Do you need help launching or enhancing a participatory program? Apply for expert mentoring support provided by the Nets4Dem network in Horizon Europe Area!
Nets4Dem is offering specialised mentoring for government officials, staff, and advocates seeking assistance with participatory processes. We understand the challenges governments, public administration and organisations face in finding practical guidance to design, initiate or improve participatory programs. When confronted with difficult questions and issues regarding design or implementation, program managers often feel uncertain about the next steps or whom to consult.
That is why Nets4Dem is offering Rising Stars, an online mentorship program that connects you with expert guidance to launch and improve participatory programs. We match advocates, policymakers and program managers seeking guidance (mentees) to on-the-ground experts who can address questions (mentors).
The program, in the Horizon Europe area, is implemented by the Nets4Dem network (managed by Coglobal in association with People Powered as the developer of the program, and with support from Eurocities, Demos Helsinki, Democracy Reporting International, and European Partnership for Democracy).
Who is this program for?
- Activists in civil society organisations and governments who are trying to win approval for participatory programs.
- Government officials and community partners who are trying to plan participatory programs.
- Staff in government and civil society organisations responsible for implementing participatory programs.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in Nets4Dem activities, you must be based in one of the countries included in the Horizon Europe program or associated countries: All EU 27 Member States + Albania, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
How does the program work?
- Apply for expert mentoring support.
- Prepare for the program. 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 5 calls with your mentor or mentoring group over the course of 6 months.
- Get the confidence, knowledge and skills to run a more successful participatory program, and share your results with the Nets4Dem network!
How can you apply?
The selection is done on a rolling basis at four points of the year 2025, so you can apply at any moment and your application will be evaluated on the next scheduled selection date (keep in mind the application deadlines schedule).
See the calendar below and apply by the deadline that best fits your needs to be matched with a mentor.
Nets4Dem Mentors
These are some of our Nets4Dem expert mentors participating in the mentorship program:
- Aleksandra Zietek, Eurocities, Belgium
- Andrés Falck: Coglobal, Spain
- Jeremy Apert: European Partnership for Democracy, Belgium
- Juan López-Aranguren: Demsoc, Spain
- Kaisa Schmidt-Thomé, Demos Helsinki, Finland
- Katy Rubin, Legislative Theatre Practitioner, United Kingdom
- Katya Petrikevich, Participation Factory, Czech Republic
- Rosella Nicoletti, Eurocities, Belgium
- Pier Paolo Fanesi, Municipality of Grottammare, Italy
- Seona Candy: Demos Helsinki, Finland
- Saha Balaganesh: Demsoc, Belgium
