The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is seeking experienced civil society experts to join the 2025 CEE Program as CEE Mentors. This unique opportunity allows you to support and guide emerging leaders from around the world, fostering global connections and contributing to impactful community engagement projects. CEE Mentors play a critical role in shaping the fellowship experience by connecting Fellows with valuable resources, networks, and perspectives. They also contribute to the online Academy and participate in key events such as the CEE Welcome Orientation, End of Program Workshop, and Innovation Hubs.
Application Period: August 22 – September 11, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a CEE Mentor, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 28 years old.
- Experience: Must be a U.S. Government (USG) exchange program alumnus in good standing. U.S. citizens must have participated in a USG-funded exchange program such as CEP Exchange, Fulbright fellowship, or Peace Corps service.
- Visa Requirements: Non-U.S. citizens must be eligible for a J-1 visa and must not have applied for U.S. permanent residence within the past three years, nor have plans to apply within the next three years.
- Professional Background: Must have substantial experience in civil society and community engagement. Candidates with a proven track record of mentoring emerging leaders are strongly preferred.
- Commitment: Selected mentors are required to attend in-person training and events in the U.S., including the Mentor Development Training (MDT) and Welcome Orientation in Chicago, Illinois, from March 7-14, 2025, and the End of Program Workshop in Washington, D.C., from June 23-27, 2025.
Roles and Responsibilities
CEE Mentors will engage in a variety of activities, including:
- Introductory Call: Participate in an introductory call with IREX and Combs and Company on October 30, 2024.
- Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO): Complete PDO materials on Canvas and engage in discussions from December to March 2025.
- Kick-Off Event: Attend an online Mentor Kick-off event on December 11, 2024.
- Mentorship Engagement: Introduce yourself to your assigned Mentees on January 7, 2025, and participate in virtual sessions leading up to the U.S. practicum.
- Mentor Development Training (MDT) and Welcome Orientation: Attend and contribute to sessions during the in-person training and orientation in Chicago.
- Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy: Meet monthly with your mentees, attend live Academy sessions, and facilitate discussions during the U.S. Practicum period from March to June 2025.
- End of Program Workshop (EOP): Participate in the EOP in Washington, D.C., and support Fellows as they prepare to return to their home countries.
- Post-Fellowship Support: Conduct monthly check-in calls with Fellows during their Community Engagement Project (CEP) implementation and attend live sessions to discuss progress.
Timeline
- August 22, 2024: Mentor application opens.
- September 11, 2024: Mentor application closes.
- September 30 – October 2, 2024: Finalist and alternate Mentors notified.
- October 18, 2024: Deadline for finalists to accept their offer.
- October 30, 2024: First call with Combs and Company.
- January 7, 2025: Mentors introduce themselves to Fellows.
- March 7, 2025: CEE Mentors travel to Chicago, Illinois for Mentor Development Training.
The Community Engagement Exchange Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported by IREX.
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