Bread for the World Invites Applications For Hunger Justice Leaders Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bill Malone (202) 464-8180 bmalone@bread.org
Racine Tucker-Hamilton (202) 464-8196 rhamilton@bread.org

Washington, DC, February 17, 2010 – Bread for the World announced today that it is inviting the best and brightest 20- to 30-year-old college students and recent graduates to apply for its 2010 class of Hunger Justice Leaders. After a highly competitive screening process, selected participants will attend an all-expenses-paid advocacy-training workshop in Washington, DC, June 12-15, 2010.

According to Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, those chosen will interact with premier organizing and issue experts; connect with like-minded young leaders from across the country; hone their skills to become inspiring organizers; and visit their members of Congress. “In a world of plenty, hunger is an outrage,” he said. “Our Hunger Justice Leaders have a chance to be part of the solution—to change history for hungry people.”

The last class of Hunger Justice Leaders, 75 in all, came to the nation’s capital two years ago for intensive training in advocacy.

Rev. Beckmann added that since then, they have served as powerful agents of change in their communities. One Missouri student started an anti-poverty initiative on his college campus. Another got her campus InterVarsity group to add hunger advocacy to its ministry, and a Michigan residence hall director helped make Bread for the World more visible within the local, ecumenical community.

Other examples include a young Los Angeles-area professional who helped introduce Bread for the World to emergent Christian communities, and a food bank staff member in nearby Santa Ana who integrated advocacy with the group’s direct service efforts.

Still others have set up Capitol Hill visits, called their members of Congress, and organized Offerings of Letters in their churches.

Candidates can apply by visiting www.bread.org/bealeader. Visitors also can view a 60-second promotional video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4YzpZJrcEg&feature=user. The application deadline is March 12, 2010.

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Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.