The Summer Democracy Fellowship

Democracy Done Right.

New Era Colorado Foundation is an innovative vehicle for hands-on democracy. We engage, educate, and 
train a new generation of active citizens and young leaders in Colorado!

We provide the resources and tools for young people to gain collective power in the political process. We're grassroots. We're nonpartisan. And we're all about empowering our generation to lead Colorado not left, not right, but forward. We do it all with one constant: making politics fun again. And yes, it's often on a bus. 

New Era Colorado’s Democracy Fellows program is an intensive, nine week-long summer bootcamp that trains the next generation of progressive young leaders to create change in their communities. Fellows work to build a more hands-on democracy, developing their leadership skills while learning and applying the principles of grassroots organizing and political advocacy.

The program’s curriculum is a combination of classroom-setting instruction and on-the-ground grassroots work. During each morning’s classroom session, fellows learn from the best in their felds, including current and former legislators, campaign managers, media strategists, and local political leaders. Fellows spend the afternoons in groups working on issue campaigns, which could include building support for anything from comprehensive immigration reform to stronger fracking regulations that protect public health.

In short, Democracy Fellows is a training program designed to act as a springboard for young leaders to enter the life of public service in Colorado. Fellows will leave the program with the tools and skills to advocate for the issues they are passionate about, organize others to take action, and lead in their communities.

FAQ’s

How long is the program?
It runs from June 9th to August 8th, 2014. 

How much does it cost?
 It doesn’t. The program costs approximately $5,000 per Fellow, but we cover
the cost to make sure that fnances aren’t a barrier to you getting your democracy on. 

But do I get paid?
Depends: need-based stipends are available on a case-by-case basis, averaging
between $500-$1,200. We send the stipend application form to applicants who are selected for an interview. 

How many fellows are in the program?
Between 14-17. 

Where am I going to sleep?
Those who live outside of the Denver metro area may be eligible for a
homestay placement based on need. Those who are from Denver who want to avoid their parents may sleep in our cozy second floor bathtub whenever. 

Who does the Fellowship?
Young folks (from Colorado & from across the country) who are
ridiculously enthusiastic about grassroots politics, democracy, and creating change. That’s it. 

How many hours does it require?
The Fellowship is full-time plus (up to 50 hours per week), and
requires a willingness to work nontraditional hours, including nights and some weekends. 

I’m from out of town. Is Denver the coolest city this side of the Atlantic to spend my summer in? 
Why yes, yes it is.

HOW TO APPLY:
Get your hands on an application at www.NewEraColorado.org/DemocracyFellows 

Early decision deadline: March 25th
Final deadline: April 25th 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline. We strongly encourage you
to apply early for a better chance of being accepted.