Global Democracy Fellowship

group of young adults from africa standing in front of the rotunda at the university of virginia

An immersive program for leaders in democracy

The Global Democracy Fellowship invests in rising and established leaders with the potential to make a difference for democracy.

The Fellowship offers a mix of leadership development, workshops, simulations, site visits, networking, and professional exchange, with a focus on representation, rights, and civic participation.

Working with faculty, civil society leaders and practitioners, Fellows will draw from their own experiences and understanding of democracy to more effectively express and enact their ideas.

Fellows will return home with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to strengthen civil society, the rule of law, and democratic processes in their home countries.

Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2026 Global Democracy Fellowship. Please stay in touch for future opportunities.

Elevate your leadership

  • Sharpen your skills and take your leadership to the next level

  • Learn proven best practices and transformative theories

  • Connect with American experts in civic engagement, political action, and leadership

  • Develop an international network of peers committed to collaboration

Fellowship highlights

Throughout this six-week program, Fellows will —

  • Compare and assess advocacy strategies 

  • Explore how the creative arts shape public history 

  • Engage citizen journalists, podcasters, and founders of community-based media organizations  

  • Simulate a political party’s campaign for parliament to better understand the components of free and fair elections and how they fit together

  • Immerse themselves in constitutionalism through a three-day workshop and simulation at James Madison’s Montpelier

  • Build communication skills to participate in public debate, facilitate conversations across difference, and de-escalate community conflict

  • Train with a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach

  • Practice new techniques to lead teams and organizations, improve decision-making, leverage professional networks, and innovate systems and processes that underpin democracy and governance.

  • Experience America’s 250th at Colonial Williamsburg, tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and enjoy a variety of cultural activities.

“It changed my life. It validated the fact that I have potential in me.”

– Joseph F. Doe, Liberia, ‘25 Fellow

Hear from our alumni

Stay in touch to hear about future opportunities

This program is presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and our generous donors.