The Policy Institute also convenes two strategic initiatives intended to build national coalition efforts to assist advocacy and multi-organizational coordination efforts. It is a program of the Washington, DC-based National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, founded in 1973, which works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against GLBT people at the local, state and national level. The Vaid Fellowship was created through a generous grant from the Billie Jean King Foundation in honor of the Policy Institute's former director, long-time activist Urvashi Vaid. Vaid Fellowships support and recognize the leadership of people of color and other emerging leaders in the progressive movement for GLBT equality. Vaid Fellows are given a great deal of responsibility and are directly supervised by a staff of nationally recognized GLBT policy experts from legal and social science research fields.
Fellows are responsible for their own housing and living expenses.
Qualifications Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program at least half-time as a graduate or undergraduate student, or have successfully completed a graduate or undergraduate degree within the 12 months preceding the application deadline. Extensive skills in research, writing and critical thinking. Knowledge of and commitment to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues. Desire to work in a multi-cultural environment where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability is an important institutional value. Computer proficiency in word processing, database work, email and Internet research.