With a new generation of social advocates and policy makers changing the landscape on Capitol Hill, it is important to provide them with the tools necessary to conduct positive change.
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Six scholars from across the country are taking up the call to service through the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Congressional Fellowship Program. The Fellows work on Capitol Hill addressing policy issues ranging from healthcare to education. From right to left: Troy Ware, Camille Sealy, Tia Teabout, Christopher Scott, Julia Elam, and Major E. Clemens, III. |
This year, six talented African-American professionals from a variety of fields have been selected to participate in the CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program. The yearlong program gives these up-and-coming policymakers the opportunity to begin working on the challenges facing the country ranging from healthcare to housing.
Christopher Scott is a CBCF Fellow serving in the office of Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia. Scott said he wanted to become a Fellow because he was passionate about facilitating change and had a desire to create policies that are socially responsible. One area he sees a need for change is in consumer advocacy. "Currently, there is no legislation or guidelines that exist for manufacturers to remove the barriers of access for the blind," he said.
Scott sees this issue as worthwhile because he recognizes the need for underrepresented voices to be heard at the national level. "Many companies are not considering the needs of the blind and visually impaired with regards to the manufacturing and development of their products. I would like to work on a bill of rights for the blind around consumer electronics," said Scott.
This level of passion and awareness makes these scholars stand out.
CBCF is one of the nation's largest provider of internships, scholarships, and fellowships to African- Americans and persons of color. The Foundation offers two fellowships for aspiring policymakers. The Congressional Fellowship offers public policy training to young professionals by providing them with an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill. The Louis Stokes Urban Health Policy Program is named after retired Rep. Louis B. Stokes of Ohio, an original Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) member and founder of its Health Braintrust. The program's mission is to increase the pool of qualified minority health policy professionals committed to eliminating health disparities in the United States and abroad.
Since its inception in 1976, Fellows have gone on to serve as chiefs of staff in CBC member offices, legislative positions on Capitol Hill, and prominent public policy organizations in Washington, D.C.
Fellows are also exposed to the history and work of CBC, and prepared to analyze the impact of legislative policies on African Americans and other minority groups. Each Fellow receives a $40,000 stipend, works within a CBC member office and various policymakers on Capitol Hill. These Fellows are among the next generation of leaders and are passionately paving the way for future thought leaders in their field.
For Tia Teabout the work she does is not only personally heartfelt; it's an extension of her life's work. As a Fellow she has seen firsthand how a legislative policy can impact lives. "As a sixth grade English teacher in an urban school, I made connections with students personally impacted by the country's challenges in education," she said. "My passion to take on challenges in the field of education is fueled by my commitment to improve these conditions that plagued my students and others throughout the country."
While the work is rewarding, it only accounts for a small portion of the true benefits associated with the work these Fellows are doing. Lynn Jennings, Ph.D., education programs manager for CBCF programs said that for quite a while African Americans and persons of color weren't privy to the policy making process. "For far too long we've been locked out of those decision making rooms and what we have now is an opportunity to shape from a legislative standpoint the laws and rules which overwhelmingly have an impact on communities of color," she said.
That sentiment isn't lost on Julia Elam, a Health Policy Fellow. "It is critical that individuals working on policy and legislation understand the challenges of underserved communities, especially because these communities are the most vulnerable and often greatly affected by legislation," she said.
These leaders are becoming equipped to help solve some of the nation's greatest challenges. The hands on training received through the CBCF along with their understanding of the policy making process will make these fellows invaluable for years to come.
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE 2009-2010 CBCF FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AT www.cbcfinc.org. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 16, 2009.
Sean Nixon is a 2009 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Communications Intern. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2008.| < Prev | Next > |
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