Note: These FAQ’s pertain to the One World Young Leaders Program.

What are the eligibility requirements for Young Leaders?

·       Age 18-25 as of January 1, 2010.

·       U.S. citizen, permanent resident of the U.S., or current student at a U.S. university or college.

·       Strong interest in social justice issues, particularly those relating to people of color, human rights and community development.  Those with an interest in a career in social justice, development and human rights will be highly considered.

·       The ability to face change and challenges in a mature manner. 

·       The ability to work with individuals from different backgrounds.

·       Demonstrated interest in actively participating in all of the activities of the program, a strong desire to learn and serve, and a desire to share the One World experience with others upon return to the U.S.

·       Ability to raise the necessary funds to cover the program fee and other costs associated with participation in the program.

What are the eligibility requirements for Group Leaders?

·       Age 26-35 as of January 1, 2010.

·       U.S. citizen, permanent resident of the U.S., or current student at a U.S. university or college.

·       Demonstrated experience in social justice, particularly regarding issues related to people of color, human rights and community development.  Those with an interest in a career in social justice, development and human rights will be highly considered.

·       Demonstrated leadership ability, including the ability to show initiative, trouble-shoot issues as they arise, and face challenges in a mature manner.

·       Demonstrated experience living in and traveling to developing countries, and interacting with diverse groups.

·       Experience working with youth, especially ages 18-25, in a teaching or mentoring role preferred.

·       Experience facilitating seminars, workshops and/or retreats preferred.

·       Ability to raise the necessary funds to cover the program fee and other costs associated with participation in the program.

What type of work do Young Leaders and Group Leaders get involved with through the Summer Program?

Young Leaders and Group Leaders are placed in an internship at a local or national non-governmental organization (NGO) within the host country.  Our partner NGOs work on a variety of critical issues relevant to their communities ranging from public health, education, women’s rights to housing rights advocacy.  One World’s partner organizations and specific internships for Summer 2010 will be announced later this Spring.  To get an idea of what type of work you will potentially be engaged in as a Young Leader or Group Leader, take a look around our website on our pages about past programs from 2007-2009.

Can I start my participation in the program late or end it early due to other commitments?

No.  Young Leaders and Group Leaders who are selected and commit to participation in the program must be available from the start of Orientation and/or the Training of Trainers to the end of the internship program in the host country.  The dates span from May 28 – August 1, 2010 for Young Leaders and May 25 – August 1, 2010.  Applicants who are not available for the entirety of this period will not be selected. 

I have a strong interest in the One World Young Leaders program and feel that I am a qualified candidate.  However, I cannot afford to pay $3,500 out-of-pocket.  How do I pay for this?  Are there waivers or scholarships available?

Relax.  We do not expect qualified applicants to have the program fee before submitting their application.  The program fee amount should not discourage you from applying if you have a strong interest and meet the eligibility requirements for Young Leaders or Group Leaders. 

The vast majority of past Young Leaders and Group Leaders have successfully raised funds to pay for their program fee.  Fundraising involves either grassroots efforts – a direct pitch for funds among your networks, hosting a fundraising event, etc. – or looking for available scholarships, fellowships and other grants through a variety of channels.  There are usually grants available through the university you attend or community-based organizations and non-profit organizations you know of or are part of.  For selected and committed participants, we provide a Fundraising Guide and individual coaching on how to successfully fundraise.  If you have never raised such a large sum before, it may seem daunting at first – but you might surprise yourself at your own success and find a new skill-set through this experience!

In addition to your own fundraising efforts, there are scholarships available through One World.  Full scholarships are available for those who are interested in the public health arena through our partnership with the Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP).  One World also offers partial scholarships for need-based applicants.  You must complete the essay questions for these scholarships.  They are found within the One World 2010 Application document.

Please note that there are no fee waivers available.  All participants pay for the program fee through a combination of One World scholarships, grants external to One World, fundraising efforts, and personal contributions.

How do I apply?

Download the application here, and follow the instructions.  The application deadline has been extended to February 15, 2010 at 5PM Eastern Time.

How does the rest of the application process work?  When will I be notified of a decision?

Short-listed candidates will be notified for telephone interviews within one week.  Those who are selected to participate in the program will be notified after the interview process concludes – no later than February 15, 2010.  Invited participants will be expected to make a commitment to participate in the program within 24 hours of being invited to join, and each participant (both Young Leaders and Group Leaders) will be required to provide a non-refundable deposit of $500 to hold a space in the program no later than two weeks after accepting his/her position in the program.  If a participant is unable to furnish the entire $500 within two weeks of acceptance, One World will work with the participant to develop a fundraising strategy.  However, please note that until the deposit is paid, space in the program is not guaranteed.