Overview of the Solidarity Fellowship Programme

Peace Brigades International USA (PBI-USA) has announced the launch of its U.S. Human Rights Defenders International Solidarity Fellowship, a structured nine-month programme beginning on August 24, 2026. The fellowship is designed for U.S.-based non-violent activists committed to social justice who want to deepen their engagement with international human rights systems and protective accompaniment models used to support at-risk defenders globally.

The initiative seeks to strengthen solidarity networks across borders by equipping fellows with practical advocacy, communications, and organising skills while embedding them in PBI’s global human rights ecosystem.

Key programme highlights include:

Duration of 9 months (August 2026 to May 2027)
Remote participation with limited in-person engagement in Washington, D.C.
Selection of 4 fellows representing diverse backgrounds and issue areas
Structured mentorship and professional development opportunities

Fellowship Purpose and Human Rights Focus

The fellowship is grounded in the mission of supporting human rights defenders (HRDs) who face threats, harassment, and state-linked violence. Participants are introduced to PBI’s protective accompaniment model, a non-violent strategy that provides physical and political presence alongside defenders in high-risk environments.

Fellows are expected to develop a deep understanding of:

International human rights frameworks and protections for defenders
Global and U.S.-based struggles of human rights activists
Solidarity strategies that reduce risk and increase visibility for threatened communities
Self-care approaches that strengthen long-term resilience in activism

The programme emphasises the interconnected nature of human rights struggles globally, linking local activism in the United States with international advocacy efforts.

Fellowship Responsibilities and Expected Contributions

Selected fellows will undertake a structured set of responsibilities designed to combine advocacy, communications, and community engagement.

Core responsibilities include:

Producing 3 fundraising appeals and 3 blog posts on human rights defender issues
Supporting targeted social media campaigns for outreach and awareness
Facilitating monthly work sessions with assigned PBI-USA committees
Participating in at least three monthly meetings (cohort, supervision, and committee-based)
Conducting one-on-one outreach with policymakers, peer organisations, and partners
Coordinating content development for fundraising, advocacy, and education campaigns
Attending external events to strengthen organisational partnerships
Designing and delivering at least one educational event such as:
- Webinar
- Panel discussion
- Film screening
- Campus or community presentation

Additional engagement requirements include:

Participation in the annual Washington, D.C. convening
Organising at least one community-based solidarity event
Selecting a thematic focus area aligned with global or local human rights issues

Fellowship Benefits and Support Package

PBI-USA provides fellows with a structured support package designed to enhance both professional development and financial accessibility.

Financial and logistical support includes:

A total stipend of $3,500, distributed in three instalments
Full coverage of travel, accommodation, and meals for the Washington, D.C. convening
Funding to attend one major external human rights or policy conference

Training and professional development opportunities include:

Intensive orientation to protective accompaniment methodologies
Advocacy and campaign strategy training
Communications skills development, including storytelling and public speaking
One-on-one mentorship from PBI-USA leadership
Exposure to international networks of human rights defenders and organisations

Additional benefits:

Opportunities to contribute to publications and advocacy materials
Access to global HRD protection networks
Cohort-based peer learning community
Certificate of completion and professional references upon successful completion

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

The fellowship is open to applicants who meet specific eligibility conditions. Candidates must:

Reside in the United States or its territories
Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorised to work in the U.S.
Commit approximately 20 hours per month for the full duration
Have reliable internet access and video conferencing capability
Be available for remote participation and travel to Washington, D.C.

Applicants must submit a complete application by July 10, 2026, 11:59 pm PST, including all required documentation in a single PDF file. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Required application materials include:

Completed application cover sheet and signed checklist
Updated curriculum vitae or résumé
One letter of recommendation
Statement of purpose (2–5 pages) addressing:
- Chosen human rights defender focus area
- Personal motivation and relevant experience
- Academic or professional alignment
- Long-term career or advocacy goals
- Language proficiency and preparation

Selection Process and Fellowship Structure

PBI-USA will select four fellows representing a diversity of geographical, experiential, and thematic backgrounds. One fellow will be based in Washington, D.C., while the others will operate remotely.

Applicants are notified of interview selection by late July 2026, with fellowship commencement scheduled for late August 2026.

The programme is structured to ensure participants gain practical exposure to:

International advocacy environments
Coalition-building strategies
Grassroots mobilisation techniques
Fundraising and campaign design

Organisational Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

PBI-USA emphasises equal opportunity principles in its recruitment and fellowship selection process. The organisation states that it does not discriminate based on:

Race or ethnicity
Religion or spirituality
Gender identity or sexual orientation
Disability status
Political affiliation or national origin

Diversity is positioned as a core organisational value that strengthens both programming and global solidarity efforts.

Strategic Importance of the Fellowship Programme

The Solidarity Fellowship reflects PBI-USA’s broader strategy of expanding grassroots engagement with international human rights protection systems. By equipping emerging advocates with technical and strategic skills, the programme aims to build a long-term network of defenders capable of responding to repression, amplifying marginalised voices, and strengthening global solidarity mechanisms.

The fellowship also functions as a bridge between local activism in the United States and global human rights advocacy ecosystems, reinforcing cross-border learning and coordinated action.

Contact and Application Information

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted via email to solidarityfellows@gmail.com. General inquiries can be directed to info(at)pbiusa.org, while advocacy-related communication is handled through Pat.Davis(at)peacebrigades.org.

Postal correspondence is addressed to:
Peace Brigades International-USA
P.O. Box 75880
Washington, DC 20013

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.