About the Fellowship

About Paul Wellstone

Paul Wellstone was a professor of political science at Carleton College for 21 years before being elected in 1990 to the first of two terms in the United States Senate. While serving in the Senate, he earned a reputation as an advocate for social justice and as an outspoken champion for those who lack a voice in the national arena. Senator Wellstone strongly believed that the purpose of holding public office was to serve others, and he lived his convictions. His time in the Senate was distinguished by his devotion to liberal causes, including a strong commitment to the achievement of universal health care for all. On October 25, 2002, his mission was cut short when he died in a plane crash. However, his death stimulated interest in his progressive political vision, and his life inspired others to act in the interest of the common good.

Fellowship Description

The Wellstone Fellow plays an integral role in the work of Families USA’s Minority Health Initiatives Department. The Wellstone Fellow’s primary responsibilities include assisting in the organization of trainings for community leaders and journalists; drafting policy briefs, fact sheets, and other publications; and developing content for the minority health pages of the Families USA Web site and for the department’s monthly e-newsletter. During the year, the Fellow will learn about Medicare, Medicaid, efforts to achieve universal coverage, minority health, and other important health policy issues. Specifically, the Fellow will learn how these issues play a role in reducing racial and ethnic health disparities and in improving the health of communities of color. At the same time, the Wellstone Fellow will learn about conducting health care campaigns through communication and collaboration with our network of state grassroots advocates and organizations.

The Fellowship will last one year, from August 2010 through July 2011, and Fellows will receive a compensatory package that includes an annual salary of approximately $38,000 and excellent health care benefits. One Wellstone Fellow is selected each year.

Qualifications and Procedures

The Wellstone Fellowship is designed to increase the number of low-income, black/African American, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Native American social justice leaders. Candidates seeking consideration for the Wellstone Fellowship must demonstrate an interest in health care policy as a tool for reducing racial and ethnic health disparities. Applicants should also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to social justice work following their year of hands-on experience as a fellow.

Please follow the application directions carefully.

Candidates must submit the following:

• A completed application form;
• A personal essay; and
• A resume.

Candidates must have both of the following sent by others:

• An official copy of her or his most recent college or graduate school transcript (not required for applicants who have not been enrolled in a degree program after January 2007) sent directly from the school’s registrar’s office. No annotated transcripts, please.
• Three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references and/or references who can attest to the applicant’s community involvement, sent directly from the references themselves. Letters can be e-mailed if the letter is an attached pdf of a signed original letter sent from the reference’s professional e-mail account.

All application materials can be sent by mail to:  Families USA, Wellstone Fellowship, 1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005 or e-mail to: wellstonefellowship@familiesusa.org.

All materials must be postmarked on or received by February 5, 2010. Application materials that are postmarked after that date will not be considered.

Letters of recommendation or transcripts sent by the applicant or in an improper format will not be accepted.

Finalists for the position will be contacted for an interview. The final decision will be made some time in April 2010. If selected as a finalist, the applicant’s references will be contacted.

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