Applications are open for the 2024 Democracy Fellowship. Apply today!
Read our 2023 Impact Report!
The College of Social Work Democracy Fellowship is a student led experience to conduct nonpartisan voter engagement by leveraging relationships with agency partners. Building on the National Social Work Voter Mobilization campaign, the Democracy Fellowship provided structured support and compensation to facilitate student engagement in democracy.
Fellow Testimonials
The Democracy Fellowship pilot was open to CSW students across ranks residing in Ohio. By engaging with their placement sites and local communities, the fellows were able to reach populations that face historical and contemporary barriers to political participation. Students reported personal growth and leadership development through engagement in this process.
Toni: Addressing Challenges of Mistrust and Low Engagement
“I am in Washington County, in the thick of Appalachia. We have a cultural norm here of mistrust and skepticism and there is also low voter engagement, so some of the things that I did were a bit different than things students may have been doing in bigger cities.”
Kristen: From Disenfranchised to a Seat at Democracy’s Table
“She had felt disenfranchised, and being able to share that she still had a place at the table of democracy made a difference for her, and impacted me as well.”
Krista Smith: Building Relationships and Dispelling Shame
“First, it’s okay not to know. And let’s learn together.”
Nicole: Engaging Homeless Voters
“I feel more connected to the College, to the community, and to myself.”