RIPPLES OF HOPE
Fellowship for Young Leaders
Founded in 2022 to honor the life and legacy of Greg Ricks, the Ripples of Hope Fellowship selects 10 young adult leaders from South Africa and the United States each year to participate in a life changing experience in both countries. These individuals will learn from educators, activists, and social change agents from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Fellows have the opportunity to travel and visit with people in inspiring organizations, schools, and community contexts. Through an immersion experience in another country, they will grow their networks, skills, and wisdom, in service of their greater commitments to social change. The Fellowship, organized by a group of friends, is designed especially to share the stories and perspectives of Greg Ricks, who helped to catalyze and support the roles of youth in broader movements for social justice.
leaders of today, working to create a Beloved Community.
The Fellowship targets unique 20 to 25 year old individuals from South Africa or the United States who share a desire to find a career and life breaking down barriers to opportunity, equity, inclusion, and hope. Learn more about its catalyst and how to apply in this application. Complete applications are due by November 15, 2023. As Fellows build their network and gain skills, such as resource development, they will also contribute back to the Fellowship.
About greg ricks
mentors, Greg became the youngest dean at Northeastern University at age 23.
Greg championed the voices and power of youth to make a difference. He went on to serve as deans at Dartmouth College, Sarah Lawrence College, and Stanford University. In those roles, he often encouraged students to see their educations as opportunities to find their own passions and to then pursue them, especially in service of a greater good. For instance, at Dartmouth, he advocated for students who built a shantytown on its green to protest the College’s investments in South Africa and to promote divestment and reconciliation. Greg promoted multicultural education and taught colleagues and young people around the U.S. how to work for diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
Greg became a driver of the growing service movement in cities and campuses across America. In 1993, he was instrumental in the founding of AmeriCorps, which provided federal and state funding and support for thousands of organizations in the U.S. At the request of President Bill Clinton, he facilitated its first Town Hall Meeting in Philadelphia and later trained hundreds of AmeriCorps members. Greg became the first dean at City Year, a demonstration program in Boston, helping to recruit and grow its staff and sites. He served on boards for Campus Outreach Opportunity League (COOL), Public Allies, and Youth Build USA.
Through City Year, Greg eventually pursued a lifelong dream to live in South Africa. He helped build the Clinton Democracy Fellowship, which supported young adult leaders who were working, often through founding or growing their own nonprofit programs, to rebuild their country and promote community
The Be the ChanGE Fellowship is named in honor of Gregory T. Ricks, who devoted his career and life to empowering young people to be the leaders of today, working to create a Beloved Community.
MORE ABOUT GREG RICKS
Read over these articles to learn more about Dean Greg Ricks. In your essay or video, be sure to share why you are interested in applying and how these stories inspire you.
As a lifelong advocate of equal opportunity education, diversity, and youth activism, his arrival highlights aspects of the college experience that seem to be lacking on our own campus at the moment.
Ricks comes to Providence College from Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa where he is a Senior Fellow of Multicultural Education. Throughout his career he has served as academic dean at Dartmouth College, Sarah Lawrence College, and Stanford University, and more recently, vice president of City Year, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring at-risk students, and founder of City Year in South Africa.
Global studies and public and community service students and faculty joined Ricks on Wednesday night for an ice cream social and community conversation.
Ricks shared with students his passion for working with young activists, his past experience co-creating civic engagement conferences and organizations, and his excitement for the potential that globally minded, community-oriented students possess.
Ricks shared the story of how he was involved in the foundation of the Campus Outreach Opportunity League, or COOL, in 1984. COOL formed in response to a lack of structured opportunities for university students to become engaged with their communities and carry out service in a thoughtful, organized way.
In response, 300 students attended a campus meeting addressing the offensive photo and immediate steps are being taken by administration in an attempt to stop such incidents from happening again.
When events like these happen, and they have with some frequency since I arrived at PC, the power of united student voices that follows is impossible to ignore. What we are slowly learning is the dire need for a more inclusive educational experience that encompasses cultural competency and an awareness of one’s position in both Providence College and global communities.
Meisel, Ricks, and many others were at the forefront of a national student movement based on civic engagement, student leadership, and community-based learning.
The prevalence of these values is clear on our own campus in the form of global service-learning (GSL) courses. GSL is the product of the deep partnership that exists between the Feinstein Institute for Public Service and the Global Studies Department. Students from different majors and areas of study should, if time and resources permit, consider applying for a GSL course.
These courses are well crafted and structured to be a mutually beneficial experience for Providence College students and our partners around the world.
