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.
About Open Internet for Democracy
An open internet – where all citizens can freely express themselves, share and debate ideas, and conduct commerce – is an essential part of a modern, vibrant democracy. Ensuring that the internet remains both open and accessible is necessary to strengthen democratic engagement, enable equal participation in the market economy, and promote social accountability.
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Leaders Program
Aim and Benefits of Leaders Program
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.
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
Requirements for Leaders Program Qualification
- Demonstrated interest or experience working on digital rights and open internet issues, with preference given to those focused on media, local private sector/business, or civic/political participation
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: policy, activism, research, or technical expertise
Strong writing skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in collaboration with colleagues across different time zones
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Demonstrated public speaking experience speaking a plus
- Ability to travel to at least one international conference (location TBD; costs covered; In-person participation in such events is contingent on health considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic) a plus
- Access to 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.
Application Deadline
July 8, 2022
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Open Internet for Democracy on docs.google.com to apply
For more details, visit Open Internet for Democracy website.
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