Fully Funded to Washington D.C.: Apply for the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program for Young Activists Worldwide

Ednah Carrick July 5, 2024

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Closing Date: 31 July 2024

Fully Funded to Washington D.C.: Apply for the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program for Young Activists Worldwide

About the Fellowship

The Hurford Youth Fellowship Program seeks to build the leadership skills and harness the potential of young democracy activists from around the world. Through the Hurford Youth Fellowship Program, young activists spend three months at the World Movement’s Secretariat, during which they expand their global connections, share experiences with other activists from democracy movements around the world, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy. Hurford Youth Fellows engage in strategic meetings; conduct research; and organize and lead presentations, online discussions, and information-sharing sessions on key democracy issues.

Upon the successful completion of each fellowship, the fellows serve as a regional/country focal point, working with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network to remain involved and take the lead in youth-related activities.

Eligibility

Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellows Program must demonstrate a 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.

English Language Requirement: 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.

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.

Hurford Youth fellowships are not designed to support extensive fieldwork outside the Washington, D.C., area. The program recognizes the importance of establishing ties with counterparts elsewhere in the United States and abroad and understands that professional obligations may sometimes necessitate domestic or international travel. However, no funds will be available to support fellows’ professional
travel. Fellows are expected to be in residence at the NED for the entirety of the fellowship period in order to take full advantage of the professional resources available in D.C.

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 fully equipped office space, 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.