Bureau of Africa Public Diplomacy (AF/PD) announces Virtual Civic Engagement to Strengthen Democracy in Africa

Deadline: 17-Aug-2020

Africa Regional Services (ARS)/Bureau of Africa Public Diplomacy (AF/PD) of the U.S. Department of State has announced an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out virtual and in-person thematic programs in Africa.

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This program will engage early and mid-career professionals across the continent by offering a menu of virtual short courses in English, French and Portuguese on civic engagement that includes information adaptable to many countries and contexts. Central topics will include journalism, engaging governments, and inclusivity. The courses would be followed by interactive conversations via chat or social media platforms to form a network of similarly-minded individuals willing to develop activities or policies integrating course principles in their own institutions. An in-person training and networking opportunity will be offered to 60 participants to come together and discuss more deeply the topics of the courses. The material will include U.S. authored content and reflect the diversity of opinion in the U.S., but underscore fundamental values of democracy and freedom. Speakers will include U.S. citizens and experts who have experience in sub Saharan Africa and the U.S.
Objectives
Respond to the structural gaps in society exasperated by COVID-19 by developing content that gives tools for civil society and government to work together to be more participatory, responsive, and inclusive.
Three distinct courses will each be offered in English, French, and Portuguese and be “evergreen” on general topics that U.S. Embassy Public Affairs sections can include in their strategic planning and integrate participants or information into current programming or in future years.
Use this Cooperative Agreement to provide opportunities for Embassy Public Affairs Sections or AF/PDPA to amplify segments of the course or its participants for bureau-wide outreach.
One in-person conference (if possible) to build networks and share best practices developed as a result of the course.
Introduce participants to remote learning and as they learn, they will discover tools they can use themselves to educate or communicate to hard-to reach or isolated citizens.
Funding Information
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $200,000 to a maximum of $400,000
Total available funding: $400,000
Length of performance period: 12 to 16 months.
Audiences

Mid-Career professionals (30-50) working (volunteer or employed) for non-profit organizations or advocacy groups or as civil servants with government who interact with advocacy groups or minority populations. Target audiences will be selected by cooperating agency following a targeted social media campaign. Embassy PA offices have final decision.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply: include all that apply, and indicate US, foreign, or both. For example:
Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
Public and private educational institutions
Individuals
Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=328287