Call for Applications: Young Voices Contributor Program

The Contributor Program is the gateway for writers interested in public policy to enter a world of opportunity with Young Voices. Once accepted into the program, participants gain access to a team of public relations professionals to place op-eds, secure broadcast interviews, and connect with fellowship and job opportunities. After an initial four-month commitment, graduates of the program can continue producing media outputs as a permanent member of their Talent roster and apply for paid mentorship and fellowship opportunities. The fun part? As a member of the Young Voices network, you’ll have access to exclusive virtual policy briefings and off-the-record networking events in DC, New York and beyond during and after your participation in their programs.

Expected Outcomes

• If accepted, they expect you to attend three mandatory trainings in the first month of the program and submit at least two op-ed drafts for publication over four months. Beyond that, you get what you give with the program. By writing more articles, you’ll get more interviews. By attending more policy briefings and events, you’ll get more professional development opportunities. The world is your oyster in the Young Voices network!
• Advanced Tracks:
  • After four months in the Contributor Program, participants who have seen value in advancing their careers are welcome to apply to be on their Talent roster on a longer basis through their Advanced Tracks. Applicants can apply to any or all of the following concentration areas:
    • Writing: Their PR team will continue editing your op-eds. In addition, they’ll share contacts with you and teach you how to pitch yourself for publication to help you build your own media relationships.
    • Broadcast: Their PR team will continue pitching you for TV, radio, podcast, and other broadcast appearances, delivering regular feedback to improve your communication.
    • Fellowships: Young Voices offers regular paid six-month fellowships on specific areas of policy. As a fellow, you will learn from think tank experts and produce focused op-eds and reported stories on a given policy topic. Past fellowships have included tech, social mobility, education, and more!
• Alumni Network:
  • Graduates of the Contributor Program and/or their Advanced Tracks have access to regular in-person events and virtual briefings to continue their learning and networking for the rest of their career:
    • Events: Young Voices hosts regular gatherings in Washington, DC, and New York City, as well as occasional events in London, Los Angeles, and elsewhere. Alumni will be invited to both their public and private affairs.
    • Policy Briefings: They host monthly off-the-record briefings on hot issues in the news from writers and experts in the field.
    • Mentorship Program: Stay involved and give back by mentoring a new contributor. Some of their most robust professional relationships started through their network.

Eligible Countries

• While the United States is Young Voices’ main focus, they do allow applicants from other Anglosphere countries for their Contributor Program (i.e. Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom).

Eligibility Criteria

• They are open to young professionals ages 18 to 35 living in the United States and other English-speaking countries who are passionate about limited-government solutions to the most pressing issues of the day.
• They are a big-tent organization, meaning that you do not have to identify with any particular political party or ideology. Their talent roster includes writers who identify as libertarian, conservative, new liberal, and more. What unites their program participants is an interest in public policy and passion for freedom.

Application Requirements 

• One-page resume
• Unpublished op-ed draft (500-800 words)
• 1-2 minute video introducing yourself

For more information, visit Young Voices.