HISTORY OF THE FELLOWSHIP
The Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) New Voices Fellowship brings more expert voices into the global development discussion. The Fellowship was launched in 2013 and since then, New Voices Fellowship has created a community of visionary leaders who are both locally rooted and globally networked.
When local leaders champion solutions in partnership with their communities, the whole world benefits. This progress is unlocked when frontline experts, not just those with power and privilege, possess the tools to advocate, communicate and lead more effectively.
Our model is simple: equip locally-rooted experts with the world-class communication and advocacy skills and support they need to gain the attention and recognition that positions them to influence future development policies. The New Voices program has worked with close to 200 experts from Africa, Asia, Latin America & the Caribbean who represent a range of organizations building movements for large-scale transformation centering dignity, respect and justice.
OVERVIEW OF NETWORK
FELLOWSHIP IMPACT
CURRENT SUPPORT OF ALUMNI
The New Voices Alumni Network includes 187 fellows from over 40 countries, a dynamic community of leaders driving change in health, development, climate, gender equity, and more. The network offers ongoing opportunities for collaboration, idea exchange, and peer support, creating a lasting ecosystem of impact long after the fellowship ends.
Travel Grants
- AGI provides financial support to help fellows attend and/or speak at national, regional or global conferences and convenings that are critical to advancing their work. These grants ensure fellows are present where key decisions are made and new partnerships can form.
Op-Ed Support
- AGI supports fellows with editing and pitching their pieces, while also serving as a sounding board for shaping and refining op-ed ideas. Throughout the year, AGI offers op-ed refreshers and writing resources to help fellows stay relevant, and ready to contribute to key conversations in the media.
Amplification of Fellows
- AGI actively promotes fellows’ work by sharing their achievements across Aspen platforms. This includes nominating fellows for high-profile awards, prizes, speaking opportunities, and leadership recognitions, helping to elevate their visibility and influence on the global stage.
Advanced Advocacy Program/Master Class
- The Advanced Advocacy Program (AAP) is designed to reinvest in alumni who are ready to deepen their impact. Alumni have the opportunity to apply for this competitive 9-month fellowship, which provides tailored communications support, and mentorship to further advance a specific advocacy goal.
Capacity Building/Ongoing Professional Support
- Peer to peer Learning Exchanges: AGI hosts quarterly alumni-led training sessions focusing on topics the alumni are eager to explore. These sessions foster collaboration and skill-sharing tailored to the network’s evolving needs. Past sessions include:
- Workshop: Digital Multimedia & Advocacy Strategy for Impact
- Storytelling Workshop Part 1 & 2
- Webinar: Finding Our Voice in Precarious Times
- Writing Circle: AGI offers monthly virtual gatherings that provide a supportive space for fellows to discuss their writing ideas, get feedback on their pieces, and collaborate with both peers and staff.
