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There’s still time to apply and nominate
We’re still accepting applications for the YP4 fellowship. One recent nominator wrote:
“As a 2008 Young People For fellow, I have met new people, learned of new ways to make change, and experienced new things ... For those reasons I would like to nominate [my nominee] for the Class of 2009 fellowship... She doesn't realize what a great leader she already is... But I do... The experience at Young People for would help to broaden [her] experiences, and open her mind to new ideas. I nominated [her] because I think that Young People For needs her, with her life experience, drive and potential, as much as she needs Young People For to expand her horizons...”
[ Learn more about the fellowship ]
Fellows registering, educating, and mobilizing students to vote
Fellows are organizing across the country to register and turn out student and community voters. This month we funded a number of Blueprint for Social Justice projects focused on getting out the vote:
More get-out-the-vote Blueprints will be available soon.
[ Browse all Blueprints for Social Justice ]
The Religious Right political movement has had a huge impact on American politics over the past few decades and continues to play a role in this year’s crucial election.
“Countering the Right,” our free six-week online course, starts September 15. The course will take a look at some of the movement’s movers and shakers, its strategies and alliances, the changing conversation about religion and politics, and some strategies for countering the Right and advancing progressive policies.
[ Learn more and enroll today ]
Reflections on the first Leadership Academy retreat
Leadership Academy fellows were asked to use one word to describe their first retreat, which concluded August 7. The carefully selected words told us a story of a retreat that was incredibly rewarding while also being challenging and intense.
Here’s a reflection from one fellow:
“The best part of the retreat was laughing, crying, and growing out of conflict with ourselves and within ourselves. I really liked the way we were able to mentally and emotionally grow with one another — especially through the anti-oppression training.”
[ Read more on the blog ]
 Since joining YP4 as a fellow in 2007, Jess Klein has been working on a Blueprint for Social Justice called the 1 in 3 Ask Me campaign, which raises awareness of sexual assault and violence against women. Building on her first-year Blueprint, Jess used the internship program to work on her project full-time and take the campaign to other campuses in Michigan.
[ Watch Jess talk about the campaign ]
Reflections from internship program participants
Internship program fellows’ recent reports tell a compelling story about the integral role interns can play, whether working at a major national organization like the Center for American Progress or a smaller community-based organization.
One fellow reflects:
“I’ve learned more about what I want out of a work environment, what kinds of people I work best with, and which tasks I both enjoy the most and perform the best at. Since my internship, I have accepted a part-time position with a communications design and strategic planning consulting firm.”
100 percent of internship program fellows recommended the program to the next class of fellows. Don’t miss out; recruitment will begin in December.
[ Learn more about other senior fellowship opportunities ]
Green Jobs Now: National Day of Action to Build the New Economy (September 27)
YP4 is partnering with 1Sky, Green for All and the We Campaign for this concerted effort to make it clear that America is ready to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and solve the climate crisis.
People of all backgrounds will organize Green Jobs Now events, with a special focus on low-income communities and communities of color.
Be part of a giant leap forward. Sign up to do a local event on September 27.
Facing Race (Oakland, Calif., November 13–15)
Young People For, along with Generation Vote, is proud to sponsor the Facing Race conference. Advancing racial justice is not only an idea we share; it is a mission to define justice and make change. Facing Race is our chance to cut across the color line, claim this moving moment, and gather people of different races from across the country to discuss a myriad of issues and to outline a vision for the future of racial justice.
You can find more events on YP4’s site and at the Center for Progressive Leadership.
Generation Vote and Hip Hop Caucus present: VOTE HIP HOP
Generation Vote is a national alliance of 18 youth organizations (including YP4!) working to engage the hip hop generation in the political process. We’re looking for DJ’s, emcees, writers, b-girls, b-boys, producers, poets, graf writers and fly-ass designers to tell the world which election issues are important to young people and why.
GET INVOLVED: It’s easy — and online. The contest is separated into four categories loosely based on the four elements of hip-hop: audio (DJing), video (MCing), design (graffiti) and dance (breaking).
Do you have a picture of a T-shirt or poster you designed? A poem you performed? Song you recently made? Explain why the candidates speak for you — or why they don’t. Express what’s important to you and your community. The pieces voted best will be used in national voter registration drives and calls to action. Deadline: September 25.
THE PRIZES: One winner will be chosen from each category. Winners each get $500, a free trip to a nationally televised awards ceremony, and featured on BET.com, The Nation Magazine online, WireTap Magazine, Future5000.com and dozens of other syndicated websites.
[ Upload your work and vote in the contest! ]
Swing Semester
The nation's attention will be on swing states this fall — and YOU are needed to help get out the vote!
Swing Semester helps youth (18–26) get to one of five swing state program cities and secure a paid job with nonprofits that are working to get out the vote. Swing Semester 2008 opens in Cincinnati the week of September 16 and runs through November 21, and the others follow after that.
Make sure you get involved for the biggest election of our lifetime.
[ Learn more about Swing Semester ]
Call for papers about African studies
S.C.O.U.T.B.A.N.A.N.A., in conjunction with Michigan State University's African Studies Center and Office of International Development, invites you to submit a manuscript to Articulate: Undergraduate Scholarship Applied to International Development. Papers will be accepted until September 15 with an intended publication date of November 2008.
Not an undergraduate student? Paper too long? Still want to get your ideas published as a volunteer or researcher in the field? Inquire.
[ Read the full call for submissions ]
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