Deadline: July 19, 2019
Applications for National Endowment for Democracy’s Penn Kemble Forum 2019-2020 are now open. The Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy promotes bipartisan conversation among young foreign policy leaders in Washington, DC. The Forum is an opportunity for them to share ideas across sectors and explore the role of democracy and human rights within the context of a broad range of policy questions.
The Forum convenes monthly for off-the-record dinner conversations led by foreign policy experts, government officials (past and present), and democracy practitioners. Penn Kemble Fellows have met with Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Dr. Francis Fukuyama, Azar Nafisi (Reading Lolita in Tehran), and many others.
About
No ‘democracy experience’ required – applications are encouraged from the Hill, security-focused young professionals, journalists covering international affairs, and the private sector, as well as from democracy and development practitioners.
It is organized and sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy with the assistance of a distinguished advisory committee of scholars and practitioners.
Eligibility
Applicants should be professionals with between 5 to 10 years of experience in foreign and national security policy and who are working in government, think tanks, media, and the private or non-profit sectors.
For participation, applicants need to be based in the Washington, D.C., area. The program is unpaid and nonresidential. Successful applicants are expected to attend the monthly seminars (to be held after working hours), although additional events and meetings will be scheduled.
This is a very competitive program, limited to 30 fellowship positions. Before applying, please consider if your professional and personal obligations will allow you to participate fully.
Requirements
- Fellows need to be based in Washington, DC.
- Fellows need to be available to attend a Saturday morning retreat held at the NED offices on Saturday, September 14.
- Fellows are expected to attend a minimum of two-thirds of the monthly round tables. Attendance at other events (such as happy hours and career development seminars) is optional.
Application
Applicants are asked to complete the application form below, which includes the following required documents:
- Current resume
- A statement of interest (500 words maximum) describing how the applicant will contribute to and benefit from the Forum
- Letter of recommendation from a current or former employer or academic supervisor detailing the applicant’s intellectual and analytical abilities, international commitment or experience, and personal qualities
For more information, visit Penn Kemble Forum.
