UOJ FELLOWSHIP

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

The Union of Justice (UOJ) Fellowship is a unique initiative tailored for people of colour across ten European countries: Ireland, the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. This pioneering program is rooted in the principle that the climate crisis is intrinsically intertwined with issues of race and inequality. To address the climate crisis holistically, we must acknowledge its racial dimensions and its disproportionate effects on marginalised communities. The UOJ Fellowship isn't just another environmental initiative; it's an exploration and a declaration of the undeniable interplay between race, inequality, and the planet's changing climate.

Rooted in the conviction that environmental degradation has inextricable ties with racial and societal disparities, this program recognises that the communities most affected by the brunt of climate change are often those who have contributed least to it. Historically marginalised communities, predominantly those of colour, are at the frontline of rising sea levels, intensified weather patterns, and dwindling resources. The UOJ Fellowship thus aims to empower representatives from these communities across ten European countries to study, highlight, and address these disparities in their unique cultural and socio-political contexts.

The ethos of the fellowship is collaborative exploration. While working within their country's specific framework, each selected fellow will be encouraged to delve into the complex narratives surrounding race and the environment. Each fellow will have the opportunity to develop and deliver a project of their own that will unearth stories, challenges, and solutions that are often side-lined in mainstream discussions, weaving them into the broader European narrative of climate action. 

Each fellow's journey will not be insular. They will embark on this exploration alongside representatives from other European nations, each bringing their own experiences, challenges, and perspectives. This rich tapestry of voices will illuminate the multifaceted nature of the climate crisis in Europe, ensuring that discussions around it are comprehensive, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of those most affected.

At the heart of this fellowship is the belief that truly effective climate action is only possible when we understand and address its racial and social dimensions. By focusing on these intersections, the UOJ Fellowship not only sheds light on often overlooked issues but also paves the way for a more holistic, equitable, and sustainable future for all of Europe.

The world is at a crossroads. We can either address the climate crisis with a narrow vision, or we can expand our understanding and accept that it's intrinsically tied to other societal challenges. By acknowledging and addressing the connection between climate and race, we can hope to create solutions that are holistic, just and enduring. 

If you're passionate about equity, if you feel that your voice can bring a unique perspective, if you're ready to be a beacon of change — this fellowship awaits you. Together, let's redefine climate justice and contribute to a more just and equitable Europe.

  • Our fellowship welcomes POC (people of colour) from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including but not limited to students, artists, activists, researchers, policymakers, and professionals. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about climate justice and eager to make a positive impact. Our UOJ Fellowship programme is specifically designed to amplify the voices of POC leaders and empower them to drive transformative change in the fight against climate injustice.

    Applicants must live and work in one of the following countries:

    Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Netherlands and Ireland.

    Applicants must be willing to commit time for the entire duration of the fellowship as well as be able to attend a 3-day induction in Brussels, on the 6th, 7th and 8th of December 2023. All related costs will be covered.

  • The fellowship programme will officially start on the 6th of December 2023 with a physical three-day get-together in Brussels and will be running until June 2024. After the Christmas break, we will meet as a group once a month for training and support, as well as one-on-one sessions.

  • There will be ten fellows in total. One from each of the ten countries we are focusing on.

  • As a Fellow, you will become part of the Union of Justice network, a vibrant network of European activists, campaigners, researchers, artists, groups and changemakers, all building a Europe and a world that is equitable, just and sustainable.

    The fellowship takes the approach of being a flexible instrument to meet the needs of Fellows while also guiding and supporting them through a scheduled programme. We trust that you will use the fellowship in a responsible and self-determined manner. We are aware that there will also be individual needs, so we will work with you individually to ensure you make the most of the fellowship and are fully supported. As well as a 3-day training session in Brussels, you will also receive the following benefits:

    1. Financial Support: Each fellow will receive a €1000 stipend, ensuring they can dedicate their efforts to the project. Additionally, you will also receive €1000 for project-related expenses, allowing for robust and impactful initiatives.