They are an excellent way to diversify one’s education and become more aware of pressing global issues
Our Beloved Dean Gregory Theodore Ricks
July 24, 1946 - August 27, 2020
Greg started life in the care of Home for Little Wanderers. Then he “won the lottery” when he was adopted by Theodore L. and Laura A. (Johnson) Ricks. From day one, the large Johnson family embraced him as “their chosen one.” He carried the stories of his boyhood town Brockton, Mass. with him all his life, especially those involving Ed and Yvonne. Equally precious was Martha’s Vineyard, which he introduced to his son in July 2019. He was always a New Englander.
Greg’s insightfulness and intellect were hard to miss. His mom and Amy Cohen of the local NAACP chapter organized for him to attend school on Brockton’s west side, then at Worcester Academy. He excelled at Hampton University, MIT, and Harvard, and won many academic accolades, including the Salzburg Fellowship.
Greg became the youngest dean at a major American university at 23. He was deeply grateful for the loving support of mentors, including Mel King and Hubie Jones. He served as dean at Northeastern, Sarah Lawrence, Dartmouth, and Stanford Universities. He also cherished his time at the Masters School and the Taft School. He was also a proud Beacon Academy advocate! He remained a dean and advocate for students until the end of his life. Greg’s fulfilled his dream to live in Africa after being a delegate to the World Conference on Racism.
He traversed South Africa on behalf of President Clinton and President Mandela to find the country’s most inspiring leadership for City Year South Africa and the Clinton Democracy Fellowship. He served the Oprah Winfrey Academy for Girls in the same way. He cherished his involvement in the African Leadership Academy and University.
Through all of these institutions he was honored to show the world the genius of the continent at large. Greg became a Fellow in Residence at Stellenbosch University and served residence provider, Respublica, at the universities of Pretoria, Cape Town, Witwatersrand and Johannesburg, among others. As his friend Pieter Kloppers remembered, “[H]e was simply himself. Generous with his friendship, incisive in his analysis ... His belief in you would bring out the best in you.”
A student, Taamba Ithete, remarked about this time: “Contrary to a convenient narrative this is not the
on to pursue their own careers and lifetimes working for social change. Through monthly online meetings, Fellows will build their network with leaders from many places and spaces. They will gain skills and knowledge, including in building programs and garnering resources, and apply them to their own action projects.
The hallmark of the fellowship is two immersion experiences – a July 2025 immersion in USA and a July 2026 in South Africa.
2. Building a Global Network: Fellows will have the chance to connect with subject matter experts, mentors, and thought leaders, both from their own country and from the broader partner organization’s network. This invaluable network will support them in their leadership journeys and offer guidance for creating sustainable social change.
3. Cross-cultural Exchange: The program brings together young leaders from South Africa and the United States, cultivating an environment of cultural diversity, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. This experience will broaden their perspectives and enhance their ability to address complex social issues in a global context.
4. Mentorship: As part of the Ripples of Hope Fellowship Program, selected fellows will have the privilege of being paired with experienced and accomplished mentors. These mentors will provide invaluable guidance, support, and insights throughout their journey, helping them navigate challenges, refine their goals, and develop essential leadership qualities. This personalized mentorship will foster a strong sense of guidance and encouragement, empowering the fellows to realize their full potential and make a lasting impact in their respective fields.
5. Opportunities to Collaborate: The fellowship opens doors to exciting collaborative opportunities, enabling fellows to engage with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds. This collaborative environment fosters creativity, innovation, and shared learning, propelling fellows to think beyond boundaries and discover fresh perspectives. Through such collaborative endeavors, they will forge meaningful connections, build lifelong friendships, and strengthen their ability to effect transformative change by drawing on collective wisdom and diverse skill sets.
How to apply
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We are looking for exceptional young leaders who embody the core values that define a true Ripples of Hope fellow to join our Beloved Community. These are inspiring changemakers driven by a profound sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact on the communities they serve. To be eligible for the Fellowship, you should:
• Be between 20 and 26 years old, as of summer 2024. You may or may not be a student.
• Be actively and significantly engaged in building community or working for social change and committed to the ideals of Beloved Community.
• Be interested and willing to participate in an international cohort, with monthly online meetings, scheduled mentorship discussions, and two immersion experiences. You must commit to being involved from July 2024 to August 2025, prioritizing these responsibilities.
• The South Africa immersion experience is targeted for July 2024. The United States immersion will happen the following summer at a date to be determined.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the RIPPLES OF HOPE Fellowship, review this full packet. Then, please develop and submit the following application requirements on this form: https://form.jotform.com/242603688042557
Develop and share either a written statement (max 1500 words} or a video (max 5 minutes) in which you discuss:
• What about Dean Greg Ricks' story inspires you to apply for this fellowship (max 400 words}.
•Share more about your story and what you hope to gain from this experience (max 400 words).
