Apply now! The 4th annual Democracy Academy looks to welcome its next class of emerging migrant leaders

For the fourth year in a roll, MPG welcomes applications from aspiring individuals with migration backgrounds who want to have their say on policymaking, learn from experts and peers, and form lasting connections. With the masterclasses reserved for graduates about to launch this autumn too (an invitation will be sent to the academy alumni who do not need to apply), joining the initiative is an opportunity to form long-lasting, impactful connections.

About the academy

Civil society across the EU is operating under unprecedented pressure, and migrant communities are on the front line. MPG believes we need to ensure that everyone is free and able to take part in political and social life. That is why the training and upskilling of migrant leaders is vital right now. The Democracy Academy, an annual series of online events part of our New Europeans Initiative, addresses this issue by providing trainings that boost the civic and political participation of emerging leaders with migration background.

The academy provides a space for training, knowledge-sharing and networking. During the sessions, the participants engage with the Democracy Academy speakers – experienced (migrant) leaders with proven track record of successes related to the themes of the academy.

Why should you apply?

The participants who successfully complete the academy are better able to maximise their engagement in decision-making processes and amplify fellow New Europeans’ civic and political participation.

So far, 61 out of 74 participants have successfully graduated from the previous three academy classes. Out of them, 90% share they have learned more about all of the topics covered, and 100% say they would recommend the initiative to others. The majority also confirm that they have applied strategies and ideas learned during the academy in their subsequent work.

Crucially, the academy graduates form lasting connections with the rest of the participants and the speakers, extending their work together beyond the context of the academy, too. Many have successfully leveraged their newly forged connections to take part in each other’s events in Brussels and beyond, collaborate on (EU-funded) projects together and support a graduate’s nomination for a consultative body.

By attending the academy, you will unlock access to find-hand resources on main issues related to participation and join a cohort of like-minded individuals based across the EU.

Those who successfully complete the initiative will receive a certificate.

See all about last year’s academy and the speakers who made is happen.

This year’s fourth edition

The 2026 academy will further build upon the successes and lessons learned from the previous editions. This academy will take place over the following five consecutive Thursdays in October and November, with each session lasting 3 hours, from 13:00 to 16:00 Brussels time (CET). The academy following topics will be covered:

• 22 October 2026: Meaningful participation, community building and goal setting goal-setting, led by Razan Ismail, Founder of the Kudwa Association
• 29 October 2026: Mobilising and campaigning, led by Adnan Abdul Ghani, Founder of the Refugee Support Network (RSN) and EU Project Manager at Save the Children
• 5 November 2026: Organising for sustainability and resilience, led by Juliana Santos Wahlgren, Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) and Founding Director of Revibra Europe
• 12 November 2026: Evidence-based advocacy, led by Jair Schalkwijk, Project Leader at Controle Alt Delete
• 19 November 2026: Hope-based communication, led by Kristin Dannevig, strategic communications consultant

These topics will be examined through the lens of the participants’ own experience, but will also be placed in the context of the current political and media environments. Feedback from the alumni of the previous academy editions will again be used to further tailor the sessions for an optimal experience.

Stay tuned for all relevant updates by following MPG on social media.

The upcoming first masterclasses

This autumn, we are delighted to also offer the first two masterclasses, reserved only for the graduates of the previous three editions of the academy. The classes will be on the two topics most often quoted as needing additional, in-depth attention by the graduates – advance hope-based communications, and fundraising.

Information about the masterclasses will be emailed to the past graduates in early September. Alumni do not need to apply to access these classes.

Those who successfully complete the 2026 academy will have access to future masterclasses, too.

Eligibility and how to apply

The academy is open to New Europeans with some level of prior political or civic participation experience.

The term “New Europeans” here stands for people with various migration backgrounds. We interpret New Europeans in a broad sense and welcome applications from diverse groups, including: people of various migrant backgrounds residing in the EU, such as non-EU nationals regardless of their status, EU citizens who are naturalised migrants, people whose parents or grandparents were migrants, as well as EU citizens who have migrated within the EU.

Prior experience with political and civic participation may include community organising, as well as work in civil society or politics. Experiences at the local, national or international levels are all relevant. However, we call on all those interested to not be discouraged to apply even if their experience is still more limited, as we are keen to hear from emerging voices in the field and ensure a balanced make-up of the classes.

Participation in the Democracy Academy is free.

Those who successfully engage in all the sessions will be awarded a certificate. The awarding of the certificate is contingent on the attendance and active participation in all five sessions of the academy. Consistent and active participation is also key as the academy strives to create a safe space for genuine collaboration and nurture connections.

To apply, fill in this application form and upload an updated CV until the end of 27 September 2026, Sunday, at the latest. All applicants will be notified about the results in early October.

The number of spots in the academy is limited to 25. Throughout the selection process, special care will be taken to ensure that the group of participants is diverse in terms of gender, type of migration background and experiences with political participation. We therefore strongly encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including in terms of gender, ability, origin, and migration status.

For any questions, please contact Gergana Yovova, MPG project manager, at gyovova@migpolgroup.com.