Applications Open: Become a Sustained Discussion Visiting Fellow
Apply by August 23 to become a visiting fellow at IF
Friends,
We are excited to share that applications are now open for our Sustained Discussion Visiting Fellows program!
The Interactivity Foundation’s Sustained Discussions Program (SDP) offers a select group of Visiting Fellows the chance to lead independent, exploratory discussion projects focused on topics of public concern. Each project produces new discussion tools to help others have meaningful conversations. The next Sustained Discussion Fellowship Cohort begins September 1st, 2024 and concludes in June, 2025.
What is an IF Sustained Discussion Project?
Over the years, IF has supported more than 50 Sustained Discussion Projects and created dozens of discussion guides to help others have meaningful discussions around emerging issues of public concern. As we relaunch this initiative, we are excited to invite visiting fellows to propose project topics and develop public facilitation plans and discussion tools for others to use.
Exploration is at the core of IF Sustained Discussion Projects. Our projects are designed to expand understanding of an emerging area of concern. They are not designed to reach a consensus, propose immediate solutions, or advocate for a single course of action. They are designed to intentionally seek out divergent perspectives, expand collective imagination, and open up a range of possibilities for action. SDP Visiting Fellows will use the IF Exploratory Method to guide their discussion groups to new possibilities, not lead them to a predetermined solution.
How does the Fellowship work?
Visiting Fellows receive $5,000 to support a discussion project, facilitating at least ten discussions on their proposed topic.
Selected Visiting Fellows will:
Identify a topic that is an emerging area of public interest or concern.
Recruit participants to join a sustained discussion group designed to explore this emerging topic of public concern.
Manage and facilitate small-group discussion projects using the IF Exploratory Method.
Collaborate with the SDP Team to develop, facilitate, and showcase discussion project tools. Project team members include Ieva Notturno (Senior Fellow), Daphne Chan (Social Design Visiting Fellow), and myself.
Collaborate with other SDP Visiting Fellows in monthly cohort meetings.
Develop a public facilitation plan and other discussion tools to help others discuss the topic.
Who should apply?
Individuals passionate about facilitating exploratory discussions about emerging issues of public concern.
Civically-minded individuals and/or civic professionals who represent community organizations. We welcome support, co-sponsorship, and collaboration from other organizations.
Individuals interested in organizing and facilitating small-group discussions.
Individuals interested in collaborating to create discussion tools and resources.
Individuals focused on supporting the exploration of areas of concern but not driven by a singular and predetermined outcome (we are not looking for advocates for specific policies or courses of action).
Learn More & Share this Opportunity!
Join us on July 31, 2024, from 12 pm - 1 pm ET for an Information Session via Zoom. Applications Close on August 23, 2024.
Please share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues who may be interested in working with our team on their own sustained discussion project!
We look forward to hearing from you,
Shannon & the SDP Team
Upcoming Events
August 7, 2024: Collaborative Discussion Project Community Gathering—Register Now!
July 31, 2024: Information Session – Become an IF Sustained Discussion Visiting Fellow—Register Now!
August 5, 2024: Engaging in Challenging Conversations Webinar—Register Now!
August 8, 2024: AASCU’s Bridge-Building Workshop—Register Now!
Are there openings for IF Fellows for 2026?