The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program dedicated to international exchange is seeking applications from leading democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars from around the world into its five-month fellowship programme
The fellowship offers fellows an important opportunity to step back from the field, reflect upon their work, and explore new ideas in a comparative context.
Fellows will, during their time, reside at the National Endowment for Democracy’s (NED) International Forum for Democratic Studies, in Washington D.C., where they would reflect on their experiences and consider lessons learned; conduct independent research and writing; engage with colleagues and counterparts in the United States; and build ties with a global network of democracy advocates.
The fellowship is specifically meant for practitioners from developing and aspiring democracies, and those from non-democratic countries. Distinguished scholars from the U.S. and other established democracies are also eligible to apply.
Practitioners include activists, journalists, lawyers, and civil society professionals who have substantial experience in their field. Scholars include professors, research analysts, and other writers who have a Ph.D. or academic equivalent at the time of application. A working knowledge of English is required.
Fellows will receive monthly payments to cover living expenses, plus basic health insurance, travel reimbursement, and research support.
During their time at the fellowship program, fellows will have access to some benefits, which include access to NED’s Democracy Resource Center (DRC); support of Research Associates (“RAs”), who will provide fellows with assistance in the areas of research, writing, outreach, and international exchange; an opportunity to learn from colleagues in the program and from their U.S. counterparts; learning from one another through formal roundtable discussions and informal interactions.
In addition, Reagan-Fascell fellows will have access to a stimulating environment that fosters learning and professional growth. Through its calendar of seminars, roundtables, capacity building workshops, field trips, and other activities, the fellowship program seeks to build knowledge about the work of the Endowment family and its Core Institutes; encourage fellows’ thinking about the theory and practice of democracy; support networking for intellectual exchange with the nongovernmental, academic, media, and policy communities; and promote a sense of collegiality within the fellowship cohort.
The program strives to introduce fellows to the work of the Endowment and its Core Institutes: Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the Solidarity Center, National Democratic Institute (NDI), and International Republican Institute (IRI). There are many opportunities to engage with staff from NED regional programs and other initiatives through organized group discussions and individual meetings.
The fellowship program partners with the World Movement for Democracy, a global network of advocates for human rights, to connect fellows with other activists through regional and functional networks for additional support during and after fellowship.
Fellows also have access to the research and support of the Center for International Media Assistance, another NED initiative that works to strengthen the support, raise the visibility, and improve the effectiveness of independent media development throughout the world.
The program encourages fellows to partake in the rich cultural life of the nation’s capital through organized group activities or by exploring the city on their own. In addition to visiting cultural landmarks, such as the U.S. Capitol Building and Library of Congress, the fellowship program also plans team-building activities.
During their time in residence, fellows will be asked to share their insights in various ways—via roundtable discussions, working groups, and public presentations. Each fellow will give a presentation at NED during their fellowship and has the opportunity to share insights with the Washington, D.C. audience.
While each fellow is expected to produce a product during the fellowship, the format may vary. Activists may produce a practical handbook or write memoirs, journalists may publish a series of articles and op-eds, and scholars may focus on writing academic articles, monographs, or book chapter.
Important dates to note: Fall Session (October 1, 2019–February 29, 2020) Spring Session (March 1–July 31, 2020).
Deadline for applications is October 15, 2018. For more information and how to apply, Please visit www.ned.org/fellowships
