LEAD Initiative Democracy Project

DEMOCRACY IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT!

In this fight for our democracy, the LEAD Initiative Democracy Project has three goals:

1. to fund students to work for non-partisan, get-out-the-vote, pro-democracy, and voting rights organizations.

2. to enable community members to find volunteer opportunities to ensure greater voter engagement across the country.

3. to encourage everyone in the NYU community to vote.

GET INVOLVED IN DEMOCRACY WORK:

Voting rights are meaningless without voter access, but renewed attacks on both are advancing at the state level. Moreover, major local elections will take place this year in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. This is an exciting time to be involved in election campaigns, election policy, non-partisan efforts to defend and deepen our democracy.

FELLOWship OPPORTUNITIES:

Parke Democracy Fellowship with the Brennan Center (Wagner students)
LEAD Initiative Democracy Fellowships (All NYU students)
Ellen Schall Experience Fund (Wagner students)

For additional info, see the Funded Fellowships tab below.

ADDITIONAL GOTV OPPORTUNITIES:

The LEAD Initiative Democracy Project is sponsored by Wagner SEAD a coalition of NYU Wagner faculty, staff, and students dedicated to upholding and strengthening our democracy.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

FUNDED FELLOWSHIPS

PARKE Democracy FELLOWSHIPS

Parke Democracy fellows will assist in the work of the Brennan Center, one of the most prominent democracy-oriented think tanks.

The Brennan Center is a nonpartisan law and policy center, and is affiliated with the NYU School of Law. Their mission is to research and advocate for policy reforms targeted at expanding democracy, ensuring fair elections, and ending mass incarceration, among many others.

Fellowships are open to continuing Wagner students and May 2021 graduates.
Fellowship funding will be provided.
Fellows will work from June to August. There will also be fellowships available in the fall.
Fellows will work on a variety of projects, as determined by the Brennan Center's needs.
Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in leadership development events.
Fellows will mostly be expected to work virtually.

Read Parke Position Descriptions

LEAD Democracy FELLOWSHIPS

LEAD Democracy fellows will make a difference by defending democracy while advancing their own critical professional and leadership skills.

Fellowships are open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Fellowship funding will be provided.
Fellows will work through August, start date is rolling. Some fellows may have the chance to continue into the fall.
Fellows will work with organizations that support voter registration, voting rights, and GOTV.
Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in leadership development events.
Fellows will mostly be expected to work virtually.

APPLYING FOR A FELLOWSHIP

If you are interested in the Parke Democracy Fellowship with the Brennan Center: Complete the application here.

If you are interested in the LEAD Fellowship but have not finalized a placement, or need some advice on finding one: Complete the interest form here.

If you have secured a placement, fill out the interest form and inform us via email that you have a placement, via leadinitiative@nyu.edu.

FELLOWSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

These fellowships provide financial support and leadership development opportunities for current undergraduate and graduate students who wish to work with a voting rights or voter education organization in the US. Students in lawful F-1 or J-1 status sponsored by NYU are also encouraged to apply. Students working 20 hours a week will be given priority over those working fewer hours a week.

Fellowships are not open to 1. Prospective students who have not yet matriculated. 2. Students receiving compensation exceeding $250 (including travel/food stipends) from their host organization.

MEET OUR FELLOWS