Fellowship

MEET THE FELLOWS

Smit Naik

Sera McFarland

Luis Antezana

Hannah Recht

Mark Gabriel

Anna Graves

Demetres Hunter

Who?

Orbis Fellows are young adults pursuing impact-driven work. Fellows are typically working professionals and students who live together in an intentional community with other entrepreneurs, creatives, activists, and organizers, all making a positive impact in the world.

When?

Fellowship Year begins Sept 1. We review applications and select a new cohort each summer. Move-in dates vary throughout the summer.

Where?

Orbis Fellows live and learn together at the Orbis House – a large victorian home in the City Park West neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.

How does it work?

The Fellowship is designed to provide both personal and professional growth opportunities for Fellows to learn and create together.

Year 1

Develop a “How might I” question
Develop a plan for your Commitment to Action
Explore what it means to build and live in community
Lead one event to explore your Commitment to Action

Year 2 (optional)

Implementing a Commitment to Action
Take on a leadership role and help facilitate community engagement
Help mentor first year fellows on their Commitments to Action
Lead one event on implementing your Commitment to Action

COMMITMENT TO ACTION

During their residency, each Fellow develops a Commitment To Action (C2A). Fellows have conducted research, launched new projects at work, and built new organizations. In addition to their individual C2A, each cohort makes a collective commitment to help build community around each others work.

Commitment Questions

How might my C2A advance my professional goals and career?
How might my C2A create a systemic impact?
How might mobilizing community help achieve my C2A goals?

ORBIS WORKSHOPS

Orbis Workshops are an opportunity to develop and critically examine Commitments To Action. Current workshop topics include: Designing Your Impact, Systems Practice, Community Organizing, and Strategic Planning. Fellows have the opportunity to lead additional workshops or recommend outside facilitators.

LEADERSHIP DINNERS

Leadership Dinners are an opportunity for Fellows to invite the community leaders they admire over for dinner and conversation. These semi-structured dinner conversations allow Fellows to learn new perspectives, share experiences, and form new relationships with other community leaders – all while breaking some bread together!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community events are our way to bring the community together in discussion and collaboration around Fellow’s Commitments To Action. We also have fun Potlucks and Film Nights to reconnect with old friends and welcome new people to our community. Fellows are responsible for planning and organizing community gatherings at Orbis. Learn more about events>

Travel Grants

Fellows periodically receive travel funding through the European Union to participate in programs connecting them with other community leaders around the world. Fellows have participated in programs focussing on areas of human rights, education, technology, and gamification. Fellow participation in the program is completely voluntary and grants are not guaranteed for every Fellow.

Previous Locations
Latvia
Lithuania
Estonia

Future Locations
Italy
Spain
Brazil

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is rent?

Rent ranges from $675-$875 per month.

There are 3 different room sizes. To remove any sense of unfairness about who was in what room, we created a rent fee structure for each room size: $675 (small room) $775 (medium room) $875 (large room).

Do I need to be in Denver to participate in the Fellowship?

Orbis is looking for Fellows who are already planning to be living and working in Denver by the start of the program. Orbis does not currently have the capacity to arrange for travel, visa, or employment for Fellows.

How many Fellows will be living at the Orbis House?

There are typically 7 Fellows living at the house.

Will I have my own private room?

Yes, every Fellow living at the house will get their own bedroom and have access to shared bathrooms.

Will I have to pay for electric/water/heating/internet bills?

The rent fee covers all of these utilities.

How long do Fellows live at the Orbis House?

1-2 years. The Fellowship is a minimum of one year commitment with an opportunity to recommit as a second year Fellow.

What if I can’t stay for an entire year?

Because it is disruptive to the Fellowship cohort when someone leaves early, we recommend that you apply when you commit to completing at least an entire year of residency. If you need to leave early due to unforeseen circumstances, we will work with you, but we require 60 days advance notice of any plans to move out.

What is the time commitment I need to make to be a Fellow?

Fellows should plan to dedicate 5 hours per week for Orbis activities. This is a general guideline. If things come up at work or life that prevent you from participating in an activity every now and then, we get it.

Do Fellows get paid?

The Orbis Fellowship is not a paid position. Fellows are young professionals who are already working and choose to live at the Orbis House because they want to participate in the program and become part of the Orbis community.

Do you allow pets?

No pets. We love animals of all kinds, but in a group living situation like the Orbis House, allergies can pose a real health and safety issue, so are not able to accommodate pets.