Scaling Social Cohesion

Program Overview

Recent events worldwide highlight the risks when social cohesion is not cultivated broadly and deeply. Identities, inequities, historical conflicts, migration, and displacements increase tensions that could build up over time and erupt in violence. 

How can today's leaders address such tensions and foster social cohesion, especially when climate change exacerbates these strains on societies? How might we scale up the existing social cohesion and peace-building programs so that they can reach ten- or a hundred-fold the number that they currently reach?  

The Scaling Social Cohesion is a collaboration between the Scaleup Lab and the Amanah Leadership Institute for Social Cohesion to develop systems to scale up social cohesion initiatives within and across countries.  This program seeks to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, regions, and sectors to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and co-create scaleup mechanisms for existing social cohesion initiatives. 

Program Objectives

a. Capacity Building: Enhance the skills and connections among practitioners and advocates, enabling them to design, implement, and evaluate effective social cohesion initiatives.

b. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Promote collaboration and knowledge transfer between government, civil society, academia, and private sector stakeholders.

c. Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation: Prototype new models and pathways given existing resources, authorizations, and constituencies. 

Program Components

The Scaline Social Cohesion Fellowship Program will consist of the following components:

• International Online Workshops: Immersive workshops conducted at different locations to promote cross-cultural learning. These workshops will feature expert speakers, interactive sessions, and site visits to exemplary social cohesion projects.

• Online Learning Platform: A virtual platform for ongoing collaboration, sharing resources, and participating in webinars, discussion forums, and peer mentoring.

• Mentorship: Each fellow will be matched with an experienced mentor in the field of social cohesion to provide guidance and support throughout the program.

• Action Research Projects: Fellows will work on practical projects related to social cohesion in their home countries or regions, applying the knowledge gained during the program.

Eligibility Criteria

Fellows will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Proven commitment to social cohesion and intercultural understanding.

• An interest in community leadership and/or social cohesion work 

• Demonstrated leadership and impact in their respective communities or organizations.

• Proficiency in English (the program's primary language).

Program Duration

The Scaling Social Cohesion Fellowship Program will be a one-year initiative.

Program Partnerships

The program will seek partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, universities, NGOs, and corporations with a shared interest in promoting social cohesion.