The Logic(s) Fellowship for Palestinian Journalists
4/1/2024: We have achieved our $100k funding goal! A call for applicants will be coming soon. Please reach out to us at logics@columbia.edu if you have questions or would like to collaborate.
At Logic(s), we aspire to revolutionize both the tech journalism genre and prevailing publishing models, envisioning a future deeply rooted in community-based solutions. We firmly believe that the identities of our writers and contributors are not mere descriptors but integral to the theoretical and political approaches shaping our publication.
For our most recent release, Seductions and Silences, we issued an open letter rebuking the suspension of on-campus student organizations at Columbia University that opposed the Israeli genocide of Palestine. Our stance stood in solidarity with those prioritizing ethical commitments over proximity to power. This bold step underscored Logic(s)' dedication to ethical journalism and social responsibility, especially at a time when many media peers hesitate to address atrocities in Gaza.
Facing the systematic and unprecedented targeting of Palestinian journalists and their families by the Israeli Occupation Forces, Logic(s) recognizes an urgent duty to take meaningful action in support of Palestinian storytellers. Hence, we introduce 'The Logic(s) Fellowship for Palestinian Journalists' as a distinctive contribution to this cause.
The mission of the fellowship is to welcome two Palestinian journalists into our global cohort of developmental editors for a one-year, part-time engagement. We will provide support and resources, focusing on understanding sociotechnical systems such as cryptography, financialization of cloud systems, digital surveillance, secure communications, and internet infrastructure.
This intentional program aims to support two Palestinian journalists, allowing them a sense of community while making a critical intervention into the substance of the magazine. Each fellow will contribute one piece and edit another per issue (published twice a year), providing an opportunity to shape stories beyond the explicit focus on Palestine, touching on themes of settler colonialism, occupation, and resistance. Logic(s)’ is also thrilled to join efforts with our groundbreaking new partnership with The Human in Computing and Cognition (THiCC) lab at Penn State University. This collaboration with the Logic(s)’ Liberatory Tech Fellows will not only serve as a valuable resource to selected fellows but will also provide technical expertise and consultations on editorial matters, fact-checking, and copy editing.
Our fundraising goal is $100,000, and our priority is transparency and efficiency in fund allocation. We will offer a $40k stipend for each fellow, to mitigate financial uncertainty or instability, enabling them to pursue jobs of their choice or simply have time to grieve during a genocide. The fellowship's activities and processes are deliberately open-ended, inviting four Palestinian partner organizations (including The Center for Palestine Studies) or Palestinian individuals to contribute ideas, accounting for an additional $20k to compensate for their time and efforts. Every dollar raised will be dedicated to supporting the fellows or partner organizations, and none of the funds raised will go towards overhead costs. Given Logic(s) is housed at Incite at Columbia University, fellows will also enjoy a myriad of resources offered by the institution. This includes access to Columbia University's email systems, archives, databases, and other resources, enriching their research and enhancing the depth of their journalistic contributions.
Upholding complete editorial independence, we staunchly defend our fellows and contributors against any ad hominem attacks. Moreover, we are committed to ensuring the integrity of each author's story through meticulous fact-checking and copy editing.
This fellowship is a natural progression of our actions, aligning with the open letter and mission of Logic(s), as we actively contribute to reshaping the narrative and supporting the voices that need to be heard.
If you, your institution, or organization is interested in contributing to the success of this fellowship, please reach out to us at editors@logicmag.io.
Q&A
Q: Are Palestinian nationals eligible to apply for the fellowship? Are there any restrictions based on citizenship status?
A: The fellowship will be open to anyone, anywhere in the world regardless of citizenship status.
Q: How will you select the fellowship applicants?
A: The selection process will involve collaboration with Palestinian partner organizations and individuals. We aim to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach by engaging with these partners to identify qualified and deserving candidates.
Q: What criteria will be used in the selection process?
A: The criteria for selection will be developed in consultation with our Palestinian partner organizations and individuals and our in-house editorial staff. We are committed to a transparent and fair process that aligns with the goals of the fellowship.
Q: How much of the funds raised will be allocated to overhead costs?
A: None of the funds raised will go towards overhead costs. Every dollar raised will be dedicated to supporting the fellows or partner organizations. Our priority is transparency and efficiency in fund allocation.
Q: How can you guarantee that none of the funds will be used for overhead?
A: We ensure this by maintaining a strict commitment that all funds raised will directly benefit the fellows or be allocated to our Palestinian partner organizations. Additionally, our status as part of Columbia University allows donations to be tax deductible.
Q: Can you provide more information on the tax-deductible status of donations?
A: Yes, donations are tax deductible because our organization is housed at Columbia University. This status enables contributors to receive tax benefits while supporting a cause aligned with our mission.
Q: Are there plans to involve the fellows in decision-making processes during the fellowship year?
A: Yes, the fellowship is designed to be collaborative, and we value the input of the fellows. They will have opportunities to shape the direction of the program, ensuring their voices contribute to the overall success of the initiative.
Q: How will you measure the impact of the fellowship program?
A: Impact assessment will be a collaborative effort involving the fellows, partner organizations, and our team. We plan to establish clear metrics and feedback mechanisms to continually evaluate and enhance the program's effectiveness.
Q: When will you select the fellows? When will you announce them?
A: Our timeline for selecting and announcing the fellows is contingent on the success of our ongoing fundraising efforts. As Logic(s) is actively working to achieve our fundraising goal, we aim to initiate the fellowship selection process in spring of 2024. The announcement of the selected fellows will follow once the necessary funds are secured, ensuring a strong and supported start to the program.