Apply now: Climate Fellowship with Inspiring Communities

Halifax, NS

From Inspiring Communities:

“Inspiring Communities is pleased to announce our call for applications for a Climate Fellow for 2023 is open.  We encourage expressions of interest from a passionate individual with a background in similar studies and/or a history of working in climate justice, to deepen their understanding of and research into an aspect of this topic. The research conducted during this Fellowship will help increase awareness of the ways in which context-specific community perspectives (s) can  inform current and future public policies. In addition to a stipend to support their work, the Climate Fellow will be connected to a network of experts, evaluators, other IC Fellows, and editorial resources through Inspiring Communities. The call for submissions closes on December 15, 2022.

Apply now: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

Topic Scope: Climate Change and Social Impact

Climate justice has been identified as a priority theme for Inspiring Communities’ Fellowship Program. Our vision to create a more equitable society includes climate justice as another form of social justice. We strongly encourage research that includes first-hand knowledge and experience from community members, prioritizing equity-seeking and equity-deserving voices across Nova Scotia.

An example of an aspect of climate change that requires more in-depth exploration is the relationship between social capital and climate change. In this context, social capital can be defined as the value of networks and resources that allow individuals in our communities to build relationships in work, leisure and collaboration. This may include, but not limited to cultural identity and language, voice in representation and governance, and our social connections and relationships. Social capital affects our collective progress  towards climate justice because it is linked to our capacity to work together to address challenges and foster positive, equitable change.

The Fellow may explore questions like:

• What are some of the most important elements of social capital that enable Nova Scotian communities to act on climate change by addressing the source of the problem (i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change) and addressing the climate impacts we see from the changing climate now and preparing for future changes?
• Or – could climate action serve as an entry point or platform to explore and build community resilience and equity? How might this affect authentic community engagement and public policy?

The final research question and activities will be confirmed with the selected candidate.

How to apply

Applicants will complete this brief Expression of Interest form by December 15.

Applicants are encouraged to identify how they envision undertaking this work and what prior skills, knowledge and experience makes them the best candidate for this opportunity. We are looking for curious, thoughtful individuals with experience working with diverse communities in community settings, a passion for social justice, and a strong interest in climate change. Ideal candidates are seeking this opportunity to invest dedicated time to learn more about this topic and are interested in finding creative ways to hear from and share with communities as they explore this topic. The timeline for completion can be negotiated, but we anticipate approximately 6 months between Jan – Dec 2023.

Timeline 

• Mid-November to mid-December: Applications open
• December 15 applications close
• January 10 IC Fellow announced
• December 31 Fellowship is concluded

The IC Fellowship Program

In September 2022, Inspiring Communities (IC) launched a new Fellowship Program designed to catalyze change throughout our region. The program fosters research and experimentation on key issues in our communities, to support and deepen the organization’s efforts to effect positive social change through a systems approach.

In addition to this fellowship focused on climate, there are two other fellowships already underway: one is examining how to shift public policy processes from a linear, cause-and-effect, colonial model to a more holistic, circular, systems approach. The other is examining polarizing conversations and how to make them more civil and generative.

About Inspiring Communities

The Fellowship Program is funded by Inspiring Communities through the organization’s role as Social Innovation Canada’s Atlantic Node. IC is the Atlantic node for SI Canada. As a node, Inspiring Communities hosts both this fellowship program and the Atlantic Changemakers Council. The Council expands and distributes network leadership and storytelling in support of Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Inspiring Communities is a non-profit organization based in Nova Scotia, with outreach to the Atlantic Provinces, which supports systems change through community connections, collaboration in systems partnerships and demonstrating impact so that we create equitable thriving communities. We center equity in our work. Social Innovation Canada (SI Canada) is an initiative to connect social innovation practitioners, build the capacity of the sector, and to elevate this work in Canada and beyond.”