Question 1

Who should apply?

Accepted Answer

This program is meant for people who have begun working in the political field. People who have a minimum 6 months of active political experience - student leaders who have contested elections (either won or not); full time party workers; people who are planning to contest (or have in the past contested) at panchayat, municipal or state level roles etc. are all eligible to apply.

Question 2

Why should I apply for this program?

Accepted Answer

If you want to  1) nurture your inner self for a political journey 2) enhance key political skills like campaigning; communication;  strategy etc. 3) increase your political knowledge 4) be part of a thriving political community of leaders

Question 3

What are the dates of the program?

Accepted Answer

It’s a 9-day learning journey across four southern states. The four states we will be travelling across are Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Program starts on 3rd December 2021 and ends on 12th December 2021.

Question 4

What would the language of instruction be?

Accepted Answer

The language of instruction will be English keeping the southern states in mind. Hence, its important that all applicants and participants understand English and can speak it fluently

Question 5

What are the prerequisites for joining the program?

Accepted Answer

Working professionals or active political people can definitely apply as long as they can commit to 9 days’ full time, to this in-person program. The 9 days journey will be intense. Each of our modules require an extensive set of pre readings to be completed prior. The days will be long with multiple sessions and discussions along with travel. They will also be part of small groups where they complete group tasks together as well.

Question 6

What are COVID guidelines to be a part of the Program?

Accepted Answer

Everyone who is part of the cohort needs to be fully vaccinated (both doses). During the program, use of masks and sanitizer is compulsory. On arrival, an additional negative RT-PCR report, not older than 48 hours will be required at the time of boarding into the program.

Question 7

Is there a cost for the program? Are there any scholarships available?

Accepted Answer

The program cost is 40,000 INR. Each participant is expected to contribute a minimum of 15,000 INR. Beyond that, we operate on a trust based model that each participant will contribute according to their capacity.   We do provide full and partial scholarships that cover cost of the program; for those who do not have the financial capacity to support themselves for the program. We provide special scholarships to women and people from marginalized communities. The selection process only looks at the merit and potential of each candidate. If you are right for this program, we will collectively figure out how to find the resources to support your learning.

Question 8

Since it’s a travelling program how we will be travelling across states?

Accepted Answer

We will be travelling across states via a designated rented sleeper bus.

Question 9

What sort of training curriculum do you provide?

Accepted Answer

The program provides an interdisciplinary curriculum to cultivate political readiness in our participants. We also use a variety of instructional methods, including peer learning, debates, dialogues, lectures, presentations and on ground immersions. Please refer to our program page for further details on the curriculum and program.

Question 10

Do you provide a degree /certificate?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not provide any degree or certificate.

Question 11

Will I have placements after this program? Can you share more about the alumni of ISD ?

Accepted Answer

Democracy Express is one of ISD’s flagship programs. Once the program is over, we would continue to invite you to exclusive alumni learning experiences, connect alumni to political pathways and opportunities and provide long term support and guidance for your future political journey.

Question 12

What kind of support can I expect to post the program?

Accepted Answer

Democracy Express is one of ISD’s flagship programs. Once the program is over, we would continue to invite you to exclusive alumni learning experiences, connect alumni to political pathways and opportunities and provide long term support and guidance for your future political journey.

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