Interactivity Foundation
Applications are open for the Interactivity Foundation Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship 2027, a year long professional development opportunity for individuals committed to strengthening dialogue, community engagement and democracy. Organised by the Interactivity Foundation, the fellowship supports emerging leaders who want to help people discuss challenging issues constructively, understand different perspectives and work together to address community concerns.
The fellowship forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing Collaborative Discussion Project, which explores how creative, culturally responsive and critically informed conversations can help communities build stronger relationships and improve democratic participation. Rather than focusing solely on classroom learning, the programme encourages participants to put collaborative discussion principles into practice through a project that responds to the needs of a real community.
Selected Emerging Fellows are paired with experienced Senior Fellows who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the programme. Participants develop their leadership and facilitation abilities, receive specialist training and work towards producing a practical resource or publication that advances collaborative discussion. The fellowship welcomes people from a broad range of professional backgrounds, identities, political affiliations and lived experiences, with particular interest in nurturing new and diverse leadership.
The programme combines virtual training and monthly online meetings with two in person gatherings in the United States. The opening gathering is scheduled for January 7 to 8, 2027, at the University of Delaware. The final Fellows Showcase is planned for November 4 to 6, 2027, with its location yet to be confirmed.
The fellowship offers a US$6,000 stipend, a full scholarship for Collaborative Discussion Project Coach Training valued at US$495, and travel and expenses for the two required in person gatherings. However, it is important for prospective international applicants to note that the fellowship requires compensated services to be performed in the United States. Applicants must already have legal authorization to work in the country for the entire fellowship period because the Interactivity Foundation cannot provide visa sponsorship or obtain employment authorization.
Application deadline: November 8, 2026, at midnight Eastern Time.
The Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship is designed to help individuals develop practical approaches to constructive dialogue and democratic engagement. Through the Collaborative Discussion Project, the Interactivity Foundation examines how people can think more effectively together, explore complex questions and work through differences without losing sight of shared community goals.
Fellows will work with their Senior Fellow mentors to develop and implement a project that brings collaborative discussion skills and mindsets to a community. Projects may involve designing and delivering a workshop, developing a certificate programme, creating a new activity for the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit or introducing the Collaborative Discussion Project to audiences that have not previously engaged with it.
Participants will also produce a publication, video or new curriculum connected to the Foundation’s mission. This provides an opportunity to translate learning into a tangible output that can support community engagement and contribute to the wider practice of collaborative discussion.
The programme runs throughout 2027 and requires participants to attend the scheduled training sessions, monthly meetings and in person gatherings.
• US$6,000 stipend paid in three installments throughout the fellowship.
• Full training scholarship for Collaborative Discussion Project Coach Training, valued at US$495.
• Travel and expenses covered for the two required in person fellowship gatherings.
• Individual mentorship from a Senior Fellow experienced in collaborative discussion.
• Leadership development through practical work in dialogue, facilitation and community engagement.
• Real world project experience developing and implementing an initiative that advances collaborative discussion.
• Co author credit on a written publication, curriculum or audiovisual media project.
• Professional network through monthly virtual meetings with mentors and other fellows working to strengthen democracy and community dialogue.
• Practical learning opportunities that help participants develop their own ideas and approaches to constructive public discussion.
The fellowship combines training, mentorship, independent project development and opportunities to exchange ideas with other participants.
• January 7 to 8, 2027: In person Fellows Launch at the University of Delaware.
• January 20, 27 and February 3, 10 and 17, 2027: Virtual Collaborative Discussion Coach Training sessions, scheduled for Wednesdays from 12 pm to 3 pm Eastern Time.
• March to October 2027: Monthly virtual meetings with mentors and fellow participants, generally scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month from 12 pm to 1 pm Eastern Time.
• March 12, 2027: Project proposal submission deadline.
• July 2, 2027: Progress report and project deliverable deadline.
• October 1, 2027: Final project report deadline.
• November 4 to 6, 2027: In person Fellows Showcase, with the location to be announced.
Applicants should review the complete schedule before applying and ensure that they can participate in all required activities.
The fellowship is intended for people who have demonstrated a commitment to collaborative discussion or strengthening democracy within a particular community.
• Applicants must show an interest in constructive dialogue, community engagement or democratic participation.
• Individuals from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds are welcome to apply.
• Applicants from diverse ages, identities, political affiliations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds are encouraged.
• People with varied lived experiences are welcome, including those who have not previously had access to similar fellowship opportunities.
• Applicants should be interested in developing leadership skills and implementing a practical community project.
• Applicants must be available for the required virtual training, monthly meetings and two in person gatherings.
• Selected fellows must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the entire fellowship period.
• Applicants must be able to perform the fellowship’s compensated services in the United States.
• Applicants must be able to meet the programme deadlines and complete their project and reporting responsibilities.
Important eligibility note: The programme welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, but this does not remove the United States work authorization requirement. The Foundation does not sponsor visas or obtain employment authorization for selected fellows.
Applicants should consult the official application form for the exact questions and information required. The published fellowship announcement does not provide a definitive separate list of mandatory supporting documents.
Before applying, prospective fellows should be prepared to explain:
• Their commitment to collaborative discussion or strengthening democracy in a community.
• Their experience, interests or ideas relevant to community engagement and constructive dialogue.
• The type of project they would like to develop or implement during the fellowship, where requested by the application.
• Their availability for the scheduled virtual activities and in person gatherings.
• Their ability to meet the United States work authorization requirement.
Applicants should use the official application portal to confirm the required responses and any additional documentation.
Interactivity Foundation
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