Community Solutions

Civil Society Strengthening, Conflict Resolution, Education, International Education, Gender, Africa, Americas, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Middle East and North Africa

The Community Solutions Program is a professional development program for the best and brightest global community leaders working in Transparency & Accountability, Tolerance/Conflict Resolution, Environmental Issues, and Women’s Issues.

The Community Solutions Program is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and implemented by IREX.

Information for Applicants

Information for Organizations

Goals

The goal of the Community Solutions Program is for global community leaders to improve their capacity for local community intervention and problem-solving and be ambassadors for increased mutual understanding. Community Solutions Program leaders:

• Build and strengthen sustainable professional networks with international colleagues and institutions

• Increase their understanding of best practices, models, and strategies to address challenges in their community

• Strengthen their management, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Background

Individual countries – no matter what the level of development they have achieved – need to meet their contemporary challenges both locally and globally. While solutions to many problems can be found on the global stage (e.g., best practices in economic, environmental, and social programming), these problems can only truly be addressed at the country- and even community-level. Such a dynamic demands educated and capable community and civic leaders who can motivate and inspire others to action. Countries in transition need civic and community leaders who not only possess a vision for change, but also have the practical skills and networks that can help move their societies forward.

Project Activities

Four-month U.S. Fellowship: Community Solutions Program leaders are matched with non-profit organizations and government offices across the U.S. where they work with American community leaders on initiatives related to women's issues, transparency & accountability, tolerance/conflict resolution and environmental issues.

Community Leadership Institute (CLI): Community Solutions Program leaders spend up to 500 hours developing leadership and organizational management skills that complement their community placements through online an in-person trainings.

Follow-on Projects: Community Solutions Program leaders will develop and implement community development projects in partnership with their U.S. hosts. Follow-on projects will be completed after leaders return to their home countries.