Applications Invited for 2022 Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program

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About the Organization

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is a core institute of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce. CIPE works with private sector organizations to increase support for and understanding of freedoms/rights essential for market-oriented democracies, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that works with its local partners to establish and strengthen democratic institutions and practices around the world by building political and civic organizations, safeguarding elections, and promoting citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

The Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) is a media development think tank housed within the NED. CIMA works to improve the effectiveness of existing media development efforts by conducting research and bringing together a broad range of experts to share their experiences. CIMA's mission is based on the conviction that free and independent media play an indispensable role in developing sustainable democracies around the world

About the Program

Democracy has always required the free flow of ideas. In the modern age, this means a free, open internet where all citizens can freely voice their opinions, share, and debate. Access to an open internet for all is necessary to strengthen democratic engagement and governance, enable equal participation in the market economy, and promote social accountability.

The Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program - a collaboration between the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) - is a year-long 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:

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

This year, the Open Internet for Democracy Initiative seeks to adapt and strengthen digital rights advocacy tactics in a context of rapid digital policy change. The Leaders Program is looking for advocates from diverse stakeholder groups (media, civil society, the technical community, and the business sector) who are defending digital democracy by pushing back against harmful legislation impacting the digital space in their countries and regions. Leaders will connect and collaborate with peers and mentors around the world to discuss how they are grappling with these rapid policy challenges.

The Open Internet for Democracy Leaders Program is looking for applicants who pinpoint a particular digital rights policy issue occurring in their country or region that, if left unaddressed, poses a direct threat to democracy. In particular, we are looking for applicants who are interested in building connections and close collaborations with other stakeholders to address these problems. Collaboratively, they will develop a research product to raise awareness about these policy developments in a global context, contributing case studies from their own country's experience with the issue. This research product will take a novel approach to tackling these rapid digital policy developments and share findings at regional and global forums. Following this publication, each Leader will conduct an advocacy campaign to raise awareness of the policy or policies threatening an open and democratic internet in their country or region.

• Create a joint policy paper on ways to strengthen digital governance
• Conduct national or regional advocacy to strengthen digital governance
• Communications and Outreach
• Community Collaboration & Thought Leadership

Stipend and Benefits

Selected applicants will be joining a community of like-minded advocates in which they will have opportunities for peer learning and sharing their work. During the program, Open Internet Leaders will: 

• Receive an honorarium of $2000 USD for completing their required activities
• Learn from leaders in the digital rights and advocacy community during presentations and workshops
• Access mentorship and soft skills training opportunities
• Connect with cohort of Leaders during an in-person project design sprint*
• Participate as Open Internet for Democracy representatives at international conferences such as the Internet Governance Forum* and RightsCon

How to Apply

Submit an application by 8 July 2022 for consideration.

For more information please check the Link 

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