The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is pleased to announce the “Leaders for Democracy” Fellowships Program. This four-month program will provide 20-25 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 the United States.
The Leaders for Democracy Fellowships Program
The four-week academic program at a prestigious American university. Fellows will complete relevant seminars and workshops on the key elements of democratic governance, including: the development of democratic institutions; constitutional law; political parties and campaigning; electoral laws; rule of law and legal codes; transparency/good governance; citizenship and civic education; and the relationship between democracy and other social and economic factors. Participants will receive a certificate from the accredited institution upon the successful completion of the academic preparation program.
After completing the academic portion of the program, from March through May 2007, Fellows will engage in a three-month internship with a political, non-governmental, or public policy organization of professional interest. Through their internships, Fellows will gain practical experience and further professional contacts to draw upon within their network. Possible internship opportunities include working for: a Congressional member or committee, a state legislature, a city-council, a non-governmental organization, a political activist group, a campaign, or a think tank. Internships will be based in a major American city.
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
Applicants should submit 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?
The resume and essay must be sent to the U.S. Embassy in Manama by (date to be announced soon).Address to:
U.S. Embassy – Leaders For Democracy Fellowship
c/o Public Affairs Office
Bldg. 979
Road 3119
Zinj, Bahrain
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. | 
