Faith For Our Planet and Duke Divinity School’s

Youth Interfaith Leaders
Fellowship on Climate Change

We are looking for the next generation of interfaith leaders in climate action. If you’re one, apply now!

Faith For Our Planet, in partnership with Duke University’s prestigious Divinity School, has launched an exciting new program for climate conscious youth leaders from around the world. Whether you are a religious leader, a climate activist, an early career professional in a faith-based organization or a recent graduate who’s just starting out – as long as you’re eager to learn how to mobilize faith communities to combat climate change, we’ve got you covered.

Week-long Fully Funded Program

25 young leaders will have the opportunity to participate in a unique program that will help them develop the skills and networks they need to create impactful faith-based climate action projects.

On this journey, they will be trained by distinguished specialists in the field of religious studies, climate change, policy, media, and sustainable development who will help them acquire knowledge and skills in eco-theology, systems thinking, community mobilization, advocacy and more.

Applications for the FFOP Youth Fellowship (2024) will open between July 18th to August 20th, 2023. We encourage all interested parties to apply as soon as possible as seats are limited. 

 

Good Luck!

About the Fellowship

The fellowship is a fully funded, week-long residential program at Duke University for the next generation of faith leaders. This is an invaluable opportunity for young climate conscious individuals from all faiths and walks of life to become a part of a global network of religious actors engaged in climate action.

Through expert lectures, interactive sessions, policy dialogues, and vocational training, fellows will explore various themes and tap into transferable skills to curate impactful faith-based climate action projects for their respective communities. The curriculum will be delivered by distinguished specialists in the field of theology, climate change, policy, media, and sustainable development.

As part of the program, our fellows will benefit from knowledge on:

Upon completion of the program, our Fellows will join the ranks of the FFOP Fellowship Alumni Association, providing them with various opportunities to be part of FFOP’s regional events, as well as climate and interfaith campaigns.

Note: All travel, visa, accommodation, and subsistence costs will be provided by Faith For Our Planet.

Vision and Approach

The program is designed to convene the next generation of interfaith leaders and changemakers who will apply the learnings from the fellowship to benefit their communities, organizations, and institutions. We cultivate trust and understanding by connecting individuals across faiths, cultures and sectors, while building their knowledge and skills on climate action and how to channel their ideologies into shared responsibilities.

Through this process, FFOP generates trust and an increased value of making a difference, and more importantly, an improved understanding of the role of religion and faith leaders in generating impactful climate action.

Through this initiative, we will focus on specific skills of the next generation of global faith leaders to:

Host Institution

The first FFOP Youth Fellowship will be hosted at Duke University, widely considered as one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and around the world. Duke has produced many globally reputed international scholars, including 15 Nobel Laureates and three Turing Award recipients.

The campus spans over 8,600 acres on three contiguous sub-campuses at the heart of which is the magnificent Duke Chapel indicative of the university’s religious roots and spirit.

Building on that legacy and excellence, we have experts from the Duke Divinity School that have designed, and will be delivering, this fellowship for the next generation of global interfaith leaders.

Duke University’s rich history of academic excellence, diverse community and commitment to interfaith dialogue make it an ideal host for our annual FFOP Youth Interfaith Leaders’ Fellowship on Climate Change.

Note: FFOP has partnered with Duke Divinity School to provide a specifically designed training for selected fellows; the fellowship does not count towards a recognized qualification.

Participant Selection Criteria

The fellowship seeks to attract 25 individuals, between the ages of 20 to 35. We hope to maintain an inclusive and diverse cohort with representation from major faiths, learners of eco-theology, environmental and community activists, early career professionals eager to deepen their knowledge of faith and environmental protection, members of FBOs and NGOs working in the field of climate change & ecology are all welcomed.

