Activist Enrichment Programme

The René Cassin Fellows Programme (formerly the Activist Enrichment Programme) provides the skills, knowledge, and contacts needed for young individuals to effectively utilise Jewish historical experience and values in their path to become human rights activists. Initiated in 2009, the programme is now educating and supporting its fourth cohort and accepting applications for enrolment in its 2012 programme (the fifth cohort).

René Cassin Fellows Programme 2011 - 2012

Building on the previous years of success, René Cassin is currently running our one-year René Cassin Fellows Programme (RCFP). The RCFP aims to develop a group of young professionals into committed and knowledgeable human rights activists.

The Programme offers:

  • An introduction to prominent figures in the field of human rights
  • An opportunity to experience human rights advocacy first-hand
  • A year-long educational experience dedicated to human rights activism 

The Programme consists of:

•    10 two-hour seminars and workshops

•    1 international delegation to Strasbourg, Geneva, or The Hague

The Programme is suited to:

•    Individuals committed to human rights, and inspired by Jewish social justice values

•    Those able to demonstrate leadership skills and a willingness to volunteer

•    Participants that possess enthusiasm, determination, and initiative


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Applicants

'The Programme was fantastically in depth.  I learnt so much and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in social action, social justice and human rights.  The trip to Geneva was a highlight where I could see what I had learned in action.' - Jem Stein, RCFP participant 2011 (London Field Director of Habonim Dror)

'I had a lot of enthusiasm, but not a lot of knowledge...The Programme was really useful to get a clear sense of what human rights are, and meet other people interested in human rights work'.  - Phil Rosenberg, RCFP participant 2009 (Director of Faiths Forum for London)

To read the diary of two of our 2011 Programme participants, please click here.

The RCFP has been attended by individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds, including journalism, law, development, anthropology, and several other disciplines.  The programme is open to all applicants with an interest in human rights and social justice aged 21 and over. For 2012, René Cassin will ask participants to contribute £150 towards the cost of the heavily subsidised year-long programme. Seminars and workshops for 2012 are taking place in London. Travel in the international delegation is not included in the course fee, although wherever possible we try and seek funding to cover the cost of the trips.

Financial inclusion

The cost of the Programme should not prevent you from applying.  If you have concerns regarding covering the Programme cost, please email simone.abel@renecassin.org and your correspondence will be handled in confidence. 

Speakers

Speakers include some of the most notable experts in the field of human rights and in campaigning as a whole. 2011's programme speakers include Jonathan Cooper OBE; Professor Francesca Klug OBE; Clive Baldwin from Human Rights Watch; Matt Plen from the Assembly of Masorti Synagogues; and Ben Jackson, the UK Director of Crisis Action. 

Trips

As part of the course, this year's participants will have the option of participating in an international delegation to Strasbourg, The Hague, or Geneva.

Participants are also encouraged to write an article on one of the meetings they attend as part of the international delegation; to deliver a presentation on a component of their international trip; and to complete a human rights project to be devised in consultation with René Cassin staff.

Applying for the Programme in 2012

We are currently accepting applications for the 2012 Programme, which will commence in September 2012.  To receive an application pack, or for further information, please email info@renecassin.org.  To download a copy of the application pack, please click here: Activist Enrichment Programme Application.

Applications open: 1st March

Applications close: 31st May

Applications are assessed on merit.  All participants are encouraged to show a commitment to human rights work and to take on an impact project as a condition of their participation in the Programme.  Impact projects are flexible and are devised on the basis of each applicant's experience and skills, in consultation with their Programme mentor. For instance, we have asked previous Programme cohorts to do projects as varied as writing articles on specific human rights issues and starting up hands-on human rights projects.

Educational resources

The Programme participants are expected to write about meetings that they attend during their trips. We have made available the following articles for you to read if you would like to know more about specific meetings:

Meeting with a human rights NGO in Geneva

Meeting with the Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The case for the incorporation of businesses into a human rights framework

Meeting with the Universal Periodic Review

Meeting with the Special Rapporteur for Trafficking in Persons

Coming soon

The RCFP is evolving into a bigger and better educational experience for participants!  The 2013 RCFP will maintain its commitment to equipping young professionals with the necessary skills to become human rights proponents, but will have a more international focus.  In 2013, RCFP will be comprised of 12 participants from each of the following regions: the UK, USA and Israel.  The centrepiece of the Programme will be a two-week educational tour, which will include visits to international institutions in New York, Washington DC, Strasbourg, the Hague and Jerusalem.  If you have previously participated in the RCFP but would like to be part of the new cross-regional Programme, you will have the opportunity to apply. Stay tuned for more information!