2026-2027 Democracy In Action Fellowship Application

📢 Apply Now for the 2026–2027 Democracy in Action Fellowship!

Mississippi Votes' Democracy in Action Fellowship is a 10-month paid leadership program designed to engage, enrich, and empower students attending colleges and universities across Mississippi. Democracy in Action Fellows serve as campus-based organizers who help their peers see themselves as essential to the larger vision for democracy.

Fellows are responsible for more than registering students to vote — they engage their peers in meaningful ways that build political awareness, civic responsibility, and long-term participation. Through hands-on organizing, training, and real-world experience, Fellows develop skills in grassroots organizing, communications, data management, and political education while deepening their political analysis through readings, training, and resources connected to their lived experiences and geography.

Democracy in Action Fellows act as Ambassadors of Change on their campuses, working directly with local and state representatives, hosting events, and leading voter education and turnout efforts. Of the 17 colleges and universities in Mississippi, Mississippi Votes currently has Fellows on 12 campuses — and one of them could be YOURS.

As a Democracy in Action Fellow, you will:
✅ Lead voter registration, voter education, and civic engagement efforts on your campus
✅ Host forums and events that empower peers to become informed and engaged voters
✅ Organize campus-based GOTV efforts such as walk-to-the-polls and creative turnout activities
✅ Build relationships with local and state elected officials through legislative engagement
✅ Develop skills in grassroots organizing, communications, data management, and leadership
✅ Represent Mississippi Votes as a trusted civic leader on your campus

Program Details
📆 Duration: 10-month fellowship (academic year)
💰 Stipend: $1,000 per semester
📍 Location: College and university campuses across Mississippi
⏱ Time Commitment: Minimum of 10 hours per week through April

Eligibility & Selection
Applicants must:
✔ Be currently enrolled in a college or university in the state of Mississippi
✔ Be registered to vote in Mississippi
✔ Have an interest in grassroots organizing and voter registration/voter education
✔ Demonstrate a commitment to educating peers about civic participation and informed voting
✔ Be a self-starter who can develop and implement work plans independently
✔ Be flexible with time commitments and able to meet program expectations

Fellows are selected through an application and interview process and confirmed by the Mississippi Votes selection committee.

Duties & Responsibilities
Fellows are expected to:
✔ Host at least four (4) civic engagement events per semester
✔ Organize campus-based GOTV efforts
✔ Adopt and lead a campus-specific #Up2US campaign
✔ Partner with student organizations engaged in civic or community work
✔ Complete at least five (5) hours of community service per semester
✔ Attend at least one Mississippi Votes Legislative Day
✔ Participate in bi-weekly check-ins with the Youth Civic Engagement Coordinator
✔ Submit an end-of-semester report

Additional Expectations
✔ Complete at least two (2) hours per week of political education and document participation
✔ Political education may include MS Votes events, partner events, town halls, council meetings, or public forums

🌟 This fellowship is an opportunity to lead on your campus, build real organizing experience, and help shape the future of democracy in Mississippi.

📝 Limited Fellowships Available – Apply Today!