Participants entering the program should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

 

Participant Expectations:

The fellowship seeks to support proactive leaders and agents of change. As such, participants are expected to:

Participant Selection Criteria

All nominating agencies and prospective candidates must fill out the application form available on our website. Your application and profile will be assessed by a panel of Faith For Our Planet Program Coordinators. Besides assessing candidates’ eligibility for the program, the online application contains questions on their skills, motivation and relevant academic, professional, volunteer and leadership experience.

If successful, applicants will be contacted for an online interview and expected to submit their reference letter(s) within 7 days of getting shortlisted.

Only the candidates who succeed in both our application and interview process, will be notified of their selection via email.

Reference Letters

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview will need to provide us a minimum of one letter of recommendation from either work and/or their educational institution. The letter must be submitted within 7 days of getting shortlisted and sent to: info@faithforourplanet.org.

In their letter, the referee is required to address the following:

Please note that FFOP may contact your referees. When submitting the letter, please ensure it is signed by your referee, is on an official letterhead, and in a pdf format.

English Proficiency

Although optional, candidates are encouraged to provide a widely recognized English language proficiency test result (such as of IELTs, TOEFL, CAE, etc.) as a part of their application. Given that English will be the working language during the fellowship, candidates will be required to prove a sufficient understanding of English to actively participate in the program. Please note that the absence of such test will not negatively affect your selection to the program.

Interviews

Candidates with successful applications will be invited for an online interview. Each interview lasts up to 60 minutes and will contain questions on the applicant’s motivation, suitability to the program, relevant experience and a possible project plan they will undertake if selected.

Agenda

Informal Sunday Dinner at the Lodge with arrived Fellows and Faculty 5 PM onwards

  • Opening Ceremony 10:00 to 10:45 AM
    Venue: Duke Chapel in the Divinity School
     

This ceremony marks the commencement of our fellowship journey. During this session, distinguished speakers will impart invaluable insights, expectations, and their vision for the cohort, setting the tone for the transformative week ahead.

Speakers: 

  • Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Founder Faith For Our Planet and Secretary General Muslim World League 
  • Shiraz Ahmad, International Director, Faith For Our Planet, 
  • Norman Wirzba, Professor of Christian Theology, Duke Divinity School 
  • Abdullah Antepli, AVP – Duke University
     
  • Orientation 11:15 to 12:00 AM 

Venue: York Room  

 
The session is designed to familiarize participants with the program’s structure, objectives, and expectations. It’s an opportunity to introduce the fellows to each other, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The session will also cover logistical details and provide a platform for fellows to voice their aspirations and concerns.
 

Trainers: Abdullah Antepli and Rutaba Tariq  

 

  • Lunch 12:00 to 01:00 PM 
    Note: Coupon
      
  • Environment Work as Spiritual Journey – I  01:00 to 2:20 PM (recommended 30 mins break in between) 

     Venue: York Room

This segment will feature a one-on-one interview-style conversation with Ellen Bernstein, focusing on her personal journey as founder of the first national Jewish environmental organization, and her more current work as a writer and environmental/religious thinker. The session will explore themes such as communicating the environmental message, the emotional dimensions of climate change work, and the power of language. Ellen will share insights and experiences that encapsulate key aspects of her journey, providing valuable lessons and inspiration for youth fellows.

Trainer: Ellen Bernstein, Founder Shomrei Adamah 

  • Break: 2:20 to 2:50 PM

  • Environment Work as Spiritual Journey – II 2:50 to 4:00 PM

Duke Gardens (Outdoor setting)
 

Following a 30-minute break, this session will delve into helping participants connect with what truly moves them, aligning with their deepest purpose. Ellen Bernstein will guide the fellows through the process of identifying and embracing their personal callings, especially in the context of religious and environmental work. This part of the session will emphasize the spiritual task of aligning with one’s true purpose, beyond conventional societal expectations like monetary success and status.

Trainer: Ellen Bernstein, Founder Shomrei Adamah

  • Reflections 4:00 to 4:30 PM

    A guided reflection period where fellows will process and share their thoughts and experiences from the day’s activities. This is a crucial time for the group to internalize lessons learned and foster deeper connections among participants. 
     