    2. Networking Opportunities: Fellows will be part of a pan-European network of passionate individuals working at the frontier of climate justice. This provides a chance to share insights, collaborate, and amplify each other's efforts.

    3. Training and Mentorship: The program ensures fellows have access to mentorship and training sessions, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and guidance needed to make their advocacy and their projects a success. Training sessions will be in person and online.

    4. Visibility and Platform: The fellowship provides an invaluable platform for fellows to gain recognition for their work. Their projects will be showcased across Europe, giving voice to the often underrepresented communities they represent. All fellows will have opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts, raise awareness about environmental injustices, and influence policy at local, regional, and national levels.

    5. Tangible Impact: Beyond the individual benefits, fellows will have the chance to drive real-world change. Their projects can inspire policy adjustments, shifts in public perception, and community-driven initiatives. Through hands-on experience, each fellow will have the opportunity to implement projects that directly tackle climate injustices faced by communities of colour. These projects will allow you to apply your knowledge and make tangible impacts in underserved areas.

    6. Deep Dive into Climate Justice: The program isn't just about executing a project; it's about immersion into the realm of climate justice. Fellows will acquire a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between race and climate, positioning them as thought leaders in the field.

    7. Cultural Exchange: As the program includes representatives from ten different European countries, fellows will benefit from the rich cultural exchange, gaining insights into how climate justice is perceived and addressed across diverse European contexts.

  • In the course of the fellowship, fellows will develop an impact-driven project in the form of, but not exclusive to, artworks, platforms, event formats, prototypes, community campaigns, new narratives and publications, digital campaigns, and social initiatives, to name a few.

    When developing your project, think about the below questions:

    • How can we reimagine a future where climate justice and racial equity are not separate conversations but are interlinked in shaping sustainable societies?

    • What innovative and effective ways can we employ to address the environmental injustices disproportionately affecting communities of colour?

    • How can we collectively work toward an ecologically balanced and socially equitable European landscape?

    • How do we challenge the unchecked exploitation of our environment, the emergence of authoritarian governance, social inequities, and intersectional biases?

    • How do we confront environmental degradation that perpetuates racial disparities and impacts marginalised communities the most?

    • How can we transition from awareness to meaningful action, integrating contemplative thought with audacious initiatives?

    • What significance do core principles like courage, compassion, and cooperative effort hold in this pursuit?

    We encourage applications with ideas or projects that are new or are already in progress.

  • The application DEADLINE for the fellowship is 12/10/2023 at 23:59 CEST. Interviews with the shortlisted applicants will be held on the 18th and 19th October. We'll let you know if you've been shortlisted on Friday, the 13th of October.

    1) Please click on the ‘APPLY NOW’ pink button at the top of the page and fill out the form.

    2) After filling out the form, please send an email to fellows@unionofjustice.com with the following documents:

    • A cover letter (max two pages).

    • A CV including information on awards and grants (max two pages).

    • A filled copy of the Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring Form.

    We ask you to refer to the following aspects in your cover letter:

    • Why do you want to become a fellow?

    • What project do you want to work on during your fellowship? It's OK if you haven't got a fully-fledged project yet. Just share your ideas.

    • What future do you strive for, and how are you working towards this future?

    Please note that we cannot accept applications received after the deadline. If you have any problems with the application form or need assistance, please write to fellows@unionofjustice.com 

    We value a mindful use of your resources. If you have suggestions on how we can improve and simplify the process in the future, we welcome sending your feedback to fellows@unionofjustice.com

  • Please submit your application in English. If that's not possible, we accept the language of your country. You may use software to translate your application. We realise that English might not be your first language – for us, content is what matters when reviewing applications. If you have problems translating your application, please get in touch with us at fellows@unionofjustice.com, and we will try to find a solution.

  • The Union of Justice team and Board members will interview and select the fellows.

  • Although we will respond to every applicant with the outcome of their application, we unfortunately won't be able to provide feedback on the contents of individual applications.