Apply now: the third annual Democracy Academy seeks its next class of emerging leaders with migration background

For the third year in a row, 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.

About the academy

The Democracy Academy, part of the New Europeans Initiative, is an annual series of online events meant to boost the civic and political participation skills of people from various migration backgrounds. The academy brings 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 receive a certificate. They are better able to maximise their engagement in decision-making processes and amplify fellow New Europeans’ civic and political participation.

Alumni from the previous editions have applied strategies and ideas learned during the academy in their subsequent work. They have also formed lasting connections with the rest of the participants and the speakers, extending their work together beyond the context of the academy, too.

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.

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

This year’s edition

The 2025 academy will further build upon the successes and lessons learned from the previous editions. The 2025 sessions will take place over the following 5 consecutive Thursdays in November and December and will cover the following topics:

• • Session 1: 13 November –  Meaningful participation, led by Razan Ismail, Founder of Kudwa Association
  • Session 2: 20 November –  Evidence-based advocacy, led by Jair Schalkwijk, Project Leader at Controle Alt Delete & IZI Solutions
  • Session 3: 27 November –  Organising for sustainability and resilience, led by Juliana Santos Wahlgren, Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)
  • Session 4: 4 December –  Mobilising and campaigning, led by Adnan Abdul Ghani, Founder of the Support Group Network (SGN) and EU Project Manager at Save the Children
  • Session 5:  11 December – Communicating for change, led by Kristin Dannevig, strategic communications consultant.

Each session will last 3 hours, from 13:00 to 16:00 Brussels time.

These issues 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.

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.

To apply, fill in this application form and upload an updated CV until the end of 28 September 2025, 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, project manager, at gyovova@migpolgroup.com.