Dinner 5:00 PM onwards
Note: Coupon

  • Icebreaker 9:30 to 10:00 AM 

     Venue: York Room

      Prayer from Fellows Vedhan Singh (Hindu) and Sikha Dhawan (Sikh).
 

  • Faith and the Climate Crisis – I 10:00 to 12:30 PM (recommended 30 mins break in between)
    Venue: York Room

    In a highly interactive session, the fellows will be introduced to the basic tenets of different faiths and their perspectives on environmental stewardship. Including group discussions where the cohort delves into the connections between various religious beliefs and environmental stewardship. This could involve examining sacred texts, religious teachings, and historical perspectives on nature, emphasizing human responsibility towards the environment.

    Trainer: Norman Wirzba 
     
  • Lunch 12:30 to 01:30 PM
    Note: Coupon
     
  • Faith and the Climate CrisisII 01:30 to 03:30 PM (recommended 30 mins break in between)
    Venue: York Room

    Trainer: Norman Wirzba
     
  • A Prayer Circle: Gratitude for the Earth and Hope for the Future 3:30 to 4:15 PM
    Venue: Quad Outside the Chapel   

    In the serene and inspiring setting of the Duke gardens, fellows are invited to participate in a prayer circle centered on expressing gratitude for the Earth and sharing hopes for the future. This interfaith gathering is a chance for participants to connect with each other and the natural world through shared prayers, meditations, and reflections from their diverse spiritual perspectives.

    Facilitator: Duke representative 
     
  • Faith-Based Climate Initiatives 04:15 to 6:00 PM
    Venue: York Room

    This session is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application of faith-driven environmental stewardship. Participants, in 6 groups of 5 will engage with real-world case studies from a diverse range of faith-based organizations actively involved in climate action. Each presentation will focus on a specific project or initiative, detailing its genesis, challenges, achievements, and the role of faith in driving these efforts.

    Participants will then be divided into smaller groups to discuss and brainstorm potential environmental projects relevant to their own communities.

    Case Study Partners: 
    In-person:
    Group 1: Ahsley Ward, Director, Heat Policy Innovation Hub, Duke University
    Group 2: AnnMarie  Walton, Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, Duke University; Valerie Sabol, Clinical Professor & Interim Vice Dean in the School of Nursing; Jennifer Lawson, Clinical Associate in Pediatrics at Duke

    Virtually via Zoom:
    Group 3: Ecopeace
    Group 4: Interfaith Forest Initiative (Najma Mohamed) or GlobalOne (Husna Ahmed)
    Group 5: World Resource Institute (Faith & Sustainability Program)
    Group 6: World Evangelical Alliance (Chris Elisara)

Guest lecture with dinner 06:30 to 08:00 PM
Venue: Washington Duke Inn 

“Visionaries of Change: Faith-Inspired Leadership in Environmental Action” is a special lecture and dinner session, focusing on the inspiring journeys of leaders who have successfully merged faith with environmental initiatives. It’s an intimate setting for fellows to absorb wisdom and insights on how various faith traditions can powerfully influence and support impactful environmental stewardship and advocacy. 

Speakers: Ryan Emanuel, Associate Professor of Hydrology at Duke University.

  • Leveraging Behavioral Science for Environmental Change – II 10:00 to 12:30 PM
    Venue: York Room

    This workshop extends the lecture’s foundational knowledge, focusing on applying behavioral science for pro-environmental attitudes. Participants engage in hands-on activities to design and implement climate initiatives, learning techniques like nudging and framing messages. The workshop aims to empower fellows with tools for leading behavioral change strategies, integrating faith-based values with environmental action.

