Student leadership: the CHANGE Initiative

The CHANGE Initiative is now accepting applications for our student leadership program in 2013! We're looking for energetic, motivated students who want to learn how make a difference on campus and beyond. For more information about the program and the application process, see our frequently asked questions below.

To get started, visit the CHANGE application page. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2013.

CHANGE Initiative: Frequently Asked Questions

What is CHANGE?

CHANGE is Oxfam America’s national student leadership program for rising sophomores and juniors. The year long program requires that accepted applicants attend a week-long training in the summer. CHANGE Leaders commit to join or form an Oxfam Club and implement an Oxfam campaign on campus during the 2013-14 academic year. Each year 50 students are selected from the US and around the world.

The 2013 CHANGE training will take place in Boston July 20-26, 2013. All selected students must commit to attending the entire training. Oxfam covers all costs associated with students attending the training; flights, food and lodging during the week in Boston.

CHANGE is entering its 14th year this summer. We have trained over 680 CHANGE Leaders from more than 300 college and university campuses across the US.

How do I apply?

All students will need to find a campus adviser who is able to write them a recommendation. All student applications and adviser recommendations are due April 1, 2013.

Please visit our CHANGE Application page to create an account. From there you can fill out a student application. You will be asked to provide the contact information for your campus adviser.

Once you submit your application, your adviser will receive an email asking him or her to fill out an online CHANGE adviser recommendation. Please remember that applications are not considered complete until both the student application and the adviser recommendation have been submitted online.

Why do I need an adviser? What is the role of an adviser?

A CHANGE adviser can be any staff or faculty person at your school who knows you well enough to write a recommendation regarding your leadership abilities. In addition, this person will serve as an on campus resource throughout the CHANGE year. Advisers serve as mentors and help make campus connections, provide feedback and guide the process for events and activities on campus. Some advisers are very hands on, while others are less involved. Students and advisers together determine how they will connect and work on campus.

When will I be notified about acceptance into CHANGE?

Students will be notified about their acceptance into the program by May 1, 2013. We are not able to inform students of their acceptance prior to this date.

Is my campus a CHANGE campus?

It is not necessary for a campus or an adviser to have been involved in CHANGE previously to be considered for acceptance. Students from new campuses are accepted every year.

What is the time commitment for CHANGE leaders?

While one aspect of the commitment involves attending the seven day training in July, CHANGE Leaders commit to work with Oxfam throughout the following academic year to carry out an Oxfam campaign on their campus by joining or forming an Oxfam Club. On average, students spend 2-5 hours/week on their campaigns. Most CHANGE Leaders continue to work with Oxfam throughout their time at college and beyond.

Can international students/non-US citizens apply?

All rising sophomores and juniors attending a US based college or university are welcome to apply. Students do not need to be US citizens.

Why not freshman, seniors, grad students, etc.?

Over the years, we've found that the CHANGE Initiative is best suited to students who already have established networks and who will be on their college or university campus for multiple years. Campaigns often take a semester or more to establish and gain momentum. Seniors often struggle to find time as graduation, the job search, and other factors come into play in the spring. However, we have selected a few rising seniors in the past, especially if they're going to be on campus for additional semesters. The CHANGE training is offered to undergraduate students only.

What if I'm going to be studying abroad next year?

When looking at CHANGE applicants, all other things being equal, a student who is going to be on campus the entire year is more likely to be selected than a student who will be out of the country. However, we have selected students who will be abroad one of the semesters if the student will be returning to campus the following year, has leadership and activism potential, and is committed to following through with his or her chosen campaign. Students who will be abroad an entire year are encouraged to apply the following year.

Can multiple students from one campus apply?

Yes, multiple students can apply, though we only select one student each year from a campus.

I go to a large public/small liberal arts/community college/private university. Can I still apply?

All students from any US based college or university are welcome to apply. We usually have a mix of students from all types and sizes of colleges and universities throughout all regions of the US.

What is the week-long CHANGE training like?

The CHANGE Training is an intense, weeklong training. Some days we start at 8am and don’t finish until 9-10 pm. Full participation is expected from all students. Students learn about Oxfam America and our campaigns, get to know other student leaders from around the world, connect with students from their region, participate in team building and leadership activities, learn organizing skills, and connect with Oxfam staff. This is done through a variety of activities that include interactive simulations, guest panels, presentations, videos, small group breakouts, personal reflections, and more.

What kind of things have CHANGE leaders done on their campus?

CHANGE Leaders have organized:

• Oxfam America Clubs
• Panels, debates
• Film screenings
• Legislative phone calls and letter writing campaigns
• Tabling events
• DC and in district lobby days
• Hunger & Homelessness weeks
• Social justice conferences
• Oxfam America Hunger Banquets and Dining Hall Fasts
• Class presentations and Oxfam workshops
• Photo petitions
• Concert outreach
• Flash mobs
• Petition gatherings for legislative campaigns

I have another question. How can I get in touch?

You can call us at (800) 77-OXFAM ext. 9415 or email: change@oxfamamerica.org

If you are a CHANGE Leader or Alumni, visit the CHANGE Alumni Network.

“After the CHANGE program, I had a deeper appreciation of what I already had—and how much I had to give to someone else.” – Alicia Wilson, 2001 CHANGE Leader

Training

Every year, Oxfam brings 50 CHANGE Leaders to Boston for a rigorous week-long training that combines group activities, expert panels, and workshops with a multimedia teaching curriculum. The leadership training program builds students’ leadership skills, advocacy skills, and familiarity with Oxfam’s mission—and introduces them to sophisticated and powerful models for social change. Founded in 2000, CHANGE has trained more than 680 student leaders from more than 300 colleges and universities.

The 2013 CHANGE application period is now open. Apply today!

Campaigns on campus

After the training, CHANGE Leaders return to campus energized and ready to work on social justice issues. Oxfam staffers and a CHANGE campus advisor provide guidance to the student activists throughout the year.

Each CHANGE leader implements at least one Oxfam-specific public advocacy campaign on campus, covering issues like food justice; oil, gas, and mining; or disasters and poverty. Activities include building networks, organizing their peers to take political action, and hosting campus awareness events like teach-ins, panel discussions, art exhibits, and speakers’ tours.

Learn more

• Download a brochure about CHANGE and Oxfam's youth engagement work on campuses nationwide.

Connect with us

If you are a CHANGE Leader or Alumni, log in to the CHANGE Network. You'll find updates about Oxfam’s work, the latest job postings, and opportunities to connect with CHANGE alumni in your area.

Watch a video from our 10-year anniversary event

Hear CHANGE Leaders from across the years share their insights about the program, its impact on their lives, their memories as student activists, and the rich and deep connections they have made with their fellow CHANGE Leaders:

The 2013 CHANGE application period is now open. Apply today!

If you are a CHANGE Leader or Alumni, visit the CHANGE Alumni Network.

Contact us

If you have any questions about CHANGE or the application process, please contact us.

• Phone: 1 (800) 77-OXFAM ext. 9415
• Email: change@oxfamamerica.org