazing people in a way that will sustain me for the long haul."
MILI BONILLA, 1999 Alston/Bannerman Fellow
Institute for Education and Social Policy, New York, NY

"For the first time in 30 years, I did nothing on schedule. There were no deadlines, no urgent phone calls, no crises, to meetings to attend, nothing. I moved at a leisurely pace and actually had time to stop and smell the roses and enjoy life. The Alston/Bannerman Fellowship gave me the time I needed to replenish my soul."

JANET ROBIDEAU, 2002 Alston/Bannerman Fellow
Montana People's Action, Missoula, MT

"The phone kept ringing every day and that was normal; the only difference was people calling were instructed to please call back after my sabbatical. I never realized that taking time out to recuperate and refocus would prove to be so rewarding."

JAKE SWAMP, 1999 Alston/Bannerman Fellow
Mohawk Nation, Tree of Peace Society, Hogansburg, NY

"My sabbatical surpassed my expectations. Not only did I learn valuable skills by working with the Confederation of Farmworkers in the Dominican Republic, but I was really able to step back. It was a wonderful experience for me and I enjoyed every minute of it."

RAMON RAMIREZ, 1999 Alston/Bannerman Fellow
PCUN, Woodburn, OR

"The Bannerman was the first real break I have taken from my work in 15 years. It literally saved me as it let me reinvest in me and my family. It also allowed me space to do more analysis and strategic thinking about the work, the state of Mississippi and the region; this has helped the organization tremendously."

LEROY JOHNSON, 1996 Alston/Bannerman Fellow
Southern Echo, Jackson, MS

"Being a Bannerman Fellow restored energy for me to continue my work. What I appreciate most is that it enabled me to relax a little and to visit among my own people. I did exactly what I wanted to, which was to stay home and live the way of life I have been fighting to protect."

SARAH JAMES, 1993 Alston/Bannerman Fellow
Gwich'in Steering Committee, Arctic Circle, AK

"When I visited organizations in Asia I found they were dealing with issues very similar to ours. More than anything else, the Bannerman Fellowship lets you get away from the endless day to day work and see the larger picture."
YOUNG SHIN, 1989 Alston/Bannerman Fellow
Asian Immigrant Women Advocates, Oakland, CA