2010-2011 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism: Applications Being Accepted

CONTACT: Paige Rohe, [email protected], 404-420-5129

ATLANTA.... Applications from U.S. residents are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program. These fellowships aim to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses through balanced and accurate reporting. The postmark deadline for applications is April 19, 2010, and the fellowship recipients will be announced July 9, 2010, on the Center's Web site, www.cartercenter.org. The 2010-2011 fellowship year begins in September 2010.

"Informed journalists can have a significant impact on public understanding of mental health issues, as they shape debate and trends with the words and pictures they convey," says former First Lady and Carter Center Mental Health Program Founder Rosalynn Carter.

Each fellow is awarded a $10,000 stipend and two required expense-paid trips to The Carter Center in September 2010, and again, in September 2011, to meet with program staff and advisers. Fellows are not required to leave their employment during the fellowship year and are encouraged to choose timely projects that may educate the public and raise awareness about important mental health concerns. Since the fellowship program began in 1996, 108 fellowships have been awarded, producing more than 100 newspaper and magazine articles, five books, four television documentaries, and hundreds of minutes of radio and television time.

Shedding Light on Issues and Creating Change

Among other achievements, through their reporting, the Center's fellows have helped expose patient abuse in a state psychiatric hospital, resulting in its closure; brought international attention to the tragic toll sexual violence has taken on women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and explored the complex and devastating mental health challenges faced by returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Fellows' projects have garnered an Emmy Award and awards from Mental Health America, the American Psychological Association, Amnesty International, and the Association of Health Care Journalists, as well as nominations for the Pulitzer Prize.

How to Apply

The program is open to print, electronic, and new media journalists with a minimum of three years professional experience. Projects are tailored to the experience and interests of the fellows. Fellows are not required to leave their current employment.

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Online Profile: An online form for preparing a short profile detailing personal and professional information is available on the Carter Center's Web site at www.cartercenter.org. E-mail profile only to [email protected].
• Resume: A list of representative publications; membership in professional organizations, major journalism prizes, and/or awards and year awarded.
• Objectives for Fellowship and Project Description: An informal essay not to exceed 1,000 words. Describe reasons for applying and how the fellowship would benefit your body of work.
• Samples of Professional Work: Submit up to three examples of your work. At least one of the samples should be in the media form proposed. Printed materials should be in the format in which they were originally published, and electronic news reports should be airchecks. Please note that all submitted application materials cannot be returned.
• Letters of Recommendation: Provide letters from two people familiar with your work, commenting on your abilities and potential as a journalist. Letters must be signed originals and printed on letterhead.
• Letter of Support: Submit one letter from your organization's publisher, editor, producer, manager, or director, supporting the application. If self-employed, the third letter must come from an individual familiar with your work. Letters must be signed originals and printed on letterhead.

All materials must be mailed and postmarked by April 19, 2010. Only the profile may be e-mailed.

Additional Resources:

Read about previous fellowship projects in our archives section >>

Find resources for journalists covering mental health issues >>

Learn about Rosalynn Carter's 30-year career in mental health advocacy >>

Direct all application materials or inquiries to: 
Rebecca G. Palpant, M.S.
Senior Program Associate
The Carter Center Mental Health Program
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Tel: (404) 420-5165
Email: [email protected]

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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Please visit www.cartercenter.org to learn more about The Carter Center.