Citizen Diplomat Society

Lead change in your
own community

Apply to our 2027 cohort — a 6-week program for local leaders who have an idea, a community that needs it, and the drive to make it real. We provide funding, training, and a global network.

2027 Applications open Coming soon — join the waitlist below
Apply now → See past projects

What is a Citizen Diplomat?

You don't need a title to change your community

A Citizen Diplomat is anyone who sees a problem in their community and is willing to do something about it — regardless of background, education, or resources.

Our program gives you the structure, the funding, and the expert mentorship to turn your idea into a real, funded project. Past diplomats have started cooperatives, built solar grids, cleaned waterways, and launched startups that became recognized across Africa.

🌍
You come from the community
We fund leaders who live with the problem they're solving — not outsiders with generic solutions. Your local knowledge is your greatest asset.
💡
You bring the idea
You don't need a polished proposal. You need a clear problem, a community that needs it solved, and a vision for what's possible.
🤝
We bring the rest
Training, expert advisors in technology, security, and global development, a peer cohort, and up to $1,500 in direct project funding.

The 2027 cohort program

Six weeks. Real results.

01
Weeks 1–2
Project development

Define your problem, your community, and your solution. Work with advisors to sharpen your project scope and success metrics.

Orientation + workshops
02
Weeks 3–4
Expert mentorship

One-on-one sessions with our advisory network. Receive feedback on feasibility, community engagement, and implementation planning.

Specialized advisor network
03
Week 5
Project review

Present your finalized project to the review panel. Selected projects receive funding decisions and are listed on our donor portfolio.

Panel review + selection
04
Week 6+
Funding & launch

Funded projects receive up to $1,500 in direct grant funding. You implement in your community with ongoing support from the People's Accords network.

Up to $1,500 grant

Who should apply

You are a community leader, grassroots organizer, social entrepreneur, or passionate local changemaker
You have a specific community problem in mind and a project idea to address it
You are based in the community your project will serve (no outside consultants)
You can commit to 6 weeks of program participation (approximately 4–6 hours per week)
You are 18 years or older and located anywhere in the world

What we look for

Local rootedness — a genuine connection to and understanding of the community you're serving
Specificity — a concrete problem with a defined target beneficiary group
Feasibility — a project scope that can show meaningful results within 6–12 months
Drive — the commitment to see it through, even when it's hard
Prior nonprofit experience or formal education is NOT required

Program benefits

What you receive

Every accepted diplomat receives the full package below — no cost, no strings attached.

💰
Up to $1,500 in project funding
Selected projects receive direct grant funding to implement in your community. No repayment. No equity. No strings.
🧑‍🏫
Expert mentorship
One-on-one sessions with advisors specializing in economic development, technology, and cybersecurity.
🌐
Global network
Join a community of citizen diplomats from 9+ countries. Peer learning, shared resources, and connections that last beyond the cohort.
📋
Structured curriculum
Six weeks of workshops, feedback sessions, and implementation planning — designed specifically for community leaders, not MBAs.
📣
Public platform
Your project is featured on our donor-facing portfolio, giving it visibility with our global network of donors and partners.
🏅
Diplomat certification
Graduates receive a People's Accords Citizen Diplomat certification and join our permanent alumni network.

2027 Cohort

Apply now

Applications for the 2027 cohort are opening soon. Submit your details below and we'll notify you the moment the full application goes live — and give you early access.

We'll be in touch within 5 business days · No commitment required at this stage

Prefer to apply via Google Form or need accessibility support?

Contact us at contact@peoplesaccords.org

Alumni voices

Hear from past diplomats

These are the people who came before you — and what the program made possible.

AO
Alumni Diplomat
Nigeria · 2022 Cohort

"I came in with a rough idea about waste management. I left with a funded startup, a business plan, and advisors who believed in me. UpwardEco wouldn't exist without this program."

MN
Alumni Diplomat
Kenya · 2024 Cohort

"The drain cleaning project sounds simple, but it changed everything for three neighborhoods. The program taught me how to organize my community, not just my idea."

FA
Alumni Diplomat
Nigeria · 2023 Cohort

"Having an experienced advisor review my project proposal was something I never imagined. The People's Accords opened doors I didn't know existed."