Apply: Create democratic solutions for climate and digital challenges
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Activities of the action plan developed by a Climate Democracy Accelerator participant in Zimbabwe
Are you seeking to launch a participatory program for climate action or digital policy?
Our first accelerator program to kickstart the development of democracy initiatives is now complete, with 32 graduates from 22 countries producing action plans. It was so successful, we’re now accepting applications for two additional accelerators, focused on:
Public participation to mitigate or manage the changing climate.
More just and equitable policies governing the online world, focusing on challenges ranging from disinformation to artificial intelligence.
Selected participants will receive funding, free access to online training, expert mentoring and advice, and international peer-learning opportunities as they develop a project to launch a digital policy or climate-focused participatory program.
Register for an orientation webinar, then apply by July 25 to receive free training, one-on-one mentorship, an implementation grant and peer support.
How to apply
Read the program requirements and selection criteria:
Complete the application form and submit it along with the required documents by July 25.
People Powered is strongly committed to promoting equity and inclusion through its programs. We specially encourage applications from women and gender non-conforming individuals; people from ethnic, national, or racial minorities; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and disabled people.
Partners
What is the Digital Democracy Accelerator (DDA)?
Innovation in digital technology is increasingly affecting everyday life, from artificial intelligence to the spread of fake news. Thus, there is a need for more just and equitable policies that protect people’s rights and interests. Digital technology impacts marginalized communities and human rights particularly on issues of justice and equity.
That’s why People Powered is launching the Digital Democracy Accelerator, a training and support program for governments and civil society organizations that want to design and launch participatory programs to develop such policies. The program aims to enable participants to undertake projects focused on reevaluating and changing unjust and unfair policies.
To be selected for this program governments and civil society organizations/non-governmental organizations are required to work as partners. The first round of the accelerator will be open to applicants in Europe, with space for 12 participants. Future programs will focus on other regions.
Over six months, program participants will develop action-oriented solutions that effectively engage citizens in making decisions about digital policy governing concerns such as security, privacy, equity and ethics.
Selected applicants will have access to:
A dedicated mentor with experience in this arena.
Step-by step resources such as the Participation Playbook, our interactive online tool for designing participatory programs.
Practice-oriented live sessions and online courses.
A U.S.$15,000 grant to help implement their projects.
The opportunity to apply for an additional $100,000 award for the two best projects developed by program participants.
Who is this program for?
Civil-society organizations, non-governmental institutions such as schools and universities or other community organizations that want to implement a participatory program focused on digital policies and digital issues. Partnership with local government institution is encouraged, however it is not a required for CSO applicants.
Governmental organizations: Government officials, staff members and policymakers in European countries who want to launch a participatory program for making decisions on digital policies and digital issues. Partnership with a civil society organization is required for a governmental applicant as we do not provide grants to governments.
What is the Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)?
Climate change is a global issue affecting every aspect of our modern society, from declining agricultural productivity, rising sea levels, drought, forest fires and catastrophic flooding. To tackle the climate crisis, governments have a mandate to enable and encourage citizens, civil society, activists and more to participate in shaping and implementing climate policies. By expanding public participation and bringing marginalized voices into decision-making, governments can create climate-focused policies that are equitable and responsive to community needs. Inclusive policy making will gain the support of citizens and can help create policies which can adequately address the climate crisis.
People Powered is looking for 15 government and civil society leaders to form a new cohort of innovators interested in launching participatory programs to shape climate policy in the areas of clean transportation, renewables, decarbonization and energy efficiency homes, air pollution, agroecology and more.
The Climate Democracy Accelerator is a six-month, practice-oriented training and support program that prepares participants to plan and implement an inclusive and participatory process for a just climate transition. Participants from different parts of the world will develop a project to implement a climate-focused participatory program that addresses the needs and voices of local communities. Selected applicants will have access to a dedicated mentor to guide the development of their program, along with:
Step-by-step resources such as the Participation Playbook, our interactive, online tool for designing participatory programs.
Practice-oriented live sessions and online courses.
A U.S.$10,000 implementation grant.
The opportunity to apply for an additional U.S.$20,000 award for the best project developed by program participants.
Who is this program for?
Local government officials, staff members and policymakers who want to launch a participatory program for making just climate-related decisions.
Civil society organization staff members and/or climate advocates who want to implement a participatory program focused on climate in partnership with a government institution.
Applications from organizations or governments based in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean are especially encouraged. People Powered or Open Government Partnership members also will be prioritized.