Benjamin Lay
Fellowship
The Benjamin Lay Fellowship Program offers college students a $2,000 stipend for a 10-week leadership training and internship program grounded in Quaker history and values. Our name is inspired by Benjamin Lay, known to many by his nickname, “the Quaker Comet.” The program has been made possible through a grant from the Shoemaker Fund.
Integrity
Equality
Peace & Stewardship
Benjamin Lay’s
Story
Benjamin Lay (1681–1759) was an abolitionist, a vegetarian, and an innovator of direct nonviolent action tactics before any of those terms existed. As his fame spread, he was dubbed the “Quaker Comet,” boldly streaking across the religious-political sky, seeking to free his fellow man.
Speaking truth to power, forging paths toward radical societal change, Lay is powerful role model demonstrating radical progressive action in the service of spirit-inspired social justice. Lay’s life can inspire us toward what may be possible now. It is more than we think.
Our Vision
To Build a World:
That recognizes and respects that of God in every person,
That promotes loving kindness among all peoples and toward all sentient beings;
That promotes human equality and racial equity;
That promotes equitable and sustainable human flourishing and sustainable stewardship of all life on earth.
About the Program
Participants will engage in creative, impactful service-learning projects involving peace and social concerns endorsed by local monthly Meetings of the Religious Society of Friends. Interns will work on teams with one another and alongside active Quakers to design and implement projects. Interns are expected to dedicate approximately ten hours per week over a 10-week time frame. A substantial part of this effort can be remote, and includes includes participation in a leadership development program grounded in Quaker values. Participants will receive a $2,000 stipend plus coverage of approved travel and project-related expenses.