Call for Applications

Women leaders representing non-profit organizations (NPOs) working in the field of economic empowerment and economic development from China's mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are invited to apply for a month-long study tour with professional affiliations in the United States during the spring 2002.

With primary funding from The Henry Luce Foundation, and additional support from the Himalaya Foundation and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, the Institute of International Education (IIE) administers a program for women leaders of non-profit organizations and community groups in China's mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, bringing them to the United States for a month-long, fully-subsidized visit with American counterpart women leaders, to promote the exchange of ideas and stronger networks among Chinese and Americans working on issues of common concern.

In 2002, this fellowship program will bring nine women from Chinese non-profit organizations (NPOs) and community organizations to the United States for a 4-week study tour and professional affiliation. To facilitate interaction among participants, each year the program focuses on a particular field, including arts education, environment, and economic development. The focus for this year will be economic empowerment. Representatives of organizations that help to develop economic resources within communities, develop micro-credit programs, offer educational & training programs, and that work to end discrimination are some examples of those who should apply. The nine participants will begin their U.S. program with a week in San Francisco of orientation, team-building, and discussions of NPO leadership/management issues. They will then travel in groups of two or three to selected organizations around the U.S. for two weeks to meet with and observe American counterparts. The Chinese women will reconvene in New York for a week of visits to community organizations, group discussions on networking, use of volunteers, and fund-raising techniques and a debriefing workshop.

Upon returning home, these women will have gained a number of important contacts in their field, which they then can turn to as resources for future activities and assistance. A reunion in China after the program will help sustain the networks, as well as periodic newsletters. Participants will be expected to actively share the information learned though the trip with other local organizations. The project is designed to have a profound impact not only on participants, but also on their staff and colleagues in NPOs back home and on the many U.S. NPOs with which they will interact.

Guidelines

IIE is seeking nominations of women leaders working to strengthen women's roles in the fields of economic empowerment/development/entrepreneurship with the following background and qualifications:

A written report/evaluation to IIE will be required within six months after the conclusion of the U.S. study tour summarizing what was learned through the trip and how participants have started to disseminate information. Attendance will also be expected at reunions of the group in China, with funding provided again by the Luce Foundation.

Completed applications and letter of recommendation must be received by September 14, 2001. Please send to the following:

Applicants from China's mainland:

Applicants from Taiwan:

Applicants from Hong Kong: