{"id":16833,"date":"2026-08-31T12:29:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T12:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.migpolgroup.com\/?p=16833"},"modified":"2026-09-11T12:12:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T12:12:56","slug":"apply-for-the-4th-democracy-academy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.migpolgroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/31\/apply-for-the-4th-democracy-academy\/","title":{"rendered":"Apply now! The 4th annual Democracy Academy looks to welcome its next class of emerging migrant leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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.<\/p>\n

About the academy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u00a0part of our New Europeans Initiative<\/a>, addresses this issue by providing trainings that boost the civic and political participation of emerging leaders with migration background.<\/p>\n

The academy provides a space for training, knowledge-sharing and networking. During the sessions, the participants engage with the Democracy Academy speakers \u2013 experienced (migrant) leaders with proven track record of successes related to the themes of the academy.<\/p>\n

Why should you apply?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The participants who successfully complete the academy are\u00a0better able to maximise their engagement in decision-making processes and amplify fellow\u00a0New Europeans\u2019 civic and political participation.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s events in Brussels and beyond, collaborate on (EU-funded) projects together and support a graduate\u2019s nomination for a consultative body.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Those who successfully complete the initiative will receive a certificate.<\/p>\n

See all about last year\u2019s academy<\/a> and the speakers who made is happen.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s fourth edition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n