•Share the ways you are actively engaged in building community or working for social change ( (max 400 words).
Include an introduction and conclusion. Please do not exceed the word count.
With a heart for Service, they courageously strive to dismantle barriers and create a world grounded in Social Justice, where every individual, regardless of their background, can access resources and support. They recognize that the social transformations they seek are Intersectional by nature, and they take a holistic approach to addressing deeply rooted community problems.
Guided by Respect, they treat others with unwavering dignity, valuing diverse perspectives and contributions, thereby cultivating an Inclusive environment of mutual respect and appreciation. With a powerful Vision for the future, they lead with Love and Joy, inspiring and inviting others to join their journey towards making a difference in their communities. Embracing collaborative action, they leverage the collective strengths of other change-makers, fostering synergy and cooperation to achieve shared success and Resilience in the face of setbacks.
Our Core Values
UBUNTU: I am because we are. My humanity is tied to yours.
RoH Change-makers recognize the interconnectedness of all humanity. That "I am because we are". That our individual well-being and identity are intrinsically linked to the well-being and identity of others in our community and society. It promotes compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards each other, encouraging a spirit of mutual support, collaboration, and respect. Understands that our actions and decisions should always consider the impact they have on others, and that our collective well-being is interdependent. This value fosters a strong sense of community and a recognition of our shared humanity, transcending barriers of race, ethnicity, and background to promote unity and harmony.
SERVICE: We dedicate ourselves to serving with a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. RoH Change-makers are committed to actively engaging in actions that generate positive change in their community and beyond. Fellows recognize that service requires attentive listening and recognition of a community’s existing assets. Therefore, they serve with and alongside other community leaders, not for them. Together through service, fellows actively take responsibility for building a stronger, more just community together, with a focus on empowering others to address needs, advocate for causes, and leave a lasting impact.
SOCIAL JUSTICE: We are committed to creating a more just and equitable world for all.
RoH change-makers play a vital role as agents of change in their communities, uplifting the voices of those often marginalized or silenced. They utilize their platform to increase awareness of social injustices and tirelessly advocate for changes that foster equality, fairness, and impartiality. Fellows recognize that the changes we seek require multifaceted, persistent, and creative interventions, including policy recommendations, mutual aid, education, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship. Through their tireless efforts and imaginative vision, they challenge inequalities at all levels and strive to build a more just and equitable future for all.
INCLUSIVITY
: Embracing the mosaic of diversity, we foster a tapestry of inclusivity, where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.
RoH Change-makers value and actively work towards creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard and respected. They strive to break down barriers that marginalize individuals and groups and promote an environment of belonging and acceptance. Fellows also recognize that inclusion necessitates working through the tensions and disagreements that arise with diverse perspectives and seeing those conflicts as generative opportunities for understanding and solidarity.
Our Core Values
EMPATHY: We are committed to walking in the moccasins of others.
RoH Change-makers demonstrate empathy and understanding towards the feelings and perspectives of others. They seek to understand rather, than be understood and always strive to intentionally put themselves in the shoes of others. They share in the Cherokee prayer, “Great Spirit, grant that I may never criticize my brother or my sister until I have walked the trail of life in their moccasins.
LOVE AND JOY: Through service, we embody the highest form of love and generously spread joy wherever we go.
RoH changemakers embody the values of love and joy, infusing their actions with compassion and positivity. With love, they show genuine care and empathy towards others, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. They spread joy through their infectious enthusiasm and optimism, uplifting those around them and inspiring a sense of hope and happiness. Through love and joy, they create a powerful force for positive change, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.
COLLABORATION: We recognize that collaboration fosters collective success through teamwork and synergy, thereby amplifying our impact.
RoH Change-makers understand that addressing complex social issues requires collective effort. Working together as a team, fostering a culture of cooperation and synergy to achieve collective success.
COURAGE: We are dedicated to fearlessly championing justice and equality by challenging the status quo.
RoH Change-makers exhibit courage in the face of adversity, fearlessly challenging entrenched systems, norms, and prejudices to advocate for justice and equality. They fearlessly make tough decisions and take calculated risks, unafraid to stand up for their beliefs and confront challenges head-on.
INTEGRITY: We strive to do what is right even when no one is watching.
RoH Change-makers act with integrity and prioritize honesty and ethical conduct. They always strive to do what is right and just, even when faced with difficult choices.
RESILIENCE: We fall down seven times and get up eight.
RoH Change-makers demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks and adversity. They maintain a positive attitude and inspire their team to persevere. Change-makers understand that progress towards lasting change is a long and challenging journey. They exhibit resilience by persisting in their efforts, even in the face of setbacks, and in supporting their fellow change-makers and communities in times of hardship.
