LITTLE ROCK -- The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation is launching a new initiative, the Micah Fellows Program, in partnership with the Faith Matters Network and the Methodist Foundation of Arkansas, to help Arkansas faith leaders champion economic justice and anti-poverty efforts in their communities.
"Gov. Rockefeller's mission to bring equity to all Arkansans was fueled by his faith, including the charge 'act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God' from Micah 6:8, the Rev. Shantell Hinton Hill, WRF equity officer, said in a news release. "This Scripture continues to inspire the foundation's strategic direction, AR Equity 2025, and programs like Micah Fellows."
The Micah Fellows Program is a nine-month initiative focused on nurturing moral leadership around anti-poverty work in Arkansas. According to a 2019 ALICE in Arkansas report commissioned by Entergy Arkansas, United Way and WRF, more than 40 percent of households in the state are currently considered ALICE -- Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed -- with incomes above the Federal Poverty Line but less than the basic cost of living, the release said.
"Our state's faith leaders are on the front lines of anti-poverty efforts," the Rev. Ryan D. Davis, associate pastor at Bullock Temple C.M.E. Church, said in the release. "This fellowship program will tap into that shared knowledge to amplify and deepen the impact of our work."
The Micah Fellows Program is funded by a $200,000 investment by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and an additional $50,000 from the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas. A significant portion of these funds will be used by faith leaders and their communities for anti-poverty and economic justice projects across the state.
"Through collaboration and study, fellows will explore theological frameworks to support their anti-poverty work," the Rev. Jen Bailey, founder and executive director of the Faith Matters Network, said in the release. "This program will equip them with the necessary tools and resources to educate and organize others to help achieve economic equity in Arkansas."
The inaugural class of Micah Fellows will run participate in media, advocacy and narrative training from September to May 2022. During that time, they will also have access to micro-grants for regional economic inclusion and justice projects.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation on the Micah Fellows Program," the Rev. J. Wayne Clark, president and CEO of the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, said in the release. "Together, we hope to diminish and eventually eradicate the suffering so many Arkansas families currently face."
Leaders interested in becoming a Micah Fellow may apply online at http://www.micahfellowsprogram.org/apply before July 1.