The Center for American Progress Action Fund’s multinational initiative, Global Progress Action, seeks to increase the capacity of pro-democratic actors around the world to achieve and maintain governing majorities and advance progressive policies. We believe that through thoughtful governing, we can meet transnational challenges and advance policy solutions to the world’s most pressing issues. To this end, CAP Action’s yearlong leadership program, the Field Fellowship, will identify, equip, and bolster a new generation of leaders from around the world to advance and invigorate progressive thinking. The program seeks to advance policy and political innovation focused on building an economy for all, tackle the climate crisis, and restore social trust in democracy. A successful program will advance new policy ideas developed by leaders newly equipped to be progressive advocates of their own.
The Field Fellowship, led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Global Progress Action, equips multinational public service leaders who may not see themselves reflected in modern, mainstream notions of political leadership and policymaking. The Fellowship works with participants to develop, promote, and advocate for progressive goals by learning how to lead with kindness and empathy, value the collective and seek to bridge-build, and motivate through hope, not fear. The fellowship aims to support a progressive vision and these promising, empathetic leaders by making them more effective politicians and policymakers.
Program dates
The Field Fellowship will begin July 1, 2025, and continue through June 30, 2026, with key in-person and digital engagement dates throughout the year.
Coursework and curricula
The Field Fellowship will present a program of engagement for participants that includes public programming focused on policy priorities and informed by lived experience; opportunities to engage in policy working groups; digital, written, and public forums for policy exploration; networking events; and an annual leadership retreat.
Participant profile
Field Fellowship applicants should be accomplished and empathetic public service leaders committed to developing new progressive ideas and seeking to expand their skills, perspectives, and networks to advance progressive social change around the world. Ideal candidates will demonstrate exceptional potential or proven effectiveness in shaping progressive public policies, messages, and coalitions. Successful applicants will be:
- Leaders in the fight for progressive policies and democracy, with demonstrated support from the field in the form of nomination or recommendation from civil society, advocacy, or government institution or affiliates
- Hopeful and optimistic about politics and government as a solution for modern problems
- Ambitious about what they want to achieve through politics and public service
- Demonstrated consensus-builders who often seek to build bridges and widen tents in order to get things done
- Curious and humble, with a strong emphasis on leading in a way that is vulnerable, empathetic, and kind
Individuals may not clearly possess all of these qualities, or the nominator may not be able to speak directly to all of them, but they should possess many or be seen as someone in whom these things can be nurtured and brought out.
Participants who are current elected officeholders or government officials are welcome to apply but are responsible for knowing their countries’ restrictions on participation, including any applicable lobbying, gift, travel, lodging, or other benefits rules. Current elected officeholders and government officials are required to obtain all necessary authorizations from their government before beginning the program and must attest that their participation complies with their laws.
Application process
- Nomination from civil society, advocacy, or government institution or affiliate:
- Application form and materials will be sent to those invited to apply.
- If selected, there will be an interview with one or more members of selection committee.
- There is no monetary compensation or stipend associated with this fellowship.
- The nomination deadline is April 15, 2025.
Learn about the launch of the Field Fellowship.