Interactivity Foundation Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship 2027

Applications are open for the Interactivity Foundation Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship 2027, a year long fellowship for individuals who are committed to strengthening collaborative discussion and democracy within their communities. The programme provides emerging leaders with mentorship, training, practical project experience and opportunities to develop new approaches to meaningful public discussion.

The fellowship is part of the Interactivity Foundation’s Collaborative Discussion Project, an ongoing initiative that explores how people can think better together and how creative, culturally responsive and critically informed discussion can contribute to stronger communities. Emerging Fellows are paired with Senior Fellows who have experience in collaborative discussion and who provide guidance and support throughout the programme.

The programme is designed for people who have already demonstrated an interest in collaborative discussion or strengthening democracy in a particular community. The Foundation welcomes applicants from diverse ages, careers, identities, political affiliations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds and lived experiences. It particularly seeks to nurture new and diverse leadership by creating opportunities for people who may not previously have participated in a fellowship of this kind.

About the Fellowship

The Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship is organised by the Interactivity Foundation as part of its effort to expand awareness and engagement with collaborative discussion among diverse communities.

Fellows work with Senior Fellows to explore questions surrounding dialogue, deliberation, community engagement and democratic participation. During the fellowship, participants develop and implement a project designed to advance collaborative discussion.

Possible projects may include designing and delivering a workshop, developing a Collaborative Discussion certificate programme, creating a new activity for the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit or developing an innovative way to introduce the project to new audiences. Fellows will also produce a publication, video or new curriculum that advances the Foundation’s mission.

The programme includes an in person launch at the University of Delaware, virtual Collaborative Discussion Coach Training, monthly virtual meetings and an in person Fellows Showcase.

Fellowship Benefits

• $6,000 stipend paid in three installments

• Full scholarship to Collaborative Discussion Coach Training valued at $495

• Travel and expenses covered for two in person fellowship gatherings

• Practical experience completing a real world community project

• Co author credit on a written piece, new curriculum or audiovisual media project

• Monthly virtual meetings with mentors and fellow participants

• Regular mentorship from an experienced Senior Fellow

• Leadership development through practical collaborative discussion work

• Opportunities to contribute to the Collaborative Discussion Project and its resources

Programme Structure

The fellowship runs throughout 2027 and combines virtual learning, mentorship and practical project development.

• In person Fellows Launch: January 7 to 8, 2027

• Virtual Coach Training: January 20, January 27, February 3, February 10 and February 17, 2027

• Monthly virtual meetings: March through October 2027

• Project proposal deadline: March 12, 2027

• Progress report and deliverable deadline: July 2, 2027

• Final report deadline: October 1, 2027

• In person Fellows Showcase: November 4 to 6, 2027

Applicants must be able to participate in all required virtual and in person activities. The location of the final Fellows Showcase is to be confirmed.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to collaborative discussion and or strengthening democracy within a particular community

• Applicants may come from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds

• People from diverse ages, identities, political affiliations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds are encouraged to apply

• Individuals with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply

• People who have not previously had access to a fellowship opportunity of this kind are particularly encouraged

• Applicants must be able to participate in the required virtual sessions and two in person gatherings

• Selected Fellows must be legally authorized to work in the United States throughout the fellowship period

• The Interactivity Foundation cannot sponsor or obtain employment authorization for Fellows

How to Apply

1. Review the Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship requirements and programme schedule.
2. Confirm that you can participate in all required virtual sessions and in person gatherings.
3. Prepare your application materials and information requested by the Interactivity Foundation.
4. Submit your application through the official fellowship application portal before the deadline.
5. If selected, complete the acceptance requirements and employment documentation by the specified dates.
6. Prepare to participate in the January 2027 Fellows Launch and the full fellowship programme.