Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy Fellowship 2018/2019

Applications are open for the Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy Fellowship 2018-19. The fellowship brings together young foreign policy professionals to explore the ideas underpinning free societies. The Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy promotes bipartisan conversation among young foreign policy leaders in Washington, DC. The Forum is an opportunity for them to share ideas across sectors and explore the role of democracy and human rights within the context of a broad range of policy questions.

The Forum convenes monthly for off-the-record dinner conversations led by foreign policy experts, government officials (past and present), and democracy practitioners. Penn Kemble Fellows have met with Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Dr. Francis Fukuyama, Azar Nafisi (Reading Lolita in Tehran), and many others. The program is unpaid and nonresidential. Successful applicants are expected to attend the monthly seminars (to be held after working hours), although additional events and meetings will be scheduled.

Eligibility for Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy Fellowship

• Applicants should be early-to-mid-career young professionals working on foreign policy related issues within think tanks, government, media, and the private or non-profit sectors. It is recommended that applicants have at least seven years of work experience. The Forum particularly encourages applicants from the Hill, security-related fields, and the private sector;
• Fellows need to be based in Washington, DC.
• Fellows need to be available to attend a Saturday morning retreat (at the NED offices), date tba.
• Fellows are expected to attend a minimum of two-thirds of the monthly round tables, which are usually held on Monday or Tuesday nights. Attendance at other events (such as happy hours and career development seminars) is optional. Fellows who complete the two-thirds requirement will be invited to alumni events and career development seminars.
• Fellows are asked to write one short paper on a Forum topic, or a reflection of their experience, by the end of the program. Select papers will be published on the NED website.

Application

Applicants are to complete the application form, which includes the following required documents:

• Current resume
• A statement of interest (500 words maximum) describing how the applicant will contribute to and benefit from the Forum
• Letter of recommendation from a current or former employer or academic supervisor detailing the applicant’s intellectual and analytical abilities, international commitment or experience, and personal qualities

For more information, visit Penn Kemble Forum Fellowship.