Be the Change: Student Stories of Action and Resilience

Be the Change: Student Stories of Action and Resilience

Students at the GTU grow and thrive in an intentionally interreligious and interdisciplinary environment, applying their knowledge and skills towards creating change for the greater good. In a year that has brought about a global pandemic, highlighted the widespread racial injustice and violence in the United States and worldwide, and a highly anticipated election season, GTU students have risen to address challenges that face their communities and served on the frontlines in offering service, healing, and hope.

The GTU wants to spotlight and share the stories of how our students are having transformative impact in these unprecedented times.

This opportunity is open to any student within the GTU consortium, at any stage of their program.

We are seeking stories about work that students have done or are intending to do that addresses the impact of this year’s most urgent and pressing issues, taking on such themes as inequality, community-building and social cohesion, and spiritual care. Preference is given to projects that are relevant to interreligious, interdisciplinary, or interfaith contexts, and support vulnerable communities most affected by this year’s events.

All submitted stories will be featured on the GTU’s social media channels, and a select number will be chosen by a review committee for more in-depth coverage as part of the GTU’s Spiritual Care and Ethical Leadership for our Times (SCEL) series through the production of a video and podcast. Those selected for inclusion in SCEL will receive an honorarium.  

How to Apply:

  • Applications should be emailed in full to communications@gtu.edu
  • All of the following should be complied into a single PDF document:
    • Cover page that includes the project description of 50 words or less 
    • Personal Statement of 250 words or less describing the student’s research at the GTU, and how their work both furthers the mission of the GTU as well as addresses the impacts of 2020's most urgent and pressing issues.
  • Optional: Share up to 5 representative images or videos related to the project.
  • Final Deadline: Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Notification and Expectations:

  • Submissions will be the subject of posts on the GTU’s social media channels.
  • Recipients of an honorarium will be notified within 2 weeks of the receipt of their application.
  • Those selected will be featured in a GTU content series titled, “Spiritual Care and Ethical Leadership for Our Times.” They will be expected to work with the GTU’s Marketing and Communications team to create a video and podcast which will be shared across the GTU’s digital properties, including website, email, social media, etc.