Communities worldwide face growing threats from climate change, like severe storms, damaged land, and food shortages. These problems hit everyday people hardest, but many lack a real say in the decisions that affect them. People Powered is changing that with two new programs: the Climate Democracy Accelerator and the Rising Stars Mentorship Program. Both help leaders build stronger community involvement in climate action and democracy. Applications are open now until June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC.
About People Powered
People Powered works globally to grow participatory democracy. This means helping governments and groups let citizens join in making key choices. They offer training, advice, funds, and tools in over 50 countries.
Since 2020, their efforts have reached far:
- Trained over 1,532 people in democracy and government reform.
- Backed 178 programs that include citizens in decisions.
- Partnered with communities in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and more.
Their goal is clear: real climate fixes and good governance come when locals help shape them.
Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)
What Is the Climate Democracy Accelerator?
This six-month program aids governments, civil society groups, and climate workers. It helps them create climate projects where communities take part. Key topics include renewable energy, regenerative farming, community climate plans, and fair shifts to green practices.
Teams from government and community groups team up. They get help to build plans that fit local needs.
What Participants Receive
Chosen teams enjoy strong support:
- One-on-one mentoring from global experts.
- Workshops, live sessions, peer groups by country, and talks with specialists.
- Free use of the Participation Playbook, a guide for better citizen input.
- A $10,000 grant for their project. Top five plans get an extra $15,000, for up to $25,000 total.
Focus Areas
Projects center on:
- Adapting to climate changes.
- Clean energy options.
- Farming that heals the soil.
- Building tough communities.
- Citizens in green policy.
- Fair leadership.
- Climate fairness.
Who Can Apply for CDA
Teams need a link between government and community groups. They must back citizen roles and climate work. Open worldwide, but Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico get priority.
Real-World Examples
Past projects show results:
- In Nigeria, Fundlink International held a Citizens’ Climate Assembly in Plateau State. It created a climate policy draft, set up a citizen office, and spread to 17 areas.
- In India, Himad Samiti ran an assembly in the Himalayas. It led to forest plans approved by local councils.
- In Brazil, Amazon groups used local and Indigenous knowledge for climate fixes.
Rising Stars Mentorship Program
What Is the Rising Stars Mentorship?
This program fits new leaders, groups, and democracy workers. It offers expert advice for starting or fixing participatory projects. Mentors from People Powered’s network give tailored help.
It covers fresh ideas or stuck efforts.
Benefits for Participants
Mentees get:
- Five one-on-one calls with pros.
- Tips to sharpen processes, solve issues, boost engagement, and build strong models.
- Links to global networks across countries and fields.
- Fresh views to boost long-term wins.
Success Stories
Past participants:
- Started Citizens’ Assemblies in Georgia.
- Built youth online tools in Berlin.
- Grew local governance projects.
How to Apply
Both programs welcome civil society groups, governments, officials, democracy fans, and climate workers.
Steps:
- Check rules and what judges seek.
- Gather documents.
- Fill the online form by the deadline.
Submit early to dodge tech glitches. Deadline: June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC.
For details, click here
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Climate Democracy Accelerator?
It’s a six-month program that helps governments and community groups create climate projects with citizen input, offering mentoring, workshops, tools, and up to $25,000 in grants.
Who can apply for these programs?
Teams from governments, civil society, climate workers, and new leaders worldwide can apply, with priority for Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico in the Accelerator.
What benefits does the Rising Stars Mentorship Program offer?
Participants get five one-on-one calls with experts, tips to improve projects, and connections to global networks for starting or fixing participatory democracy efforts.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for both programs are open until June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC, so submit early to avoid issues.
Conversation
0 Comments