Requirements to Apply

Anyone interested in applying for the upcoming class of IDF must either apply online or mail in all of their application materials no later than the registration dates below. Applications must be complete as partial applications will not be considered.

Applicants must be Democrats between the ages of 21 to 36. We are an all-volunteer organization with an extremely tight budget; therefore, we are not able to accept applicants outside of that age range at this time. Because of our budget constraints, IDF’s core mission has been and will continue to be youth development and training in politics, much like Rock the Vote, the Young Democrats and the Washington Bus. We hope we’ll be able to grow to a point where we can broaden our target age demographics and we have plans to do so. If you are outside of our age range and would like to learn more about our future plans to expand, please contact us directly.

Political backgrounds and government experience are not required.  We accept prospective applicants into the program from all walks, all demographics, all political experience levels and all personalities. Successful applicants are those folks that demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for the program while demonstrating what makes them unique. It’s that plain and simple and we cannot stress it enough.

Some applicants have extensive campaign experience but know little about policy or lobbying. Conversely, some applicants will be avid Huffington Post or MSNBC consumers but want more of an “inside experience” as it relates to politics. There is no prototype we look for and there is no political philosophy we prefer. We’ve accepted all stripes of Democrat: liberal, bluedog, progressive, and yes, even those purple-hued Democrats. Your enthusiasm, your attendance, and your active participation is what we seek.

There is a non-refundable $25 application fee (application fees increase to $40 if you apply after the “early application” deadline date).

Final selection of participants will be determined through an interview process, so you must be available the first weekend of December for an in-person interview.  Please check the IDF Calendar for the full recruitment calendar.

Applying to IDF Online

In order to apply online you’ll need to have a few items ready for prior to submitting your application.  You’ll need a credit card for the application fee and you will need Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat versions of your cover letter, resume and at least one letter of recommendation.  If you have all of your application materials together, you may submit them online using our online application tool.  All materials must be submitted together and the $25 application fee paid (again, $40 if you apply after the early application deadline date) in order for the application to be accepted.  Click here to apply online.

Mailing in Your Application Materials

If you cannot submit all of your materials together online or prefer to mail in a check and your materials instead, please submit the following:

• an application form
• a cover letter explaining your interest in the program
• a current resume
• at least one letter of recommendation
• $25 application fee (make checks payable to “Institute for Democratic Future”
• If requesting a scholarship, a letter explaining your situation

Submit Application Materials to:

Institute for a Democratic Future
P.O. Box 31596
Seattle, WA 98103

Deadlines and Timelines

• Applications for the Class of 2012 will be accepted starting on September 1, 2012 and must be postmarked or submitted online by November 13, 2012.  This is considered the Early Application Period.
• If you cannot apply by November 16th, a ‘Late Registration Grace Period’ will be extended through Monday, November 19, 2012; however, the application fee then increases to $40 per registrant.
• All applicants will be interviewed by alumni and IDF Board members December 1st and 2nd.  Phone and Skype interviews will be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
• Applications are considered on a rolling basis, so please consider applying early.
• Only in exceptional circumstances will the Board of Directors consider late applications beyond the grace period.