Q: What is Aspiration’s Policy Leadership Program?
Our Policy Leadership Program intends to support and enhance a greater plurality of voices, identities, and experiences which would enrich essential digital policy conversations, and ultimately drive meaningful policy change and shift power on the European level.
Read more about our emerging program agenda.
Q: What is the Policy Leadership Cohort (PLC)?
The PLC is a peer learning initiative designed to support emerging leaders in digital policy. It provides a platform for participants to deepen their policy knowledge, enhance their skills, and build connections with similarly situated emerging leaders.
Q: Who is the PLC for?
The PLC is open to individuals who are passionate about digital policy in the European context, at all stages of their policy journey. Whether you currently work at an organisation focused on digital policy, are from an adjacent field, work as an independent activist, and are in the early, middle or later stages of your professional journey, we’d love to hear from you.
Q: What will participants gain from the PLC?
Individuals will have the opportunity to enhance their strategic and tactical leadership capacities, develop practical skills for policy advocacy, and gain insights on achieving greater impact in the digital policy arena. In particular, we’ll explore refining narrative formation, advocacy approaches, negotiation skills, building a network, public speaking, how to build a policy strategy, and more. Additionally, participants will benefit from networking opportunities and collaborative learning with a cohort of similarly situated practitioners.
Q: How long is the PLC and what is the format?
The PLC consists of 6 virtual sessions, each ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. Cohort members will also participate in periodic 1-on-1 sessions to engage in deeper work on their specific objectives. All sessions will be designed in collaboration with confirmed participants.
The cohort will be assembled in August, with the sessions kicking off in September. The specific dates will be determined once the cohort is complete. The sessions will be participatory and interactive, focused on peer learning, problem-solving, and co-creation of strategies and approaches.
Q: Is there a cost to participate?
Participation in the cohort is free, and an honorarium is available for those who may need it. We aim to make the program accessible to individuals from under-resourced or volunteer organisations, and always welcome input on how we can make our program more inclusive and equitable.
Q: How can I join the PLC?
To express interest in the PLC, submit your Expression of Interest until 24 July, 2023. If for any reason you would benefit from additional time to submit your Expression of Interest, please let us know by emailing policyleadership@aspirationtech.org.
Q: What if I’m not selected to join the first Cohort?
We plan to offer learning and engagement opportunities for all those who submit an expression of interest.
Q: Can I recommend someone for the PLC?
Absolutely! We encourage you to recommend suitable candidates who would benefit from participating. Please share the [OUTREACH PAGE] with your network or direct them to the Expression of Interest form for more information.
Q: Will there be more opportunities?
While this is our first Call, we plan to make available more opportunities for Policy Leadership Cohorts throughout the year.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at policyleadership@aspirationtech.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!