PROGRAMS

Please verify that the information that is submitted with this application is correct and complete before submitting the application to NDI.

The deadline for submitting the application was May 29, 2007. Applications may be considered after that date as space allows.

This year, the Leadership Program is open to young leaders from Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru. NDI is also recruiting Spanish-speaking U.S. participants from the Democratic and Republican parties to share their party experiences.*

The first event of the program will be a ten-day seminar that will take place in Mexico between July 20 - 29, 2007.

In response to requests from political leaders throughout Latin America to address the challenges facing political parties, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) created the Political Leadership Program. This initiative addresses the issue of party renewal and is designed to help young and emerging political leaders develop the skills to lead more modern and responsive political parties. Because many party challenges are hemispheric, NDI will select a group of young, political activists from Latin American countries and the U.S. to participate in the Political Leadership Program.

The 2007 Political Leadership Program will begin with a ten-day intensive training seminar in which experienced European, Latin American and U.S. political activists will provide participants with training to refine political leadership skills, such as strategic planning, ethics, outreach, negotiation and communication. The seminar will take place in Mexico, July 20 - 29, 2007. The program will provide a unique opportunity to take part in a hemispheric exchange of information and experiences and to forge long-term, collegial relationships with future Latin American leaders.

To take part in the Political Leadership Program, U.S. applicants must be between 25 and 35 years of age, with significant, practical political experience and current involvement in political party activities. Applicants should demonstrate a long-term commitment to party politics. Participants must also be fluent in Spanish, since almost all sessions will be conducted in Spanish. NDI will cover all expenses related to participating in the program.

NDI is a nonprofit organization that works to expand and strengthen democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

If you have any questions or are interested in applying, please do not hesitate to contact Rebecca DeMar at (202) 728-6319 or by e-mail: liderazgo@ndi.org. The application for the Leadership Program is available below.

If you would like more information about the seminar, please browse the 2007 Leadership Program page.

* The PLD, PRD and PRSC parties in the Dominican Republic will each sponsor the participation of emerging leaders from those parties. Final selection will be made by NDI.