Activist-in-Residence Award

Inaugural Activist-in-Residence Award at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies:

Addressing Systemic Injustices in the United States

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego (USD) is excited to call for applications for its inaugural Activist-in-Residence. The purpose of the Activist-in-Residence program is to promote the careers of activists at the vanguard of addressing systemic injustices and entrenched inequalities in the United States. The Activist-in-Residence is housed within the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice which bridges learning and practice within the Kroc School, driving forward its mission to create applied learning for positive impact. 

The appointment offers all the resources of a world-class university along with space for reflection. The Activist-in-Residence will have the opportunity to deepen their intellectual inquiry and writing, engage with students and faculty within and beyond the Kroc School, and catalyze research and action on campus, within the San Diego cross-border region, and throughout the United States.

The inaugural appointment is for the Fall 2021 semester, and comes with a $25,000 award plus expenses, special lecturer status, and access to USD academic resources. The appointment is largely non-residential, but with the expectation that the Activist-in-Residence will cumulatively spend at least three weeks on campus during the semester. 

The expectations of the Activist-in-Residence are the following:

• Be an active member of the Kroc School community throughout their appointment.
• Be in full-time residence for three weeks (not necessarily consecutive). This residence will be virtual or in-person, depending on public health conditions.
• Teach a weekend workshop to Kroc School students in their area of specialization.
• Give 1-2 public talks about their area of work.
• Be accessible to students in small groups and 1-1 conversations throughout their appointment.
• Engage in research and inquiry on their proposed topic and be an active member of the Kroc School’s intellectual community.
• Complete a written deliverable, e.g. a precis of their research or project undertaken during their appointment.

Criteria for Selection

The criteria for selecting the Activist-in-Residence are the following:

• Based in the U.S.
• Activism addressing systemic injustices and inequality within the U.S. 
• An acknowledged emerging or established leader in the field. 
• Demonstrated excellence in advocacy.
• Demonstrated excellence in their ability to work well with and transfer knowledge to graduate-level learners.
• Clear potential for constructive engagement with faculty and students at the Kroc School and USD.
• Demonstrated excellence in their understanding of the intellectual underpinnings of their topics as evidenced through their education, publications, talks, or other relevant activities.

How to Apply

• Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae
• A 1-2 page statement that addresses the following questions: 

1. How the Activist-in-Residence appointment would further the applicants’ efforts to address systemic injustices in the U.S., and advance their professional trajectory.
2. What contributions the appointment would allow the applicant to make, e.g. to advance thought and practice, to cultivate collaboration with the Kroc School community; and to contribute to the education of graduate students at the Kroc School. 
3. A brief description of the intellectual project the applicant would pursue during their appointment.

• Two letters of recommendation 
• Application deadline is March 19, 2021
• All applications must be submitted online at the application portal.
• Direct questions to krocschool@sandiego.edu. 

About the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, established at the University of San Diego in 2007, is the first standalone school of its kind in the United States. The Kroc School’s mission is to equip and empower innovative changemakers to shape more peaceful and just societies. It is home to three graduate programs, the MA in Peace and Justice, the MA in Social Innovation, and MS in Conflict Management & Resolution, as well as a dual MA/Juris Doctor degree with the University of San Diego’s School of Law. Learn more about the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and the Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice.