Community Advocacy Fellowship > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fellows will be selected?
50 total fellows will be selected for the 2026 cohort of the Community Advocacy Fellowship.
I would like to apply, but my region is not listed!
Each year, we focus on two regions, with one global Fellowship cohort and two in‑person regional workshops, aligned with our Think Global, Act Local approach.
In 2025, we piloted in Asia-Pacific & Latin America and the Caribbean
In 2026, we are focusing on Africa & Europe
At least 80% of selected fellows will be drawn from these 2 regions and the remaining may be selected from other regions
How are fellows selected?
Fellows are chosen through a 2-step review process that is open, fair, and transparent. Key demographic information, such as names, genders, contact details, or any other personal identifiers are not shared with reviewers. The selection is based on the following criteria:
– Engagement in chapter activities within the last 2 years
– Clear articulation of advocacy goal and past advocacy work
– Demonstrated collaboration with key stakeholders
– Insights showing that the fellowship activity commitment can be taken
– Clear alignment with the advocacy tracks identified (Open Internet, Connectivity, Safer Internet, Internet Governance)
We are also ensuring a balance between global and regional representation as well as a strong chapter representation.
Are the in‑person regional Chapter Workshops being discontinued?
No. The in‑person regional Chapter Workshops are not being discontinued. They have been intentionally integrated into the Community Advocacy Fellowship as a core, in‑person component to ensure they remain impactful and aligned with our long‑term community and advocacy goals.
Is this a new version of the in-person chapter workshop?
The Fellowship is a 6+ month advocacy capacity‑building journey, with in‑person regional workshops as a component, not a replacement. This model keeps what worked (face‑to‑face engagement, regional relevance, chapter‑to‑chapter exchange) and adds sustained learning, mentoring, and practical advocacy experience. Fellows who complete the program join the Internet Society Alumni Network, helping build a global pool of skilled Internet advocates.
Who is eligible to submit an application for the fellowship?
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Be an active member of a chapter, special interest group, standing group, or an Internet Society organization member (i.e., organizations that are registered members of the Internet Society)
– Following our focus regions for 2026, we are encouraging applicant based in Africa and Europe.
– At least 80% of selected candidates will come from African and European chapters. Up to 20% of selected candidates will be welcomed from the remaining community segments or regions.
– Have basic comprehension and communication in English.
– Be able to travel to assigned workshop locations, i.e., applicants based in Africa will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, and applicants based in Europe will travel to Brussels, Belgium.
– Have access to the Internet.
– Be able to dedicate approximately 4-6 hours per week throughout the program.
– Be able to attend required sessions. (happening between 9-14h UTC)
– Commit to complete all mandatory deliverables during the program
– Have led or participated in at least one chapter, special interest group, standing group, or an Internet Society organization member activity.
– Have not previously been selected as an Internet Society Community Advocacy Fellow
– Have not been accepted as a fellow in any Internet Society fellowship from 2024 to date
– Have a clear Internet-related advocacy interest relevant to your region/country, ideally in line with any of these tracks:
Open Internet
Connectivity
Safer Internet
Internet Governance
Can applicants use generative AI tools when preparing their applications?
While the use of generative AI tools to support the preparation of fellowship applications is not prohibited, these tools should serve only as supportive resources, e.g., language translation, grammar correction, accessibility needs, etc.
Applicants are expected to use their own words and ideas to build an application that accurately represents their experience, expertise, and project vision. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that all information in their applications is accurate, truthful, and relevant to the proposed fellowship program for which they are applying.
When using public AI tools, avoid entering confidential information or personally identifiable information, and ensure that your use of these tools aligns with all applicable data protection laws, regulations, and policies.
If you have questions about these guidelines, please contact [email protected].
Can I attend both Community workshops?
No. Each attendee will attend the workshop held in their region of residence.
What does the fellowship include?
– A round-trip air ticket to one Internet Society-assigned community workshop
– Hotel accommodation for the duration of the community workshop.
– A fixed stipend for additional needs
What does the travel support NOT cover?
– Any visa-related costs
– Additional accommodation past the assigned community workshop days
– Travel support to a community workshop that the fellow has NOT been assigned to attend
How long does the Community Advocacy Fellowship last?
The Community Advocacy Fellowship lasts for six months, from June to November.
Fellows are responsible for obtaining all the necessary relevant permissions from their employers or educational institutions to participate in the Fellowship.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. The Internet Society covers all costs, including academic coursework, online sessions, and other program elements. You’ll just need to supply your own materials and technology devices.
Is there a certificate or similar upon program completion?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, all fellows will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Internet Society and partners.
How can I receive updates on this and other Fellowship programs at the Internet Society?
We keep all program information up-to-date and will update it on an ongoing basis. We also encourage you to follow us.
I cannot commit to the current cohort timeline. Will there be other Fellowship programs?
Yes. The Community Advocacy Fellowship will run once a year.
Does the Internet Society cover visa-related charges?
No. The Internet Society does not offer financial support for visa-related travel costs to the assigned community workshop.
Who is an organization member?
Organizations that join the Internet Society have a seat at the table in developing an open, secure, and globally accessible Internet. Because they know that the future of their organization depends on the future of the Internet. Organization members include companies, non-profits, academic institutions, and governmental organizations committed to supporting the Internet. See a full list of organization members. To learn about the different organization membership levels, dues, and the benefits they offer, fill out the form or reach out to [email protected].