C O N G R E S S I O N A L H U N G E R C E N T E R

www.hungercenter.org — webmaster@hungercenter.org — (202) 547-7022 x29

The Bill Emerson National Hunger FellowshipTraining Leaders in the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty

Training Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Emerson National Hunger Fellowship is a leadership development program that trains, inspires, and sustains a network of leaders committed to social justice.

Emerson Hunger Fellows gain practical experience fighting hunger and poverty through field placements in community-based organizations across the country, as well as policy experience through placements in Washington, D.C. Fellows also explore the root causes of hunger and poverty in a peer learning community. The Emerson program bridges community-based efforts with national public policy to develop Hunger Fellows as effective leaders in the movement to end hunger and poverty.

The Program

Each year 16 participants are selected from across the country for this year-long program. They assemble in Washington, D.C. in August for a comprehensive orientation and field training, where they learn about hunger, poverty, and racism in the United States and strategies for social change.

Fellows are placed for half the year with community-based organizations fighting hunger and poverty at the local level, such as grassroots organizing groups, advocacy organizations, economic development agencies, food banks, hospitals, and local government offices. Each host organization identifies specific goals and outcomes for the fellows’ projects and provides the supervision and resources needed to accomplish them.

In mid-February, the fellows regroup in Washington, D.C. to share their field experiences and participate in an extensive policy training.

Fellows then work in national nonprofit organizations and federal government agencies that develop, implement, and advocate for policies that address hunger and its root causes, including racism. During their time in Washington, fellows complete research, outreach, advocacy, and public education projects that support national policy initiatives.

Throughout the year, the fellows develop a strong learning community for reflection, resource sharing, and skill building that supports their field and policy work and their leadership development.

Benefits

The Congressional Hunger Center establishes fellow financial packages based on location, taking into consideration the field and policy site location cost of living. One resource we considers when setting financial packages is this Living Wage calculator. Typically, fellows receive financial packages in the range of $38,000 to $43,000 over the duration of the fellowship.

Additional benefits include:

◊ Membership in a learning community of fellow fellows

◊ Connection to an extensive network of alums, partners, and experts

◊ Meaningful collaboration with community and policy leaders

◊ Training, mentoring, and leadership development

◊ Applied project management experience

Fellows serve as independent consultants; they must secure and finance their own health insurance, and are responsible for saving for and paying their own taxes, as no taxes are withheld from Fellow pay

Applying

The application deadline for the program is January 14, 2019. For more information, visit www.hungercenter.org.

The Best of Both Worlds: In the Field and Behind the Policy

“I was constantly struck by the intelligence, strength, and commitment of my fellow fellows. The experiences and perspectives that the other fellows shared with me and the practice of sharing my own challenged me, resonated with me, and inspired me.”

—21st Class Emerson Alum

Application InformationThe Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship

Fellowship

Do you want to spend a year fighting hunger, poverty, and racism with a tight-knit community of emerging leaders? Emerson Hunger Fellows shape and implement local anti-hunger programs all over the U.S., and then research and support national policy initiatives in Washington, D.C. Applications are encouraged from candidates reflecting diverse personal, educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds. Apply now at www.hungercenter.org!

Selection Criteria

◊ Commitment to racial equity and social justice

◊ Demonstrated leadership qualities and skills

◊ Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

◊ Flexibility and ability to adjust to new situations

◊ Creativity and initiative in problem solving

◊ Enthusiasm for learning from experts in the field, and searching for new models in anti-hunger and anti-poverty work

◊ Experience working in low-income communities

◊ Excitement about peer learning in a tight-knit community of Fellows

Application

Applications to the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship will be accepted only at www.hungercenter.org. Requirements include:

◊ Résumé

◊ Personal Statement

◊ Two Short Essays

◊ One Letter of Recommendation

Deadline

The application deadline for the next class of Emerson Fellows is January 14, 2019. For more information, visit www.hungercenter.org

Decision Timeline

A selection committee will review applications in January 2019 and we expect to make decision on a rolling basis, with most interviews in February and March. Final selection decisions will be made in April.

Join the Community of Hunger Fellows!

www.hungercenter.org — webmaster@hungercenter.org — (202) 547-7022 x29

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