Critical Thinking Fellow
The AHA Foundation’s Critical Thinking Fellowship (CTF) is now accepting applications for 2021-2022. AHA is a nonprofit organization founded by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. We work to promote Enlightenment thought and protect women from gender-based violence such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). We also aim to create dialogue around the reformation of Islam by connecting Muslim reformers, ex-Muslims, and stakeholders. Fellows will help start a conversation on their college campus to advance freedom and human rights in the U.S. and around the world.
About the Fellowship
Fellows will organize events (webinars, debates, panels, etc.) that stimulate a dialogue among students and the local community about human rights abuses. Fellows partner with survivors, journalists, activists, and experts in the international human rights field to raise awareness about practices such as FGM and honor killings and what we can do to end them. In addition, fellows can host events promoting critical thinking and free speech as a means to combat extremism.
Benefits
- Virtual Summer training program to prepare for the Fall semester
- Small stipend paid per event completed
- Marketing and event promotion experience
- Network with leaders, activists, and survivors across the globe
- Build leadership skills
- Learn to write op-eds and host productive conversations in polarizing environments
Fellowship Responsibilities
Fellows accepted into the program will be expected to plan and execute at least one event per semester that facilitates thought and discussion on their college campus with support from the AHA Foundation team. Event topics include women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, promoting human rights and tolerance for diverse ideological opinions, freedom of speech, Islamic reform, and more. Each fellow will be expected to participate in a monthly video meeting with program leadership to discuss upcoming events, existing hurdles, and progress made.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal fellows…
- Must be currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
- Demonstrate a real passion for human rights and freedom of speech.
- Are willing to advocate for the rights of others by exploring cultural, social, religious, and policy issues in the spirit of open-minded enquiry.
- As a bonus: belong to a number of student organizations or clubs that they can utilize to invite speakers to the university and rally interest for events; student groups can range from interests such as health, social justice, women’s rights, politics, free speech, and associations that advance liberty.