ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Advocacy and Research Program is a hybrid fellowship designed to provide early-career scholars and professionals with opportunities to engage in public research, civic dialogue, and policy analysis.

The program’s research initiatives focus on empowering at-risk minority communities within the policy development sector, particularly in the realms of human rights, fundamental freedoms, governance, and environmentalism. Fellows produce publications, lead university and community workshops, and organize public forums that foster informed conversation and meaningful engagement. These activities are designed to strengthen public understanding, expand access to knowledge, and encourage collaboration between academic, cultural, and civic stakeholders. By emphasizing grounded, locally informed approaches, the program connects research to real-world applications while supporting thoughtful, long-term contributions to public life.

We believe that the effectiveness of advocacy, research, and inclusive program development hinges upon the active participation of all stakeholders and the establishment of authentic dialogue and collaboration between government officials and local community members. Realizing this objective requires a grassroots, culturally relevant, and locally driven engagement model, as opposed to fleeting, top-down, centrally formulated approaches. Through this program, fellows are presented with a unique opportunity to expand their perspectives on human rights and freedom by exploring the intricacies of impact and efficacy methodologies.

The Advocacy and Research Program was established in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to the global outcry to address social and political injustices. The Soul of Nations Foundation, in consultation with the U.S. Department of State’s Human Rights Engagement Fund, created an international framework to provide young change advocates with greater policy instruction and capacity.

The Advocacy and Research Program currently operates in Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, and the United States. Global research fellows are tasked with developing regional working papers to advance protective measures in their regions. Fellows also create advocacy campaigns to increase respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms through outreach and diverse media channels.

RESEARCH GRANTS

The Advocacy and Research Program will provide financial and technical resources, relevant mentoring and learning opportunities, and exposure to leadership opportunities for all subcontracted Research Fellows and volunteers. Each Research Fellow will receive grants ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 to complete their research work-plan and community engagement development plans. Research Fellows will also receive a training stipend.

Women, men, and non-binary change advocates will be encouraged to participate as Research Fellows for the Advocacy and Research Program. Formal education should not be a limitation to participation given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many Black and Indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions. However, applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees, full-time working researchers, or educators with relevant work experience are highly encouraged to participate in the program.

The Advocacy and Research Program will provide financial and technical resources, relevant mentoring and learning opportunities, and exposure to leadership opportunities for all subcontracted Research Fellows and volunteers. Each Research Fellow will receive grants ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 to complete their research work-plan and community engagement development plans. Research Fellows will also receive a training stipend.

Women, men, and non-binary change advocates will be encouraged to participate as Research Fellows for the Advocacy and Research Program. Formal education should not be a limitation to participation given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many Black and Indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions. However, applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees, full-time working researchers, or educators with relevant work experience are highly encouraged to participate in the program.