WMD 2024 Hurford Youth Fellows Program for Youth Leaders

The Hurford Youth Fellowship Program aims to develop the leadership capacity of young democracy activists from around the world. During the three-month Fellowship program in Washington D.C, participants will have the opportunity to expand their global network, learn from activists involved in democracy movements worldwide, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy. Fellows will be responsible for organizing online discussions to encourage active engagement among youth activists globally.

Furthermore, Hurford Youth Fellows will partake in strategic meetings, conduct research, and lead presentations and information-sharing sessions on the topics outlined in the “What’s Next? Youth Declaration:”

Expanding Civic Space for Young People
Countering Disinformation
Building Citizen-Centric Accountability
Delivering Democracy

However, upon successfully completing each fellowship, the fellows will take on the role of a regional/country focal point, collaborating with the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network to remain involved and take the lead in youth-related activities.

Aim and Benefits

Additionally, successful applicants will access the following 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.

Requirements

Additionally, interested applicants must meet the following requirements:

Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellows Program must be no older than 30 years of age.
They 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.
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.

Also, residency requirements include:

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.
Also, 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.