Designing participatory and inclusive democracy initiatives can be challenging — especially within current complex political and institutional environments. You don’t have to face those challenges alone. Applications for expert mentoring support are now open.
The Rising Stars Program provides democracy practitioners with dedicated, expert guidance to launch and improve participatory programs. Through a structured online mentorship, it connects advocates, policymakers, and program managers with experienced, on-the-ground experts who offer practical advice tailored to their projects and contexts.
We bring together the expertise of mentors worldwide, including Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and Latin America. Thanks to EU Horizon funding through the Nets4Dem program, Coglobal has partnered with People Powered to expand the Rising Stars mentorship opportunities across Europe and beyond.
Mentees will receive up to five 1-hour calls over six months, focusing on developing participatory programs in civil society and government.
We will have three application cycles in 2026, which are filled competitively. You can apply for the first cycle until February 27. If you miss this deadline, you will be considered by the following application deadline.
Note that we have reserved spots exclusively for People Powered members. If you haven’t yet, this is the best time to learn more and apply for membership!
Who is this support for?
For all government reforms, advocates and practitioners who need targeted support, exchange of ideas, or specific resources to your current challenge, especially:
- Activists in civil society organizations and governments trying to win approval for participatory programs.
- Government officials and community partners trying to improve or address planning challenges on participatory programs.
- Staff in government and civil society organizations responsible for figuring out solutions for implementing or sustaining participatory programs.
How does the mentorship support work?
- Apply for expert mentoring support.
- Prepare for the mentorship sessions. Participate in an online orientation session about the program’s goals and expectations, mentoring process and resources offered. We review your application and assign you a mentor or mentoring group. Matching criteria include the type of participatory program, language, location, and challenges you need support with.
- Meet your mentor or mentoring group. You and your mentor schedule a call to discuss your challenges and decide on the goals you want to achieve through your mentorship. You have up to five calls with your mentor or mentoring group over 6 months.
- Get the confidence, knowledge and skills to run a more successful participatory program!
Meet the mentors
We’ve carefully selected 30 mentors from 22 countries, and they’re ready to help. Read more about them.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment or the right support to move your work forward, this might be it.
Don’t wait—apply now.
