2013 United Nations Practicum in Advocacy

Advocate at the UN

1) When: March 2 – March 10, 2013 (Applications are now closed)

2) Where: UN Headquarters in New York City

3) Who: Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from across the nation

4) Why attend: Strengthen your skill-set in advocacy, increase your knowledge of international women's issues, and gain valuable contacts and insight into UN processes

5) What you have to do: Submit an application by November 5, 2012 at 5 p.m. and then raise money to attend

6) Cost: $1399 covers cost of lodging, food, program materials, registration and entrance to CSW, NGO preparatory meeting, membership to the Y-WILPF (the young women’s caucus of WILPF), and daily briefings from faculty and other experts. 

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the National Women's Studies Association (NWSA) and the Center for Women's Health and Human Rights at Suffolk University (CWHHR) are offering the opportunity for college and university students to attend the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meetings at the United Nations in New York from March 2–March 10, 2013.

The CSW is dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women. Representatives from member states gather to identify problems and issues affecting women internationally. CSW meetings are typically attended by thousands of women affiliated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from around the world. Alongside the official discussions and reports, these NGOs sponsor hundreds of "side events" such as panels, workshops and performances addressing local and international issues affecting women.

The 2013 priority theme of the CSW is “The elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls”. The Commission will also evaluate progress in the implementation of the agreed conclusions from its fifty-second session on “The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS”. Students participate as delegates of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and contribute to the official documentation of both official and informal meetings. This program is open to women enrolled at any college or university in the United States, and provides ample opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and exploring career opportunities in international relations and advocacy work.

Students interested in being a part of the college and university women's delegation are urged to apply. Students should also identify a faculty member from their home institution who will help negotiate collaboration between WILPF/NWSA/CWHHR and the student's college or university. 

The tuition for the Practicum is $1399, which includes lodging offered on a multiple occupancy basis. The tuition fee will cover all meals, lodging, registration and entrance to the CSW, NGO preparatory meetings, program materials, membership to Y-WILPF (the young women's caucus of WILPF) and daily briefings from faculty and other experts. (The fee does not include transportation to New York City or public transportation during the week's stay). Limited scholarship funding is available and students are encouraged to raise money on their campuses and in their home communities to support their attendance.

Click here for the 2013 UN Practicum in Advocacy Flyer

Click here for the 2013 UN Practicum in Advocacy Application

Click here for the 2013 UN Practicum in Advocacy Faculty Reference Form

Click here for the 2013 Practicum Payment Information

Submit all materials to unpracticum2013@wilpfus.org.