Participatory and deliberative democracy can significantly improve the lives of historically marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and displaced people. When these communities share their views and actively participate in decisions like budget planning or policymaking, the outcomes are more likely to reflect their priorities and positively impact their lives.

To be selected for this program, applicants must be civil society organizations working with governments and have a participatory initiative already underway. The accelerator is open to applicants from Latin America, Africa, Asia, or Eastern Europe, and 12 participants will be selected for this cohort.

Programme Specifications

• The Inclusive Democracy Accelerator (IDA) is a six-month, practice-oriented training and support program to help civil society organizations and governments improve participatory initiatives to better engage historically marginalized groups. Participants will develop a project to engage these communities more effectively in existing decision-making processes, with a focus on youth, women, and displaced people. Selected applicants will have access to a dedicated mentor to guide the improvement of their program, along with:
  • Step-by-step resources such as the Participation Playbook, their interactive online tool for designing participatory programs.
  • Practice-oriented live sessions and online courses.
  • Peer networking opportunities, including attendance at a two-day international workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, with all travel expenses fully covered by the program.

Role and Responsibilities

• Applicants should nominate a lead participant with working proficiency in English, to participate in cohort sessions, but the mentorship and resources can be in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• The lead participant will track program progress, engage other project members and stakeholders in the activities, attend the two-day in-person workshop, communicate with the program support, and be accountable for the conclusion of the action plan development. This person will receive a participation certificate.
• Develop an action plan (project) to improve the engagement of women, youth or displaced people in an ongoing participatory or deliberative process:
  • Engage internal and external stakeholders to develop an action plan.
  • Attend and participate in dedicated training and mentorship/peer support activities and discussions.
  • Attend a four-day online workshop week.
  • Report on project progress through surveys and learning reports.
  • Engage with other cohort members to support each other's work.

Eligibility Criteria

• Civil society organizations working in collaboration with government authorities to plan and manage participatory programs already underway.
• Government officials, staff members and policymakers who want to improve a participatory program to include marginalized communities such as youth, women, and displaced people.
• Participants need to be based in Latin America, Africa, Asia or Eastern Europe.

For more information, visit People Powered.