There’s a lot of talk about the problems facing our world today, but it takes a special person to put that concern into action – a social entrepreneur. A program of the International Youth Foundation (IYF) YouthActionNet® seeks 20 young social entrepreneurs for its Global Fellowship program. The Nokia-supported Fellowship recognizes youth for starting innovative projects to help their communities and is open to candidates between 18 and 29 years old. The deadline for applications is April 9, 2010.
Applicants must have founded existing projects or organizations with a clear vision for social change. This can include leading a new project within an existing organization. English proficiency is required.
The yearlong Fellowship includes: a seven-day leadership retreat for twenty selected Fellows which offers dynamic peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and sharing among young visionaries; recognition at the Annual YouthActionNet® Global Awards Ceremony; networking with international and national aid agencies, NGOs, and corporate partners; and access to global advocacy platforms, media coverage, and funding opportunities.
Past Fellows have been recognized for their outstanding leadership in launching a variety of projects, including: using mobile phone technology to match job seekers to employers in Palestine; helping poor farmers in Zimbabwe to dramatically increase crop yields; and training low-income women in Argentina to produce environmentally-friendly clothing. Profiles of the 2009 Global Fellows can be viewed at: www.youthactionnet.org.
Applicants are urged to apply online at www.youthactionnet.org or download the application and email, fax, or mail completed forms to: YouthActionNet®, c/o International Youth Foundation, 32 South Street, Suite 500, Baltimore, MD 21202 USA, email: yan@iyfnet.org, Tel: +1 410 951 1500; Fax: +1 410 347 1188.

