Changemakers Competition seeking Solutions for Maternal Health

The Young Champions of Maternal Health Program is the new competition offered by the Maternal Health Task Force at Engender Health and Ashoka at the Changemakers website. The competition invites all types of organizations (citizen sector or charitable organizations or private companies or public entities) from all countries. The competition will select 16 young leaders called Young Champions who will win a trip to the Maternal Health Change Summit (30 Aug-1 Sept 2010 in India) to be held in conjunction with the 2010 Maternal Health Task Force. In addition to this, they “will receive the unique opportunity to work abroad for nine-months on a maternal health project, mentored by an Ashoka Fellow innovating in the field of maternal health. In addition to this mentorship opportunity, Young Champions will have access to maternal health experts through the Maternal Health Task Force and resources to further develop their ideas and projects. All Young Champions will receive a monthly stipend and 100% financial support for travel, accommodation, insurance, and visa costs. Ideas and projects emerging from the Young Champions Program will be publicized widely.”

Criteria for the selection of Young Champions includes:

1. Successful completion of at least a B.A. (or equivalent degree) and clearly articulated plans for continued studies or professional development.

2. Each candidate will have a track record of involvement in public health, as indicated by professional and/or academic experiences. They will also have demonstrated commitment to dedicating their careers to the improvement of maternal health, especially in developing countries.

3. Candidates should have demonstrated leadership qualities and potential as evidenced by community and organizational activities reflected within the application.

4. Candidates should be willing, able and enthusiastic to participate in a 9-month mentorship experience with an Ashoka Fellow (who may live in a country that is of a different cultural context).

5. If the applicant is currently in school or is not self-employed, in view of the time that will be spent away from school or work required by participation in the program, the applicant must have the approval of his/her university or employer in writing. Self-employed applicants should make a serious effort to assess the impact of absence from his/her enterprise for the necessary amount of time.

6. All Young Champions will be required to deliver a product of the mentorship carried out during their tenure with the Young Champions program (e.g., a research project, data analyses, program designs and evaluations, advocacy strategies, policy analyses, etc.) and consent that their mentorship may be showcased by the Maternal Health Task Force and Ashoka in grant reporting and promotional materials.

7. Candidates must pass Ashoka’s criteria for social entrepreneurs…

The deadline to submit entries is 3 March 2010. For more information, visit this link.