Get Involved: Herman fellowship

Deepening Understanding. Expanding Inclusion. Inspiring Change.

Through faith, learning, meaningful relationships, and service, become a stronger advocate for the disability community and help create a world where everyone belongs.

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WHAT IS IT?

  • For 2027, Special Session is launching a redesign of the Herman Fellowship. From January-April, fellows will gather to engage with topics like disability justice, disability theology, and advocacy; the fellowship will also include opportunities for vocational exploration, personal development and community building. Our hope is that the wisdom, experiences and imagination that the fellows bring to the program will shape Special Session, and that fellows will leave the program feeling more equipped to be an ally, advocate, and friend to people of all abilities. The Fellowship will culminate at Special Session at Camp McDowell, a weeklong summer camp for adults with disabilities. Herman Fellows will serve on staff in a variety of ways that best suit their gifts and skill sets. Following Special Session, Fellows will meet one final time to provide feedback and wrap up their experience together.

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WHO SHOULD APPLY?

  • The Herman Fellowship is for anyone who has a heart for working with people in the disability community and who wants to become a better advocate for those with disabilities. While those working in fields that directly impact people with disabilities will certainly benefit from this experience, we also encourage those whose careers and interests are not immediately connected to apply, as well. This program is designed to help participants take what they learn and become models and advocates in their own communities, so the wider the net, the better.

Apply Here

General Requirements:

  • Applicants must be at least 19 years old by the start of Special Session (May 28, 2027). There is no upper age limit.

  • All Herman Fellows must complete a series of safeguarding courses designed to prevent sexual misconduct within the community.

  • All Herman Fellows must pass a background check.

  • All Herman Fellows must sign and live by the staff covenant while serving on staff at Special Session.

Important Information

The dates of the spring meetings are:

  • January 30
  • February 27
  • March 20
  • April 24
  • A follow up meeting will be scheduled in June and July with Fellowship leaders and Fellows.
  • The dates for Special Session 2027 are May 28 - June 3.
  • All Herman Fellows must attend 3 of 4 meetings from January to April and must be present for the entirety of Special Session.
  • Applications will be open from November 1st until November 25th.
  • Interviews will take place in early December via Google Meet.