DCN Exchange | Call for participants!

Digital Communication Network exchange program is now entering its fifth year after successful segments in both the United States and in Europe. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by World Learning, the Digital Communication Network exchange program created and supports a collaborative network of communication professionals from across Europe and Central Asia, working together to strengthen communication skills through the development and dissemination of digital content.

The story

Over the last five years, over 100 fellows from more than 20 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia participated in our exchange program with the goal of exploring the ways that digital information technology has impacted our way of life from e-governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, social movements, and the media. The program alumni created the Digital Communication Network (DigiComNet), an international association to connect professionals in the digital age from a variety of backgrounds in order to generate ideas, tools, and products for media outlets, civil society organizations, businesses, and government.

Now, over 5,000 members of the DigiComNet engage in cross-sector learning and the promotion of a free flow of quality information across borders. Since the first program in October 2015, DigiComNet organized a variety of events in Moldova, Estonia, Lithuania, Armenia, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Romania, Greece, Slovakia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria with upcoming events throughout the region.

The call

A total of 16 participants will be selected through an open competition process to come to participate in an exchange that will begin in Brussels and continue to the United States over three weeks, scheduled from June 2–24, 2020.

Participants should be a citizen of and reside in one of the following countries: Poland, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, Armenia, Serbia, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, and one participant from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Tajikistan. Selection will be based on the overall quality of the candidates, as well as their willingness and preparedness to design and execute a digital campaign for social good that combats disinformation and/or digital literacy and involves innovative approaches. Please note that not all countries may be represented. Candidates from other countries should not apply.

Candidates for the program should be communication professionals, either with a journalistic, entrepreneurial, or activist backgrounds. They should work for media organizations (traditional or new), communication companies, NGOs and social movements, or e-governments focusing on delivering media methods and using new tools of digital communication. Priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate an interest and capacity to design and execute sophisticated digital campaigns for social good using innovative approaches.

Digital Campaigns

Applicants will be required to submit a draft of the intended digital campaign and selection to the program will include a six-month commitment to work with DCN and the Southeast Europe Hub on the campaign and other projects.

Exchange participants will develop the proposed campaigns through 1–2 skill building virtual workshops prior to the exchange, action planning, and training during the exchange.

The program

The exchange program will include an introduction to the program and action planning; participation in an international conference in Europe; and workshops, interactive meetings, and professional fellowship placements in the United States. Fellowship placements will be in media companies, non-profit organizations, NGOs, public policy organizations, communication companies, or university institutes across the United States. The U.S.-based program will focus on skill-building and networking with leaders in a variety of fields and industries related to disinformation, social networks, and using digital tools for social good. Final projects developed and refined throughout the exchange will complete for incubation and those selected will continue to work with the DCN Southeast Europe Hub after the exchange.

Apply now!

The application deadline is March 14, 2020. You can apply here.