Global Peace & Security Campus Advocate Program

Anxious to take action to improve US Muslim Relations, US-Iran Diplomacy, or US humanitarian aid?

       Have a good idea to mobilize your campus to make a difference on today's global peace and security issues?

                 Now’s your chance with AID’s Global Peace & Security Campus Advocates Program! 

What is the Global Peace & Security Advocates Program? 
The GPS Campus Advocates Program is an initiative to give 6 young leaders from across the US the resources to engage their local communities in global peace and security issues.  Participants will become community activists and issue experts over the span of the semester as they implement original campaigns on one of four themes: 

1 . US-Iran Relations
    Iran has reached a historic crossroads in its national politics and international relations. Internally, Iran is divided between urban and     rural, conservatives and reformers - with youth under 30 (born after the revolution) making up 70% of the population. What will be the     future of Iran, its people, government, culture, nuclear program, and how will this effect regional politics as well as U.S.-Iran relations?
2. US-Muslim Relations
     A dangerous tension exists between the U.S. and the Muslim community at home and abroad that is built on common misconceptions,      and sterotypes. Help to build cross-cultural understanding in place of fear and encourage a safer more compassionate world!
3. US-Middle East Relations
    President Obama has extended a rhetorical open hand but the challenges facing the Middle East and US- Middle East relations will     require much more. How can our leaders work together to address these challenges and achieve regional peace and stability?
4. Civil-Military Balance
    Diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and emergency relief services are essential for building allies, protecting vulnerable populations, and     preventing the desperate conditions that lead to violence, terrorism, and political instability. However, the US diplomacy and foreign     assistance agencies are woefully understaffed and underfunded, placing an increased burden on our military to carry out humanitarian     missions. Do your part as a global citizen to advocate for reform and contribute to humanitarian efforts in crucial areas such as     Afghanistan and Pakistan!

Selected participants will each receive:

*      A mini-grant of up to $250 to implement local initiatives

*     Preferred access to AID resources including our Speaker Database, Artist and Filmmaker contacts, Film Library, Information and Policy briefings, Organizing Toolkits and Trainings, Campaign materials, Flipcams and Online media support, Local and National event Publicity, and The World InSight Blog.

* Direct support from AID staff, including online training workshops and personalized guidance to ensure the health and success of your campaign and initiatives.

* Exclusive access to special AIDemocracy national and partner opportunities including film tours, town halls, and campus workshops

How Do I Apply?

Submit a single-spaced, 1-3 page proposal, outlining your campaign to laura@aidemocracy.org.

Proposals should include:

1. A Brief Paragraph describing your interests:
   a.    Why are you interested in this program?
   b.     What issue area of the four interests you most and why?
     
   
2. Your Project/Campaign Proposal including
   a.     The title and goal of your campaign
   b.   A description of your project/campaign including three events or initiatives and your overall campaign strategy
   c.      Potential obstacles to and strengths of your campaign.  What are your own skills-set and how will you draw upon them?
   d.     Desired outcomes/outputs
   e.   How will you connect your local community to the national and international community?
   
   
3. Additional Information
   a.     Previous experience with campus organizing and/or work on this issue
   b.      Will you be working with a student group on your campaign?
   c.     Potential partners and additional campus resources (students, faculty, department, event, class, etc)
   d.      Other information that can be useful in the success of your campaign

*Please include your name, contact information, and university/organization with whom you are affiliated at the top of the proposal.

Proposals will be evaluated on creativity and potential impact at local, national, and international levels.
Successful proposals will be SMART: Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Tangible.

Timeline:
Proposal Deadline:  Sept 13th
Finalists contacted:  Sept 18th
Announcement of Proposal Winners: Sept 21st
Campus Activities Executed:  Fall 2009 and Completed by Dec 15th

Ideas and Examples: 
Be creative! Your campaign might include an arts and culture focus, policy focus, service focus, or all of the above! Examples of local activities can include:  interfaith dialogues, group and panel discussions, cultural fairs/bazaars/performances etc, speaker events, film screenings, in-district lobbying, campus campaigns to change/implement policy, benefit concerts, conferences and videoconferences, petitioning and letter writing, public information displays and demonstrations (centered on policy, holiday, current event), internataional peer to peer exchanges, and the list goes on! Feel free to incorporate AIDemocracy events or resources into your campaigns as well!

O   Film Library   O   Organizing Toolkits  O    Homepage   O   GPS Program Page    O

If you have questions, please contact laura@aidemocracy.org.

-At this time, we are only able to offer this opportunity to students who attend school in the US-