2015-2016 Penn Kemble Forum

The National Endowment for Democracy is accepting applications for its 2015-2016 Penn Kemble Youth Forum on Democracy.

Purpose of the Forum

To provide an opportunity for the next generation of aspiring democracy practitioners and foreign policy professionals to engage in networking, education, and training opportunities with counterparts who share a commitment to international engagement and advancing democracy. Through the forum, which will run this year from September 2015 to June 2016, these young leaders – Penn Kemble Fellows – will engage with leading foreign policy experts, democracy practitioners, civil society activists and former government officials. Associates will also be invited to a range of other events.

Penn Kemble’s death in October 2005 robbed the democracy movement of one of its most committed activists and strategists. His political evolution took him from early involvement in the young socialist and civil rights movements, through engagement with the U.S. labor movement in combatting Communism, especially within Central America, to more recent initiatives, including the Transatlantic Democracy Network and Civitas, an international program to promote civic education. He served as deputy and acting director of the United States Information Agency in the Clinton administration, and Secretary of State Albright appointed him U.S. representative to the Community of Democracies. In 2002, Secretary of State Powell appointed him to lead a group to investigate slavery and human trafficking in Sudan.

The forum is organized and sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy with the assistance of a distinguished advisory committee of scholars and practitioners. Learn more about the Endowment’s work and mission here.

Requirements and Expectations

Applicants should be young professionals working on foreign policy, democracy, development or related issues within think tanks, government, and the private or non-profit sectors. A limited number of rising seniors and recent graduates will be considered for participation as well. For participation, applicants need to be based in the Washington, D.C., area. The program is unpaid and nonresidential. Successful applicants are expected to attend at least one monthly seminar (to be held after working hours), although additional events and meetings will be scheduled.

Before applying, please consider if your professional and personal obligations will allow you to participate fully. Upon acceptance, you will receive additional information about the program.

Application Process

Applicants are asked to fill out the application form below, 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

All application materials must be submitted in full by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 7th. Applicants will be notified of their selection in late August, and the program will begin in September. Any questions should be directed to Michael Allen.

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Penn KembleAbout Penn Kemble

Penn Kemble’s death in October 2005 robbed the democracy movement of one of its most committed activists and strategists. His political evolution took him from early involvement in the young socialist and civil rights movements, through engagement with the U.S. labor movement in combatting Communism, especially within Central America, to more recent initiatives, including the Transatlantic Democracy Network and Civitas, an international program to promote civic education. He served as deputy and acting director of the United States Information Agency in the Clinton administration, and Secretary of State Albright appointed him U.S. representative to the Community of Democracies. In 2002, Secretary of State Powell appointed him to lead a group to investigate slavery and human trafficking in Sudan.

 

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