Applications are now being accepted for the Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Programme to support open internet advocates organizing for change in their countries while connecting them with new allies around the world.
The Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Programme is a nine-month non-resident leadership programme that empowers emerging leaders from across the globe to build their advocacy and organizing skills to protect internet freedom.
The organisers describe the initiative as “a unique cohort of global advocates from civic organizations, media, and the private sector who are passionate about protecting and promoting an open internet”.
Selected Leaders are expected to implement an in-country activity that directly contributes to a national or regional conversation on internet freedom (such as hosting a public debate on open internet issues, developing materials that explain digital rights to a general audience, legislative advocacy, coalition building, performing research on a specific digital rights issue or conducting a social media campaign on the importance of an open internet).
In addition, they will be expected to produce at least 4 blog posts or articles for OpenInternet.global; actively engage in conversations on open internet issues, such as on Twitter with the programme’s OpenNetGlobal account; map the network of in-country and regional groups and individuals in the open internet community; build relationships and engage with them regularly; and develop joint efforts as much as possible.
Selected leaders will participate in a week-long Washington, DC-based “design sprint” to develop the Open Internet for Democracy Playbook, which will serve as a companion guide to the Democratic Principles for an Open Internet; participate at one international conference related to an open internet from an internet governance or human rights angle; present ongoing work as an Open Internet Leader; and speak on national or regional threats and experiences advocating for an open internet.
Applicants must be able to work independently with minimum supervision in collaboration with colleagues across different time zones; have strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; demonstrated interest or experience working on open internet issues, with preference given to those focused on media, private sector/entrepreneurship or civic/political participation.
Furthermore, applicants must have strong social media skills; fluency in written and spoken English; strong presentation skills; able to travel to Washington, D.C. and one international conference on open/internet/internet freedom, location to be determined with the costs covered.
Preference will be given to individuals from non-OECD countries.
Open Internet Leaders will be given an honorarium of $1000 USD for completing their required activities, as well as travel and per diem cover for trips to Washington, DC and one international conference.
The programme is estimated to begin in May 2018 and end in January 2019.
Applications are open until April 5, 2018.
Please visit here complete the application to apply for the programme, for questions please contact Morgan Frost at mfrost@cipe.org.
The Internet for Democracy Leaders Programme is a collaborative programmeme of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA).