    Trainer: Dr. Umar Taj  

  • Lunch 12:30 to 01:30 PM
    Note: Coupon 

 

  • Breaking the Climate Silence: Effective Practices for Climate Change Communication in Faith Communities 01:30 to 3:30 PM
    Venue: York Room

    Drawing on research about climate-focused preaching and experience working with theologically-diverse faith communities, this workshop will offer background and frameworks on effective ways of communicating the urgent need to address climate change in our communities.

    Trainers: Avery Davis Lamb and Derrick Weston, Creation Justice Ministries 

 

  • Break 03:30 to 4:00 PM
     
  • To Wear Someone Else’s Shoes (Climate Simulation) 04:00 to 07:00 PM

    Dive into a dynamic simulation of a climate challenge in Pakistan. Participants will be assigned different stakeholder roles, from government officials to local community leaders, and will work together to navigate complex environmental challenges. This interactive session emphasizes the art of negotiation and collaboration, providing a vivid glimpse into the real-world intricacies of climate action in the Global South. It’s an engaging exercise in strategic decision-making and understanding diverse perspectives in a high-stakes environmental context.

    Trainers: Michael Shank, Director of Engagement at Carbon Neutral Cities, and Adjunct Faculty, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs and Rutaba Tariq, Regional Program Coordinator, FFOP
     

Dinner 7:00 PM onwards 
Note: Give fellows movie tickets. 

  • Finalize their artistic performances 9:00 to 10:00 AM

    In this kick-off session, fellows will put the finishing touches on their artistic performances. This brief but crucial period allows for last-minute adjustments and ensures that each presentation is visually compelling and aligned with the overall objectives that will be presented in the next session.
     
  • Artistic Narratives: Weaving Faith into Climate Action 10:00 to 12:30 PM
    Venue: York Room 

    The showcasing will be a space for participants to utilize art, music, skits, dance, and storytelling as tools to convey how faith can be weaved into climate action. The emphasis is on presenting collaborative art projects that express a wide spectrum of spiritual perspectives on climate action, fostering a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions.

    Facilitator: Farwah Ghulamali Khataw, Global Program Coordinator, FFOP
     
  • Lunch 12:30 to 01:30 PM
     
  • Cultivating Unity: Strategies for Inclusive Climate Initiatives 01:00 to 03:00 PM
    Venue: York Room

    Uncover the art of fostering unity within diversity in this transformative session. Dive into mastering inclusive language, understanding the essence of inclusive thought, and navigating the rich tapestry of cultures and faiths. Gain practical insights to create climate initiatives that resonate across diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and meaningful impact. 

    Trainer: Rianne C. ten Veen, Facilitator and Environment Specialist, Green Creation and Farwah Gulamali Khataw
     
  • Break 03:00 to 03:30 PM
     
  • Navigating Impact: Understanding Portfolio Approaches for Climate Initiatives 03:30 to 06:30 PM (recommended 30 mins break)
    Venue: York Room

    In this session, fellows will explore the strategic approach of portfolio approaches. They will discover how to connect the dots between their group projects, align them with overarching goals, and optimize resources for collective effectiveness. The goal is to equip fellows with the skills to not only enhance the overall success of their climate projects but also to navigate the complexities of impactful project management. 

    Trainer: Ehsan Gul or Director UNDP Innovation Lab in New York or Nafeez Ahmed 

 

  • Reflections 06:30 to 07:00 PM
    Venue: York Room

    End the day with a brief reflection, focusing on insights gained from the day’s sessions. 
     

Dinner 07:00 PM onwards

  • Icebreaker: 9:30 to 10:00 AM
    Venue: York Room

    Prayer from Fellows Vasu Bandhu (Buddhist) and Joey Wu (Taoist)

  • Navigating Impact: Applying Portfolio Approaches to Climate Initiatives: 10:00 to 11:45 AM
    Venue: York Room

    In this hands-on session, fellows will delve into the practical applications of portfolio approaches, discuss real-world examples, and gain hands-on insights into strategically navigating the impact of climate projects. Finally, use this dedicated time to collaboratively draw up your faith-inspired climate projects for their own groups. 
     

