Introduction to CPL
Citizens for Public Leadership (CPL) is an independent movement which focuses on advocating for progressive public policy in India. They aim to develop the next generation of public leaders who possess true skills and the mindset required to shape the future and bring out the best in our country. CPL came into existence when a small group of public policy students from some of the leading universities decided to actively contribute to the nation’s growth while pursuing their studies in the United States. The role of CPL is that of an enabler, encouraging people to act productively and enable change from the bottom of the pyramid.
How Do They Function, And What’s Their Objective?
Through it’s various programs, CPL seeks to educate, engage, and mobilize young citizens to unlock their true potential in a participatory democracy. It is an apolitical non-profit organization, with the sole motive of empowering our youth so that they can take up leadership challenges in the public sphere.
Each member of CPL’s founding team brings a unique perspective to the table. It responds to ever-expanding and complex economic, social, and political challenges faced by our country. The CPL team are also involved in efforts toward public welfare. They aim to support and enable citizens who have not yet had the opportunity to get involved with leadership and public policy. They believe in combining rigorous academic training in fields of politics and public policy with the world of practice. They believe that the youth don’t have to be dependent on external/other factors to change our country.
CPL pursues its mission in three ways:
- Support, Nurture, and Identify the country’s growing public leaders through a skill development fellowship and leadership.
- Develop & Implement public policy solutions that are supported by evidence-based decision making.
- Mobilize progressives all over the country and advocate for their views both at the state and at the national or government level.
Over the years, India has become increasingly dependent on the administration to solve the problems of the country. However, this is slowly changing, as state governments as well the Niti Aayog have opened up avenues for young professionals. They are now engaging the youth in policy implementation and front-end policy-making roles. Therefore, India needs the next generation of leaders who possess the competence and skills which go beyond the public sector-private sector divide and have a detailed understanding of the challenges which exist in the public sphere.
Furthermore, there are very few platforms which engage in thorough discussions with influencers and public policy leaders. The existing fellowships and policy boot camps are still trying to create consciousness but active interaction is still an uncharted territory. Future leaders should be offered a global perspective by giving them the opportunity to interact with pathbreaking leaders, who will help them understand the real-world challenges.
What Can You Learn From Them?
CPL provides you with a skill set which includes design thinking, multi-party negotiation skills, campaign skills, adaptive leadership, evidence-based decision-making frameworks, public speaking, persuasive writing skills, and effective social media communication. The CPL fellowship has a two-way proposition that focuses on acquiring these skills as well as a conceptual understanding of various policy issues. This will be done through interactive exchanges with renowned professors, policy practitioners as well as leaders in fields of media, politics, social sector, and law.
The curriculum focuses on nine areas:
- Politics
- Law
- Media
- Economics
- Social & Urban Policy
- Ethics
- Foreign Policy
- Indian History
- Technology
Duration
The CPL fellowship is a twelve-months fellowship program with a unit size of 30 members. You get to participate in a series of written reflections, group discussions, and lectures. Before every lecture/discussion, fellows are given a significant amount of pre-work which includes content from documentaries, readings from academic journals, and books. The discussions take place online through a web conferencing platform. Over 12 months, fellows will build a basic knowledge of the key areas of policy with the help of acquired skills through trained professionals, course materials, and interaction with leaders and influencers through 2-hour sessions.
Costs
Each member will be assigned a mentor, under whose assistance and guidance, the member will lead an initiative for the community or in collaboration with the government. CPL will charge the members a minimal fee of Rs.12,500 for this program. They aim to build a community of leaders who can help the country in finding solutions to major social, economic and political challenges.
Application
CPL is looking for young people, who have demonstrated their ability to make an impact in public policy in India. They must prove that they can use the knowledge learned from the fellowship with their existing qualifications and experience, to set the narrative for public policy in India.
The application form evaluates candidates on the following parameters :
- Leadership qualities.
- Adaptability: Ability to work with many members and teams with different ideologies.
- Stakeholder Management: Ability to work with Politicians.
- Educational Qualification/Achievement: Any extra/co-curricular achievements and CGPA during Undergraduate studies.
- Debating and Writing Skills.
- Passion for public policy and public leadership.
- Relevant exposure and work experience.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria CPL demands is as follows:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Minimum of 21 years old or maximum of 30 years old.
- Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
- Mandatory attendance for a 3 days workshop in Delhi within the month.
- Can work full time or part-time, but must be dedicated to completing the 12-month program.
- The program does not pledge a job placement directly upon completion of the fellowship.
- Should be open to working outside their comfort zone.
Contact
For more information, you can check out their website and visit their social media platforms.
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:
If you wish to contact them, you can either write to them via mail at info@cplindia.orgOr fill their contacting form at https://cplindia.org/contact-us/
Also Read – Youth Ki Awaaz (action network sexual and reproductive health fellow) from the author.
