2026 Community Advocacy Fellowship

The Internet Society has open the call for the 2026 Community Advocacy Fellowship, six-month advocacy capacity‑building journey, designed to help participants strengthen their advocacy skills, build regional connections, and become effective Internet advocates. Fellows who graduate from the program join the Internet Society Alumni network and contribute to building a global network of skilled advocates to champion the Internet we want – one that is open, globally-connected, secure, and trustworthy.

The fellowship is open to Internet Society chapter members, special interest group (SIG) members, standing group (SG) members, and organization members and all are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

• 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 its focus regions for 2026, the Society is encouraging applicants 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

Thematics

This program brings the opportunity to:

• Deepen subject expertise through training from experienced Internet advocates and communication professionals
• Broaden advocacy, communications, and community engagement skills
• Advocate for policies, technology, and commercial decisions that put people’s safety, security, and privacy first;
• Develop skills and implement advocacy and connections needed to make more of an impact in your local community (and beyond!)
• Benefit from sharing networks, learning from each other’s approaches, working together, and forging relationships that will significantly enhance your impact as a leading Internet advocate in your community, country, and region during curated community workshops.

How to apply 

To fill the application form and find more information, please visit this page. Applications close on 3 May at 23:59 UTC.