The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support youth civic engagement and empowerment in Serbia.
Russia’s malign influence and disinformation narratives are spurring conservative and ultranationalist movements that move the country farther from EU accession and democratic progress while PRC investment drives corruption, exploits labor markets, and circumvents environmental safeguards championed by Serbia’s citizens. State capture by a single party and stagnant democratic progress have led to an apathetic public that struggles to effectively use democratic levers. Dwindling civic education has more acutely exacerbated this trend among youth. This project aims to revitalize public confidence in democratic tools and institutions through youth engagement with public processes.
DRL’s goal is for youth populations in Serbia to constructively engage with their communities and public institutions to realize rule of law, good governance, and other human rights goals in order to effectively limit the impact of malign influence. Project objectives should seek to empower young people, including those from marginalized populations (religious and ethnic minorities, youth with disabilities, LGBTQI+, etc.) to become agents of positive social change within their own communities and increase the number of young people who engage effectively in non-partisan civic activities.
Project activities targeting youth may include: engaging youth in education on democracy, human rights, and democratic dialogue; developing their leadership skills; raising their awareness of transparency and accountability in democratic governance; and strengthening their understanding of policy development, communications, advocacy, strategic planning, and building intersectional and inclusive movements and coalitions. Activities may also include small grants to youth-led or youth-focused organizations to promote meaningful engagement in decision-making processes and implementation of policies that positively impact youth and their communities. Project outcomes should enable youth participation and engagement with community actors, stakeholders, and political processes; and youth mobilization in collective action opportunities.
Primary organizations can submit one application in response to the NOFO. Interested applicants from within Duke should contact fundopps@duke.edu as early as possible.
Deadline: April 26, 2023
DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.