2020 Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship Application
Application Due: Friday, November 15, 2019
First Alaskans Institute (FAI) is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for our 2020 Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship to place Alaska Native and rural Alaskans in Washington D.C. during a congressional session January 6 – June 1, 2020. This current opportunity is to place a Fellow in the office of Senator Dan Sullivan. The goal of the fellowship is for leaders to become familiar with the Alaska Delegation, the congressional and appropriations process; grow understanding of their own histories and the priorities of their community and Alaska Native peoples; learn and use the skills of past, present and future leadership; know the evolving issues that challenge Alaska Natives and Alaska; and strengthen their ability to be a culturally-connected leader in every space they occupy. To apply online visit here.
History of Alaska Senator Al Adams
The Al Adams Fellowship launched in 2013 to honor the late Iñupiaq statesman from Kotzebue who exemplified genuine and culturally connected political leadership throughout his life. He served as a Trustee of FAI and continues to have a presence in memoriam through this fellowship, inspiring a new generation of leadership through his legacy.
Purpose
The Al Adams Fellowship is designed to achieve two core purposes:
* Advance Our Ways of Life: Encourage high-caliber young Alaska Native leaders to increase the presence of Alaska talent and knowledge in Washington, D.C. among the Alaska Congressional Delegation (and other agencies they engage with), and to serve as a resource and ambassador for advancing Alaska Native peoples and issues; and
* Be Good Relatives: Have our leaders take on the responsibility to learn and engage in the political and congressional systems, build leadership capacity, integrate and actively use culture and values in any environment, develop networks and connections to important issues, and be inspired to commit to being an advocate for Alaska Native peoples and communities throughout their life. ·
Highlights of Fellowship
* Six months in length;
* Travel provided to and from Washington, D.C.;
* Bi-weekly stipend pay of $1,200;
* An honorarium of $1,250 at the start of the fellowship; * An honorarium of $1,250 after successful completion of the fellowship; * FAI orientation before start of fellowship;
* Full time work schedule;
* Hands-on experience working with the congressional process; * Priority of engaging in and researching Alaska Native issues;
* Post-secondary & higher education degrees or certification NOT required, the right candidate will have the right characteristics and the ability to be high-performing in the work environment;
* Fellow is expected to secure their own housing and accommodations during Fellowship. ·
Duties & Core Competencies Required
* Written/Verbal Communication: Capture and disseminate relevant information; Assist with drafting speeches, legislation & social media posts; Find and distribute daily news clippings; Attend committee hearings and provide written or verbal summaries to congressional staff.
* Social: “Constituent Work” – communicate and work with constituents in the office or by phone/mail/email to respond to their concerns/interests; Problem solve; Attend committee, constituent and staff meetings.
* Research/Analytical: Analyze legislation; Research; Track budget development; Follow bills; Draft or carry legislation; Track and research Alaska Native issues.
* Office Management: Process emails & printed mail; Schedule meetings on Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, etc. ·
Timeline
* Application due date: Friday, November 15, 2019
* Candidate interviews & reference calls: Monday, November 18 – Thursday, November 21, 2019 * Final selection of fellow: Friday, November 22, 2019
* First Alaskans Institute Training in Anchorage, AK: Wednesday & Thursday, December 18 & 19, 2019
* Senator Sullivan’s Office Training in Washington, D.C.: Friday, January 3, 2020
* Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship in Washington, D.C.: Saturday, January 4 – Monday, June 1, 2020 ·
How to Apply
Successful applicants will be selected based on an application and interview. Applicants must submit ALL of the following:
* Completed Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship application form online and attach documents listed below;
* Typed biography describing personal, professional and family background no more than 250 words. Be sure to include English name, Indigenous name, hometown, culture, parents, grandparents, school, hobbies and passions at the very least.;
* Photo of applicant engaging in cultural activities, wearing regalia, or with their family; * Current resume no more than 2 pages;
* Two professional or personal references from community members, colleagues, peers, teachers, professors, employers, supervisors, Elders, etc. Provide the names and best contact information (name, cell and email for each). Note: We are not accepting letters of recommendation as we would like to speak to your references directly;
* Written or video essays (250 to 650 word limit, 1 minute 30 seconds to 3 minutes limit);
* Copies of relevant training certificates or unofficial transcripts if still attending a post-secondary institution although there is no academic requirement to be eligible for the Al Adams Fellowship. Official transcripts may be requested if you are selected as a Fellow; and
* If Alaska Native/American Indian, please include a copy of your Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal ID Card.
For more information
Please contact Ella Sassuuk Tonuchuk, Indigenous Leadership Continuum Coordinator, at 907-677-1707 or [email protected] with any questions.