     Trainer: Ehsan Gul or Director UNDP Innovation Lab in New York
 

  • Jummah Service with Lunch at Ar Razzaq Center: 11:45 to 01:00 PM
    Venue: Duke Islamic Studies Center

    Experience a special “Green Khutba” addressing the intersection of faith and climate. This spiritual pause aims to deepen reflections on our role as stewards of the Earth and reinforces the fellowship’s commitment to environmental consciousness. Following the service, the group will enjoy a communal lunch, fostering connections and conversations inspired by the visit to the Islamic Center. 
     
  • Forge On! Dedicated Project Planning Session 02:00 to 04:00 PM 
    Venue: York Room

    The dedicated portfolio planning session provides the time and space for collaborative brainstorming and tangible progress on their group projects. Fellows, in groups, will chart the course for their project’s success, applying the insights gained from earlier sessions. The goal is to leave with a clearer roadmap, ensuring your projects are not only impactful individually but also synergistically contribute to the overarching objectives of the fellowship.
      


 

Guest lecture with dinner 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Dinner: Parizade

The group will partake in an evening of inspiration with a thought-provoking guest lecture on leadership in climate action. The session promises insights, anecdotes, and valuable lessons from our speaker who will elaborate on their success story – the hurdles in their way and how they overcame those.

Speaker: Dan Vermeer – in conversation 

  • Duke Farm Visit 10:00 AM to 01:30 PM 
    The fellows will embark on a hands-on Duke Farm visit where they will have this unique opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to the farm’s activities. 
     
  • Pizza Lunch 01:30 to 02:30 PM 
    Venue: York Room

    After the tiring yet fulfilling visit to Duke Farm, fellows will return to the York Room for a delightful pizza lunch. It will allow them space to unwind, connect, and rejuvenate before the afternoon session.
     
  • Portfolio (Presentation) finalization 02:30 to 6:30 PM
    Venue: York Room 

 

The session is dedicated to the preparation of group presentations that will be showcased on the next and final day. It’s an opportunity for groups to refine their narratives, ensuring they effectively convey the essence of their faith-inspired climate initiatives to the judges.  

 

Dinner 6:30 PM onwards

  • Presentations – I 09:30 AM to 10:30 AM
    Venue: York Room

    Each group will have 15 minutes to showcase their faith-inspired climate projects, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the panel and the larger cohort.

    Panelist: Rianne C. ten Veen,  Shiraz Ahmed/Rutaba Tariq/Farwah Gulamali Khataw, Norman Wrizba (?) Not sure why I am here
     
  • Chapel Services 10:45 to 11:45 AM
    Venue: Duke Chapel

    Experience the rich history and serene beauty of Duke Chapel – an iconic landmark holds with a deep connection to the spirit of Duke University. Fellows will join the chapel services for a unique blend of historical significance and spiritual reflection, offering a moment of tranquility before the afternoon presentations.
     
  • Presentations – II 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM
    Venue: York Room
     
  • Lunch: 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM
     
  • Presentations – III 02:00 PM to 03:30 PM
    Venue: York Room

Closing Ceremony  and Cultural Night 05:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Venue: Washington Duke Inn

This closing will mark the culmination of the fellowship journey. The cohort will reflect on the collective achievements, express gratitude for the shared experiences, and celebrate the bonds formed during this transformative week. The ceremony will include acknowledgments, words of inspiration, and a look forward to the continued impact of the faith-inspired climate initiatives.

Application Timeline

Contact Us

If you have any further questions about the fellowship, please do not hesitate to reach out via info@faithforourplanet.org

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina, and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and around the world. Duke is known for producing globally reputed scholars, including 15 Nobel Laureates and 3 Turing Award recipients.

FFOP is partnering with Duke’s Divinity School, founded in 1926 as the first graduate school at Duke. The school attracts students from around the world to cultivate leaders through theological education, engagement with tradition, and addressing contemporary challenges.