
Democracy is profoundly impacted by rapidly developing information and communication technologies. While these technologies offer us platforms for civic engagement, mobilization, and the sharing of information, they are also employed for anti-democratic objectives – as tools of manipulation, exploitation, censorship, and surveillance.
The common denominator of our 2022/23 Fellows projects is that they all revolve around the challenges and opportunities of democracy in the digital age. The projects take place at the intersection of technology and social justice and may vary widely in focus, methodology, scope, and target groups. They are concerned with the impact of:
(discriminating) algorithms | artificial intelligence | censorship | community organizing | data collection | democratic checks and balances for tech giants | democratic placemaking through digital tools | the digital divide | discrimination and hate speech online | disinformation online | filter bubbles | internet governance | liquid democracy | (mass) surveillance | machine learning | open data | privacy
Together and individually, our Fellows explore an array of complex questions, develop responses, and implement tangible actions that reach broad audiences. While each project is different, they all leverage or challenge the use of technology as a shaper of democracy in the 21st century. The project implementation takes place in the European Union, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
Ideal Candidates
We look for young professionals born in or after 1980 who are based in the European Union, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They have leadership experience alongside a passion to be(come) civically active. They fulfill the following criteria:
Professional work experience of at least 5 years in any field | Impactful professional and/or community networks | Demonstrated leadership experience | An innovative grassroots project proposal | A passion for serving the public interest | A record of political and/or civic engagement, community activism, or social entrepreneurship | An appreciation for emotional intelligence | Strong communication skills, cultural fluency, and humility.
While we encourage candidates with specific expertise or a background in IT and tech to apply, we are as interested in candidates who have identified or are affected by the democratic opportunities and challenges of our digital age – irrespective of which academic or professional background has shaped their thinking.
As they plan, test, and implement their projects, the 30 Landecker Fellows cooperate and support each other. To scale their impact, they rely on and activate their existing networks while also recruiting new partners who support the realization of their ideas. To raise awareness of their cause, they use digital means to share insights, inspirations, and updates with the public.
To learn more about our eligibility criteria, please consult our FAQ section. To apply, please submit this application form!