03.09.2021

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 2021 Media Fellowship Project

Seizing the Moment : Progressive Possibilities in Transatlantic Politics - DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Apply by September 13, 2021

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Apply by September 13, 2021

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 2021 Media Fellowship Project

Seizing the Moment : Progressive Possibilities in Transatlantic Politics

Following the 2020 US elections and change of administration, and during a cycle of new elections in Germany and Europe, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Washington Office is pleased to announce a media fellowship project to amplify and empower diverse voices from inside & outside of Washington, DC to cover progressive views on a critical moment for transatlantic cooperation and political possibility. Up to 5 media fellowship participants will be selected to explore issues of potential transatlantic cooperation – either where new administrations are pursuing or proposing policy changes, or where cooperation doesn’t yet exist, but should  – receiving a stipend of $3,000 to complete their projects. Application instructions are below. 

The application window closes September 13, 2021; selected fellows would be notified by September 17, 2021. Finished stories should be published by December 17, 2021.

Students, independent journalists, bloggers, community activists, or U.S. / Canadian / German / European residents who wish to report on progressive views for a complex transatlantic audience are invited to apply to support original reportage (these can be written blogs, articles, analyses; audio interviews, podcasts; videos and film), to be published with attribution for research support on media outlets and through the website and social media channels of the FES. Participants in the media fellowship project are encouraged to also engage with the FES DC on social media during their story research and reporting.

While participants will have research freedom, project proposals should include topics relevant to social democratic values – freedom, justice, and solidarity – or labor unions and civil society movements. Possible topics could include:

  1. Economics
    • Just Transition & industrial transformation
    • Work of the Future
    • Union membership and organizing in a changing world of work
    • Apprenticeships and skills development
    • Transatlantic trade
  2. Domestic policy and social politics
    • Local governments as international actors
    • Democratic values and civility
    • Local community initiatives to combat climate change
    • Education
    • Health care
    • Housing and homelessness
    • Belief and politics
  3. Foreign and security policy
    • A new foreign policy and an expanded view of security
    • Multilateralism: international cooperation and rules-based order
    • Regional strategies for stability and peace
    • Possible next steps on disarmament and non-proliferation
    • Public support for foreign aid (and a new U.S. leadership role in the world)
  4. Progressive thought
    • Representation and intersectionality in politics
    • Racial and social justice issues in America or Europe
    • Generation Y (Millennials) and Z – new progressives or just the same?

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Complete applications will consist of:

  1. Resume: Please use a standard US format (no photo)
  2. Cover letter: A one-page document outlining your motivation, qualifications, and experience. 
  3. Proposal: Please include the following three sections:
    • Story proposals: Please include a short description of the stories you plan to cover (about 200 words each), as well as the relationship of your stories to the topics outlined above. In your proposal, consider the question – why are these proposed stories interesting or relevant from a transatlantic and social democratic perspective?
      • You do not need to have interviews confirmed, but you should indicate whom you plan to contact. Please also specify the language of publication, medium, audience, and plans for publication.
    • Travel itinerary: If you plan on travel, outline your destinations and possible interviews in each location. The Friedrich Ebert Foundation Washington Office will not accept liability for risks taken while traveling.
    • Social media engagement: Briefly explain how you plan to engage with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Washington Office in the course of the media fellowship and your reporting.
  4. Work samples: Please submit two work samples in English or German.

Please submit applications to FESDC with subject line Media Fellowship Project 2021 by 11:45pm Eastern Daylight Time on September 13, 2021. 

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
USA and Canada

WASHINGTON, DC
+1 202-478-4390
fesdc[at]fesdc.org

OTTAWA, ON
+1 202-478-4390
canada[at]fesdc.org

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