Fully Funded Exchange Program is 3 months Hurford Youth fellows exchange program going to be held in Washington D.C., the USA from 1st March 2021 to 31st May 2021.

The Hurford Program seeks to build leadership skills, enhance the organizational talents, and harness the potential of emerging democracy leaders from around the world. Through the Hurford program, two young activists per year spend three months at NED, during which they expand their global network, learn lessons from activists from democracy movements around the world, and contribute to the development of the World Movement for Democracy and the World Youth Movement
for Democracy in particular.

Fellows will be expected to organize online discussions to generate active engagement among youth activists around the world. Hurford Youth Fellows will engage in strategic
meetings; conduct research; and organize and lead presentations, and information-sharing sessions on the following specific democracy themes:

• Defending Democratic Space
• Promoting Inclusive Governance
• Strengthening Democratic Leadership

Benefits  of Hurford Youth Fellows

Each fellow will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, plus basic health insurance and roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C. Stipends take into account the cost of living in Washington, D.C. Fellows are provided with a fully equipped office, including internet and email access, and a limited budget for fellowship-related long-distance phone calls.

The World Movement Secretariat staff plays a vital role in helping fellows realize their fellowship objectives by collaborating with them on their fellowship projects and engaging them in ongoing discussions about their work.

NED houses a Democracy Resource Center (DRC), which includes a library with some 20,000 works, including books, journals, grantee reports, and other publications on democracy. The DRC’s expert
staff members assist fellows with their research interests. Fellows may enjoy access to other local libraries as needed.

Eligibility

• Applicants are eligible from any country with any Nationality.
• Applicants interested in the Hurford Youth Fellows Program must be no older than 30 years of age.
• They Must Demonstrate a strong interest in Democratic activism and in the advancement of democracy in their respective communities, as well as worldwide. Youth affiliated with civil society organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the Program for general communication purposes.

Selection Procedure for Hurford Youth Fellows

Fellows will be selected by the World Movement Secretariat staff, NED regional program staff, the World Youth Movement’s Leadership Board, and the Hurford Youth Fellowship Alumni Network following an application process. Selection will be based on a set of criteria including demonstrated activism or interest in the advancement of democracy, a desire to network with others, and a clear explanation of how the fellowship will benefit their own efforts for advancing democracy.