Deadline: March 14, 2018
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) invites applications for the Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2018/2019 are now open. The Hurford 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, two young activists per year spend four months at NED, during which time 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 and the World Youth Movement for Democracy in particular. 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/World Youth Movement social media posts
- Take part in planning and implementing other activities of the World Movement/World Youth 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 World Youth Movement activities.
Fellowship 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.
- Prior to their arrival in the United States, prospective fellows who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States must secure a J-1 exchange visitor visa. The International Forum for Democratic Studies assists fellows with the documentation needed to obtain visas.
Eligibility
- The fellowship is open to applicants no older than 30 years of age from any country.
- 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.
Please Note: 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.
Residency Requirements
Fellows are expected to work full-time on their fellowship projects at the NED office in Washington, D.C. Fellows may not hold any other fellowships or be otherwise employed during the fellowship period without the express permission of World Movement Secretariat staff. Additional fellowships or work opportunities that coincide with the fellowship period must be brought to the attention of World Movement Secretariat staff prior to the candidate’s acceptance of a Hurford Fellowship. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the fellowship.
Application
Click here for details on how to apply.
For more information, visit Hurford Youth Fellowship.
