Dear Bob:

The Soros Justice Fellowship program, a program of the Open Society Institute (OSI) that funds outstanding individuals seeking to reform the U.S. criminal justice system, has extended the application deadline to September 24, 2008. 

Since its inception in 1997, Soros Justice Fellowships -- which fund individuals through two fellowships categories, Advocacy Fellowships and Media Fellowships -- have supported over 230 dynamic individuals working at the local, state, and national levels on a wide range of issues.

Each year, OSI funds 15 - 18 fellows through the two fellowship categories.  Advocacy Fellowships are 18 months in duration and come with a stipend ranging from $69,750 to $79,500.  Media Fellowships are 12 months in duration and come with a stipend of $45,000.  Fellows are also eligible to receive payments for health insurance, professional development, and educational loan repayment.  In addition to this financial support, fellows have access to a range of technical assistance, including leadership development, communications and fundraising consultations, and supplemental grants.

For more information and for a link to their guidelines and on-line application, please go to:
http://www/soros.org/initiatives/usprograms/focus/justice/programs/justice_fellows/.

OSI seeks innovative and exciting projects that fit broadly within their criminal justice reform priorities.  But just as critically, the program looks for both emerging and seasoned leaders who possess vision, drive, and passion; and who will lend a distinctive and important voice to the struggle for change.  OSI especially wants to hear from individuals directly affected by, or with significant direct personal experience with, the issues their project seeks to address.

Maybe you should think about what you can do to "be the change you wish to see in the world" (Ghandi).  Or if you know someone who has great ideas and just need the financial support to implement them, be sure to pass this information along.

Sincerely,
Roberta Meyers-Peeples
Director
National HIRE Network
Legal Action Center
225 Varick St.
4th Floor
New York, NY 10014
212 243-1313 (p) | 212 675-0286 (f)
www.hirenetwork.org | www.lac.org