Rising Stars by People Powered: Coaching Participatory Democracy Across Borders (Apply by February 27th, 2026!)

​People Powered's Rising Stars mentorship program, implemented in partnership with Coglobal through the EU-funded Nets4Dem project, connects democracy practitioners with expert coaches from 22 countries to strengthen participatory governance initiatives worldwide. The program provides tailored guidance for activists, government officials, and civil society staff working to launch or improve participatory programs such as citizen assemblies, participatory budgeting, and community engagement processes. Through up to five coaching calls over six months, mentees receive practical support on design challenges, implementation strategies, and building political will for democratic reforms, while gaining access to a global community of practice that shares resources and lessons learned across contexts. Rising Stars advances NCDD's mission by building capacity for inclusive deliberation, fostering cross-border collaboration among practitioners, and strengthening the infrastructure that enables communities to participate meaningfully in governance decisions.

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People Powered has opened applications for its 2026 Rising Stars mentorship program, a global initiative that connects democracy practitioners with expert guidance to launch and improve participatory programs in their communities. Developed in partnership with Coglobal and supported by EU Horizon funding through the Nets4Dem project, the program addresses a critical gap in practical support for government officials, civil society advocates, and program managers working to strengthen democratic participation. Rising Stars pairs mentees with experienced practitioners from 22 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and Latin America who provide tailored coaching on design challenges, implementation strategies, and program sustainability. Through up to five one-hour calls over six months, participants gain confidence and concrete skills to navigate the complex political and institutional environments that often complicate participatory democracy work.

The mentorship program serves activists seeking government approval for participatory initiatives, officials planning community engagement processes, and staff responsible for implementing programs such as participatory budgeting, citizen assemblies, and deliberative forums. Mentors bring on-the-ground expertise in facilitating inclusive decision-making, building political will for democratic reforms, and adapting participatory methods to diverse cultural and institutional contexts. The matching process considers program type, language, location, and specific implementation challenges to ensure relevant guidance. This peer-to-peer learning model creates space for honest problem-solving conversations where practitioners can address obstacles, test ideas, and learn from the successes and failures of colleagues working in similar contexts. By connecting mentees with experienced facilitators who understand the realities of participatory democracy work, the program builds capacity for meaningful civic engagement that genuinely involves communities in governance decisions.

Rising Stars exemplifies the value of cross-border collaboration in advancing participatory democracy practices. The program leverages the collective wisdom of a global network of mentors who have navigated challenges ranging from securing institutional buy-in to designing inclusive processes that reach marginalized communities. Mentees benefit not only from individual coaching but also from connection to this broader community of practice, gaining access to resources, case studies, and peer support that extend beyond the formal mentorship period. Reserved spots for People Powered members encourage practitioners to join a sustained network committed to democratic innovation. This infrastructure for knowledge-sharing and mutual support strengthens the field by ensuring hard-won lessons travel across contexts and practitioners don't have to solve common challenges in isolation.
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To apply for the Rising Stars mentorship program and access expert guidance for your participatory democracy work, visit https://www.peoplepowered.org/mentorship