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A network dedicated to building a culture of human rights

The Edmonds Summer Fellowship

In August of 2020, Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA) lost one of its sustaining sources of inspiration and committed leadership – Kirby Edmonds. As a founding member of HRE USA, Kirby was instrumental in the establishment of HRE USA, directly shaping our mission statement, organizational structure, and most importantly our values framework and the consensus-based policy for decision-making. He served as Co-Chair of HRE USA for nearly a decade.

In honor of his legacy, HRE USA has created the Edmonds Summer Fellowship to support hands-on leadership experience in human rights education and further Kirby’s work to engage young people in building human rights-friendly schools and communities.

The Edmonds Summer Fellowship is supported in partnership with the Dorothy Cotton Institute, (DCI) which carries on the legacy of civil rights legend Dorothy F. Cotton. Kirby served DCI as a Senior Fellow and Program Coordinator. DCI’s vision is a just and peaceful beloved community in which all people understand, protect and exercise full human rights. Their mission is to develop and train leaders for a global human rights movement and build a network of civil and human rights leadership. DCI’s Project Director, Laura Branca, said “Our Steering Committee proudly supports the Edmonds Fellowship to nurture young leaders and promote practices that transform individuals, schools and communities, opening new pathways to peace, justice and healing. What a fine way to honor Kirby’s legacy!”

Eligibility & Compensation 

  • Ability to commit 100 hours between June 1-August 15
  • 18 years old or older
  • $1500 stipend
  • Commitment to mission and vision of HRE USA

Download: 2023 Edmonds Fellowship Application

Project A: Youth Award Development and Engagement Strategy

Project B: Training as Action Series Development & Outreach

Deadlines/Timeframe

Application deadline is extended to April 14, 2023. Preferences will be given to applications received by April 14. Application materials should be sent to info@hreusa.org with the subject line Kirby Edmonds Fellowship. If your application is selected as a finalist, you will be contacted for an interview. Substantive questions about the fellowship may be sent to Kristi Rudelius-Palmer at kristi@hreusa.org.

Donations to support the Edmonds Summer Fellowship can be made online or checks can be made out to the Center for Transformative Action with “HRE USA Edmonds Fellowship” in the memo line and mailed to the Center for Transformative Action, P.O. Box 760, Ithaca, NY 14851

We are grateful for the generous support of our members, individual donors, and The Puffin Foundation Ltd
The core values of HRE USA and its partner organizations include transparency and critical thinking skills. We believe that human rights--and human rights education--belong to everyone, and that the full realization of human rights means that access to human rights education materials must never be conditioned upon the subscription to any particular religious faith, ideology, political affiliation, or membership in any particular organization and that any organizational connections should be openly acknowledged.