Global Advocate Program Application

Application Timeline:

Advocate Class / Year / Dates of Service / Advocate Orientation Weekend / Application Deadline
Class 16 / 2018 / June 14, 2018 –
March 14, 2019 / June14 - 18, 2018
Grand Rapids, Michigan / April 23, 2018

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Global Advocate Program.

Mama Hope has developed an innovativemodel for international development, transforming lives and communities in Africa, India, Latin America and the US. We see the Global Advocate Program as the bridge that will close the gap between important resources and community driven projects. We feel that well-trained Advocates are a crucial step to giving communities the outlet and tools to advocate for and achieve their own solutions.

ABOUT

The Global Advocate Program is a competitive job-training program that is intended to introduce participants to international development with first-hand experience. An advocate is not a tourist or a cultural exchange student. While the 3-4 month experience in Africa, India, Latin America or the US will be life defining, the other 5-6 months of programming spent in your home community will be equally rewarding as a first or second look at human centered development on the international level.

This is a rigorous, time-consuming and professional program. We have high expectations for our Advocates and hold them accountable for their project work. Think carefully before applying. We want individuals that treat this opportunity as a crucial professional building block. We want candidates that are self-motivated, dedicated, open minded and action-oriented. Does that describe you?

WELCOME

Welcome to the Global Advocate Program Application. Please read everything carefully before submitting this document as an attachment to .

Review Eligibility

●At least 21 years of age

●Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

●Not enrolled in University at program start date

●Nine month commitment

●Stable health conditions

●Passport

●Ability to pay for transportation to/from the 5-day orientation

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

a. How did you hear about the program? Please be specific!

b. General Information

First Name / Last Name / Phone / Email
Street Address / City / State / Country
Zip Code / Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY) / Preferred Gender Pronouns

c. Emergency Contacts

Emergency Contact 1

First Name / Last Name / Phone / Email

Emergency Contact 2

First Name / Last Name / Phone / Email

d. Education

College/ University

Institution Name / Major/Minor / GPA / Dates of Attendance

Postgraduate

Institution Name / Major/Focus / Thesis Topic / Dates of Attendance

e. Health Background/Medical Disclosure:

The Global Advocate Program is mentally and physically demanding, and while your health and safety is our priority, the available medical facilities are often unsuitable for serious or ongoing illnesses or conditions. Advocates are required to have the physical and mental capacity to carry out all functions of an Advocate for the full length of the program.

Please list and describe any health conditions (including asthma and allergies, as well as mental conditions) and Mention any specific accommodations you may need:

f. Financial Obligations and Living Expenses

The Global Advocate Program does not cover any living expenses during the first and third phases of the program. Outside of the orientation weekend, you may live in your current location. How do you plan to subsidize your living expenses and other financial obligations during the first and last phases of the program?

g. Social Media Profiles

Please include the links to your Facebook and LinkedIn profile.

2. REFERENCES

Notify your references that we may be contacting them about your application. Choose 2 of the 3 listed.

Professional Contact

Name
Relationship
Institution
Title
Email
Phone

Education Contact

Name
Relationship
Institution
Title
Email
Phone

Volunteer Contact

Name
Relationship
Institution
Title
Email
Phone

3. PROJECT PLACEMENT INTERESTS

a. Placement Interest (check all that apply with a check or x)

Kenya: / Tanzania: / Ghana: / Uganda: / Ethiopia:
Guatemala*: / Nicaragua*: / India: / No Preference:

*conversational Spanish is a requirement for this placement.

b Areas of Interest (check all that apply with a check or x)

Children & Youth Services
Health
Environment
Agriculture
Business Development
Women/Gender
Water & Sanitation
Human Rights
Community Development
Education
Other:

4. QUICK QUESTIONS

  1. Please list all of the languages you speak along with the level of fluency (Basic, Conversational, Advanced, or Fluent).
  1. Please list your international living experiences including the country, length of stay, and purpose (international living or volunteer experiences are not a requirement to be accepted to the program. Limited experience abroad will not adversely affect your application).
  1. Please list any prior fundraising experiences you have had (fundraising experience is not a requirement to be accepted to the program. Limited fundraising experience will not adversely affect your application).
  1. List your hobbies. Think about those right brain creative activities -- club sports, jazz hands, acting, painting, scuba diving.
  1. List the skills you have that are applicable to the Global Advocate Program. This could be as practical as an EMT certificate or more personal.
  1. List any volunteer, work, school, and/or club leadership positions you have had.

5. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

This is a chance for you to express yourself. Please be honest and direct. Show us with examples. (100-250 words maximum)

  1. What is the best piece of advice you have heard recently? What is the most valuable lesson life has taught you? Think quickly. Don’t Google this one.
  1. Please describe the most challenging, infuriating, or disappointing experience in your life and how you dealt with it.
  1. Describe the merits and shortcomings of international development work and the way you see Mama Hope contributing to its evolution.

6. LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Please think carefully about the following questions. This is your opportunity to present the strengths of your character, writing style, interests, and future goals. Please write concisely. (250-400 words)

  1. Vision statement: Picture your life in 10-20 years. Describe where you are, what you are doing and how The Global Advocate Program affects these plans.
  1. Fundraising is a mandatory element of the Global Advocate Program and essential to work in a variety of fields. Create a sample fundraising plan and describe how you will approach reaching the minimum fundraising goal of $20,000.

7. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Have a letter of recommendation sent from an academic or professional contact to .

FINISHING TOUCHES

Application checklist and attachment formatting

1. Personal Information
2. References
3. Project Placement Interests
4. Quick Questions
5. Short Answer Questions
6. Long Answer Questions
7. Letter of Recommendation
8. Resume / CV
9. Unofficial Transcripts

PLEASE FORMAT/TITLE YOUR ATTACHMENTS AS FOLLOWS:

Subject line of the email:

Subject: GAP Application, NAME

Example: GAP Application, Will Berkshire

Main application attachment title (this document) including short/long essays.

Application_LastName.doc

Ex. Application_Berkshire.doc

Resume attachment title format

Resume_LastName.doc

Ex. Resume_Berkshire.doc

Unofficial Transcript attachment title format:

Transcripts_LastName.doc

Ex. Transcripts_Berkshire.doc

Thank you for applying! Please send this document in the prescribed attachment format to long with your resume and transcripts.