Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program 2021 & How To Apply

The Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program is a nine-month non-residential leadership program that empowers emerging leaders from across the globe to build their advocacy and organizing skills to protect internet freedom.

The Open Internet for Democracy Leaders are a unique cohort of global advocates from civic organizations, media, and the private sector who are passionate about protecting and promoting an open internet.  

The program aims to: 

1. Empower emerging open internet advocates to advance internet policy discussions and organize for change in their country and/or region.
2. Strengthen the Open Internet for Democracy Community by connecting emerging open internet advocates with their global peers.

Core Responsibilities

• National or regional advocacy and research 
  • Implement an in-country activity that directly contributes to a local, national or regional conversation on internet freedom. The activity should incorporate coalition-building for effective advocacy against government policies or practices (in place or proposed) that threaten digital rights. Examples of what projects might entail include:
    • Organizing an advocacy campaign to raise awareness aimed at equipping policymakers with information about the pitfalls of policies inspired by digital authoritarianism. 
    • Producing research that examines the impact of digital authoritarianism on access to news and information.
    • Mapping national and/or regional policies or proposals and their potential consequences.
    • Developing a training module/video that explains the implications of digital authoritarianism for civil society, media, and/or the private sector. 
    • Conducting multi-stakeholder workshops or roundtable discussions to develop a position paper or a social media campaign on a proposed government action that threatens digital rights.
• Communications and Outreach
  • Produce at least 2 blog posts or articles
  • Actively engage in conversations on open internet issues, such as on Twitter with the program’s account.
  • Identify potential areas for collaboration among local and regional open internet advocates/groups, and develop strategies for engagement and collective action. 
• Community Collaboration & Thought Leadership
  • Participate at the 2021 Internet Governance Forum (virtually or in-person).
  • Contribute to knowledge and awareness of the Open Internet for Democracy Community about local/regional/national threats to an open internet through participation in relevant events and ongoing information sharing.

Benefits

• The selected applicants will be a part of a larger international network where they can learn from peers and share their work.
• Open Internet Leaders will receive an honorarium of $1,000 USD for completing their required activities, as well as travel and per diem covered for at least one international trip (Note: Travel opportunities may change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If for any reason travel is not possible, CIPE, NDI, and CIMA, will explore ways for the Open Internet Leaders to participate in international fora through virtual conferencing platforms.)

Eligibility

• Applicant must show demonstrated interest or experience working on open internet issues, with preference given to those focused on media, economic inclusion/digital economy/entrepreneurship or civic/political participation;
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: policy, activism, research, or technical expertise;
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision in collaboration with colleagues across different time zones;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills;
• Strong social media skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Strong presentation skills;
• Ability to travel to one international conference (location TBD; costs covered; In-person participation in such events is contingent on health considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic);
• Access to a reliable internet connection that will enable participation in video or virtual workshops or conferences;
• Ability to actively participate in regular check-in calls with program organizers and in virtual orientation sessions;
• Applicants must live and work in an OECD-DAC eligible country.  

How To Apply

Applications will close on June 30, 2021. Late applications wil not be considered.

Click Here To Apply

For more information, visit Open Internet for Democracy

Application Deadline: June 23, 2021

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