2008 programs and events

Fellowship Opportunity for a New Generation of Reform Leaders

September 15, 2008

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, are pleased to announce the acceptance of applications for the third year of the Leaders for Democracy Fellows Program (LDF). This three-month program will provide emerging democratic reform leaders between the ages of 25 and 40, from across the Middle East and North Africa, with the opportunity to complete both academic coursework and a skill-building internship in their field of choice in Washington D.C.

The Leaders for Democracy Fellowships Program

This program will begin mid-March 2009 with a six-week academic program at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University.  Fellows will complete relevant seminars and workshops on the key elements of leadership, democracy, democratic transitions around the globe, comparative politics, civil society, communication, conflict resolution, and change management, among others.  Participants are also expected to lead discussions and make presentations to the Fellows and the broader Maxwell School community.  

After completing the academic portion of the program, from May through June 2009, Fellows will engage in a six-week internship with a political, non-governmental, or public policy organization of professional interest in Washington D.C.  Through their internships, Fellows will gain practical experience and further professional contacts to draw upon within their network which will benefit their respective professional pursuits back home.  

The fellowship will cover all international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing, and a moderate living stipend. Fellows will travel to the U.S. unaccompanied.

Criteria for Selection

Applicants should have the following:

• five years of experience working as a professional in a political reform oriented field
• demonstrated commitment to remaining in this field for the foreseeable future
• leadership skills and the capacity to apply the opportunities presented by the fellowship in a way that would benefit an organization, sector, or specific community
• English language fluency to function successfully in an American academic and professional environment
• a bachelors degree
• must not have already completed a similar academic degree or internship in the U.S., and is not subject to J-visa restriction

Applicants should submit to Mr. Jasen Peterson at PetersonCJ@state.gov , no later than October 9, 2008, an updated resume as well as an essay of no more than 1,000 words (written in English) which answers the following questions:

• How will this fellowship enable you to better lead your community or country towards greater democracy and citizen participation in the institutions and activities of government?
• What do you hope to gain from this program and what are your plans to apply the experience it offers? 
• What changes do you hope to bring about in your country during the next 10 years?

For further information, applicants should contact Jasen Peterson.

Background on MEPI

MEPI was launched by the U.S. Government in 2002 to support democracy promotion, economic reform, quality education, and women’s empowerment in the Middle East. Since then, it has funded more than 350 programs across the MENA region, ranging from support for election monitoring to improvements in the quality of education.