Membership and Support

Students may get involved with Ralph Bunche Societies in two ways:

Regular Member: Ralph Bunche Societies are open to all undergraduate students, regardless of their field of study. Members are expected to participate in a minimum of 75 percent of local chapter activities and adhere to local chapter member guidelines, which differ from chapter to chapter.

Ralph Bunche Fellow: In 2011, Phelps Stokes will designate a minimum of ten students per year (nominated by their RBS chapters) as Ralph Bunche Fellows. Fellows must consistently maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate a commitment to public service, and demonstrate a commitment to perpetuating Dr. Bunche's legacy. Fellows may apply for renewable grants (contingent upon resource availability) as long as they remain full-time students and active in the Ralph Bunche Societies. Recipients may use these renewable grants to support professional and leadership development activities with international dimensions.

Institutions and individuals can support the Ralph Bunche Societies in the following ways :

Participants: Colleges or universities that host a Ralph Bunche Society;

Partners: Colleges or universities that do not host a Society but offer valuable assistance through, for example, academic resources, critical language training, invitations to student/faculty conferences, or housing for Ralph Bunche Society interns; and

Associates: Institutions that provide funding and/or internship opportunities; individuals who provide funding, serve as speakers/guest lecturers, mentors, etc.