Deadline:
June 20, 2025
Location(s)
Canada Online
Overview
Details
Participants will examine the ways that Canada and Europe can align to address the challenges that technology poses to democracy. They will meet with Canadian counterparts to discuss whether solutions like decentralized social media, tech sovereignty, and media literacy can lead to more resilient digital ecosystems. They will learn from Canadian lawmakers working on digital policy to explore alignment with the European Union and Germany. Grassroots organizations will share how they are fighting for a more just online ecosystem in the face of shared global pressures.
The study tour is an opportunity to make new connections, share insights, and bring lessons back home. Participants will also become part of the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Grow the Future network, through which alumni support each other to strengthen progressive and green policies.
What is Grow the Future?
Grow the Future is an annual project led by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Washington, DC and Berlin offices. Each year, the project brings a group of 10-15 young professionals (ages 21 to 35) from Germany/Europe to North America to explore transatlantic green policy issues. Participants become part of the Grow the Future alumni network, where they have ongoing opportunities to connect with green-minded experts and partners at the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
By offering exceptional opportunities for transatlantic learning and dialogue, Grow the Future promotes the next generation of green voices. It creates a network of promising young policymakers, professionals, and activists in Germany who are leading green initiatives - to fight climate change while protecting liberal democracy, human rights, and open societies, and to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation. The network launched in 2020, and participants have traveled to Miami, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Toronto, South Bend, Detroit, and Washington, DC, exploring issues ranging from Climate Migration to Sustainable Mobility.
WHAT IS EXPECTED
- Actively participate in the study tour: Participants will travel through Canada from October 5 to 11, 2025. There will also be select meetings prior to the study tour so the participants can meet each other and gain an understanding of the relevant issues.
- Come with an open, curious mind and share their expertise: Participants are expected to share their expertise and insights with meeting partners and each other. They should come engaged and eager to explore tech authoritarianism in a new context, ask questions, and look for transferable lessons.
- Engage online: While participating in the study tour, participants are encouraged to connect with Heinrich Böll Foundation over Bluesky, Linkedin, and other social media platforms. The Foundation will publish a profile of each participant on the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC website.
- Bring lessons home: Participants will bring back to their local networks the lessons learned during the study tour.
- Help shape the alumni network: Participants should be open to ongoing involvement with the Grow the Future alumni network. The network is designed to support member’s work and facilitate dialogue on a range of green, transatlantic policy issues from previous Grow the Future study tours. There will be an alumni meeting in Berlin in December 2025 (dates to be announced and costs will be covered).
- Have professional competency in English: All meetings will be in English.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We seek candidates who are working to strengthen democratic resilience and accountability online in Germany and/or the EU in at least one of the following ways:
- as elected officials or digital policy advisors at local, state, national, or European level
- as tech influencers or activists in progressive movements;
- as digital campaigners or strategists in non-profit organizations, in the private sector, or in labor organizations
- as tech/disinfo researchers or experts in academia or think tanks
- as journalists with a focus on tech
Applicants should be between the ages of 21 and 35 at the time of applying.
Note: Candidates should be primarily based in Germany or working on European Union digital policy. You do not have to be a German citizen.
Dates
Deadline: June 20, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
WHAT WE OFFER
The Heinrich Böll Foundation will cover all major costs of the study tour, including flights, transportation, accommodation, and most meals. If relevant, the Heinrich Böll Foundation will also cover the cost of associated visa fees. Participants should expect to cover incidentals and occasional meals.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
