Deadline for submission: July 31, 2022.
National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Hurford Youth Fellowship Programme 2022
Applications are now open for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Hurford Youth Fellowship Programme 2022. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, nonprofit organization created in 1983 to strengthen democratic institutions around the world through nongovernmental efforts. NED is governed by an independent, nonpartisan board of directors. With its annual congressional appropriation, it makes hundreds of grants each year to support pro-democracy groups in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East
The Hurford Fellowship Program seeks to build the leadership skills, enhance the organizational talents, and harness the potential of emerging democracy leaders from around the world. Through the Hurford program, four youth activists per year spend three months in the program, during which they expand their global network, learn lessons from activists from democracy movements around the world, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy. Fellows will be expected to organize online discussion to generate active engagement among youth activists around the world. Hurford Youth Fellows will engage in strategic meetings; conduct research; and organize and lead presentations, and information-sharing sessions on the following specific democracy themes:
Defending Democratic Space
Freedoms are increasingly restricted for people who wish to voice their concerns, come together, and address those concerns by engaging stakeholders. In both physical and digital spaces, they face limitations on where they can meet, how they can interact, and what they can say or do. This is particularly true under authoritarian regimes, but also under new and established democracies where minority views are marginalized. As a result, citizens have less influence in political processes that impact their lives and are unable to hold their governments accountable. CLICK HERE to learn more about the World Movement for Democracy’s initiatives, activities, and alerts that support ‘Defending Democratic Space.’
Promoting Inclusive Governance
The World Movement aims to strengthen inclusive democratic governance with an emphasis on empowering emerging leaders that are committed to democratic principles. As part of this effort, the World Movement facilitates engagement among emerging leaders from civil society and political parties; exploring constructive ways to enhance their political participation; building effective partnerships between civil society, government, and the private sector; and sustaining democratic movements that influence policy making and institutional reforms. CLICK HERE to learn more about the World Movement for Democracy’s initiatives, activities, and alerts that support ‘Promoting Inclusive Governance.’
Strengthening Democratic Leadership
The next generation of democratic leadership plays a crucial role in sustaining and advancing democracy. The World Movement believes in the importance of inter generational dialogue and facilitates exchange of ideas and experiences between seasoned leaders and emerging leaders. CLICK HERE to learn more about the World Movement for Democracy’s initiatives, activities, and news and alerts that support ‘Strengthening Democratic Leadership.’
Specifically, each fellow will engage in the following activities:
- Conduct research on one topic related to the democracy themes above
- Develop online resources, such as a collection of related publications and training materials
- Facilitate online discussions
- Contribute to the World Movement social media posts
- Take part in planning and implementing other activities of the World Movement and
- Participate in relevant events and discussions in Washington, D.C., to deepen understanding of issues and build working relationships.
- Identify, compile, present, and creatively share discussion materials and results.
Each fellow will also make at least one formal presentation of their work during their fellowship. Presentations may be open to the public or geared to a more select audience and will typically focus on the fellow’s research topic.
Upon the successful completion of each fellowship at NED, the fellow will serve as a regional/country focal point, working with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network to remain involved and take the lead in facilitating World Movement for Democracy youth initiatives.
Fellowship Support and Services
- Each fellow will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, plus basic health insurance and roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C. Stipends take into account the cost of living in Washington, D.C. Fellows are provided with a fully equipped office, including internet and email access, and a limited budget for fellowship-related long-distance phone calls.
- The World Movement Secretariat staff plays a vital role in helping fellows realize their fellowship objectives by collaborating with them on their fellowship projects and engaging them in ongoing discussions about their work.
- NED houses a Democracy Resource Center (DRC), which includes a library with some 20,000 works, including books, journals, grantee reports, and other publications on democracy. The DRC’s expert staff members assist fellows with their research interests. Fellows may enjoy access to other local libraries as needed.
Eligibility
Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellows Program must be no older than 30 years of age. They must demonstrate strong interest in democratic activism and in the advancement of democracy in their respective communities, as well as worldwide. Youth affiliated with civil society organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
- The Hurford Youth Fellows Program is open to applicants from any country. It does not provide scholarship funds or any other type of financial aid to university or graduate students, nor is it designed to support postdoctoral research. The program is not an educational program offering academic courses leading toward a degree. In addition, it does not provide financial support to those seeking to complete professional training programs, attend conferences, or pursue internships at other organizations.
- A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program for general communication purposes. All application materials must be submitted in English.
Selection Process
Fellows will be selected by the World Movement Secretariat staff, NED regional program staff, and the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network following an application process. Selection will be based on a set of criteria including demonstrated activism or interest in the advancement of democracy, a desire to network with others, and a clear explanation of how the fellowship will benefit their own efforts for advancing democracy.
How to Apply
Applicants are asked to submit the following:
- Applicant Form;
- C.V./Resume; and
- Two Letters of Recommendation
All application materials should be uploaded in the APPLICATION PORTAL.
If you applied last year, you must create a new profile using a new email address.
PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS: The Applicant Form has four sections:
(1) Personal Information;
(2) Project Proposal;
(3) Curriculum Vitae/Résumé; and
(4) Two Letters of Recommendation.
Each applicant must complete the entire Form. Please note that incomplete application forms will not be reviewed.
