Bill Overview
Title: John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program (commonly referred to as the Fulbright Program). The fellowship program shall honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis and advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by promoting studies, research, and international exchange in the subject of nonviolent civil rights movements around the world. The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board shall annually select qualified individuals to serve as fellows in the fellowship program. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs may determine the number of fellows for each year, with at least 25 fellows each year whenever feasible. Each fellow shall (1) work in an internship or research position with an approved organization in a country with an operational Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and (2) receive an award sufficient to cover the fellow's reasonable costs during the fellowship period and certain travel and lodging expenses related to the program.
Sponsors: Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Target Audience
Population: People interested or involved in nonviolent civil rights movements internationally
Estimated Size: 25
- The bill aims to set up the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program that is part of the Fulbright Program.
- The program focuses on nonviolent civil rights movements worldwide, implying a global reach.
- Each year, the program intends to select at least 25 individuals as fellows, who will be involved in international internships or research.
- The program will impact these individuals directly by providing opportunities for educational and cultural exchange.
- As part of the Fulbright Program, the initiative would indirectly involve the host countries where these fellows will be placed.
- The focus on nonviolent civil rights suggests a broader impact on civil society and non-profits focused on civil rights worldwide.
Reasoning
- The John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program is part of the Fulbright Educational Exchange Program, targeting individuals focused on civil rights movements.
- Considering the budget constraints, the number of beneficiaries annually is limited to at least 25, focusing on a specific academic and activist cohort.
- The program's effects will predominantly be on the selected fellows, with indirect influence on the civil rights and academic communities domestically and internationally.
- Wellbeing changes will be more noticeable in those who are deeply embedded in civil rights work and looking for international exchange opportunities.
Simulated Interviews
Graduate Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is an inspiring opportunity to study and promote nonviolent civil rights causes internationally.
- Being selected as a fellow would greatly advance my career and activism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Program Manager, Non-Profit (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Programs like this are crucial for amplifying our work on a global scale.
- The exchange aspect could provide significant new insights and methodologies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Civil Rights Attorney (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This fellowship aligns perfectly with the work we do, offering international perspectives.
- It's a valuable platform for emerging leaders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Intern at a Civil Rights Organization (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this fellowship as a door to international understanding and growth.
- Being part of such a program would be a game-changer for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Community Organizer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This fellowship represents an important step in building international solidarity for civil rights.
- Although I'm not directly impacted, I support its goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Academic Researcher (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Exciting initiative that could enrich academic work with practical global experience.
- Would open up new research avenues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
University Professor (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supports the expansion of educational opportunities in nonviolent activism.
- May enhance collaboration for academic programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Social Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seeing initiatives like this gives hope for meaningful change and real-world impacts.
- I hope young leaders take notices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fellowship could widen the storytelling angle on civil rights.
- Highlights the importance of education in activism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Digital Media Specialist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Initiatives like these show the power of collaboration in advocacy.
- Potential for creating influential digital content.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $625000 (Low: $450000, High: $800000)
Year 2: $625000 (Low: $450000, High: $800000)
Year 3: $625000 (Low: $450000, High: $800000)
Year 5: $625000 (Low: $450000, High: $800000)
Year 10: $625000 (Low: $450000, High: $800000)
Year 100: $625000 (Low: $450000, High: $800000)
Key Considerations
- The program needs continuous funding which might impact other educational initiatives.
- Focuses on a niche area which might limit extensive exposure or recognizable short-term outputs.
- Needs effective implementation and partnerships with target countries to ensure program success.