Hurford Youth Fellowship Program

Published by tamarai

Deadline: 31 July 2022
Open to: applicants no older than 30 years of age, strongly interested in democratic activism and in the advancement of democracy
Benefits: monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance, roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C.

DESCRIPTION

The Hurford Youth 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, Promoting Inclusive Governance, 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.

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.
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.

BENEFITS

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.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information, visit the official website.