Annual Fellows

The purpose of HPOD's annual fellows program is to recognize and support outstanding individuals who have enriched HPOD's efforts to strengthen civil society and empower all people to make the changes needed in their communities to promote disability human rights. HPOD expects fellows to leverage their appointments to further their own activities, while also creatively channeling their talents and energy in ways that further HPOD's ongoing advocacy, education, and research programming. Fellows are expected to proactively ideate and dialogue with HPOD personnel to carry out their proposed contributions over the course of their appointments.

How Fellows Contribute

Illustrative activities that demonstrate ways in which past fellows have made such contributions include:

• Contributing to HPOD staff's research and writing endeavors
• Co-authoring academic publications with HPOD staff, associates, and/or affiliates
• Facilitating trainings for people with disabilities or DPOs
• Designing research studies or developing project proposals together with HPOD staff
• Participating in HPOD events as speakers, panelists, etc.
• Convening meetings with advocates or researchers in furtherance of HPOD's work

Within their fellowship periods, all fellows are required to submit a blog article to be published on HPOD's website from their areas of expertise. All fellows are also expected to make reasonable efforts to attend HPOD's online and in-person events.

Prospectus and Year-End Report

Before each academic year, HPOD asks that its prospective fellows present one-page prospectuses describing ways in which they plan to align their activities with or participate in HPOD's efforts. At the close of each academic year, HPOD asks that fellows prepare a one-page report on their past year's activities and how they have supported HPOD's work. These initial prospectuses and year-end reports should be submitted to both HPOD's Executive Director, Professor Michael Ashley Stein, and Director of Advocacy Initiatives, Hezzy Smith.

Appointment Terms

Annual fellows are by invitation only. The term is one full academic year, beginning in July and concluding at the end of June. Annual fellows may be renewed at HPOD's discretion from year to year based on HPOD's evolving programming needs and priorities. Annual fellows will generally be notified of a renewal or non-renewal by early July, at the beginning of their prospective fellowship year.

Annual Fellows

Self-Advocate Research Fellows

As part of HPOD's broader Self-Advocates in Research initiative, Self-Advocate Research Fellows work closely with HPOD's Director of Advocacy Initiatives, Hezzy Smith, and HPOD's Self-Advocacy Associate, Anne Fracht, to conduct inclusive research on the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities as they relate to social connectedness and belonging.

Who Fellows Are

Fellows are experienced self-advocates and have demonstrated self-advocacy leadership experience. They have some experience making reports on activities (written or in other formats), some experience reading and writing reports on disability topics in plain language and traditional formats, and are capable of working both in a team and independently, with appropriate supports, including communicating support needs.

The Samuel Fellows Cohort

The fellows form a part of the Belonging Forum's broader Samuel Fellows cohort, which offers financial support, as well as mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities throughout the fellowship period. By the fellowship period's end, fellows will have produced community engagement materials and a report on their research findings.

Self-Advocate Research Fellows

Student Interns

HPOD's Student Internship program hosts undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in our work. Student interns are unpaid and generally work to enhance HPOD's online presence and effectively communicate our work to the public, which may include creating and managing email newsletters, website content, and social media content across HPOD's platforms. Ideal candidates are organized, creative, and proactive individuals with a passion for disability advocacy and digital engagement.

What Student Interns Do

• Attend HPOD events (roughly three per semester) and become familiarized with HPOD activities to develop web, social media, and email newsletter content based on those events
• Develop and execute a content calendar for regular email newsletters, website posts, and social media posts
• Create, curate, and schedule engaging posts on HPOD's website and social media platforms that align with the organization's mission and initiatives
• Collaborate with HPOD team members to ensure content reflects the latest research, events, and organizational updates
• Monitor and analyze engagement metrics to refine strategies and improve outreach

What Student Interns Bring

• Active Harvard University student affiliation
• Experience in managing social media platforms and email marketing tools
• Understanding of international contexts and cultural sensitivities
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Familiarity with social media analytics and email marketing metrics
• Knowledge of disability rights or a commitment to learning about the field
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to HPOD's Director of Advocacy Initiatives, Hezzy Smith, with the subject line "HPOD Student Intern Application":

• A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and relevant experience
• A resume or CV
• Samples of prior digital communication work (e.g., social media or blog posts, newsletters, or graphics)

Student Interns