Applicants should possess four key characteristics:
1.  Fundamentally hold the Truman security worldview and desire to infuse this perspective into U.S. foreign policy over the long-term.

2.  Aspire to a meaningful career in which they influence policy either through a traditional policy/government track or outside from the NGO, think tank, or foundation worlds. Those working in the private sector, lawyers, those overseas in the field, or serving in our armed forces should aspire to significant policy influence from another perch.

3.  Have political savvy and interest. In a democracy, policy is enacted through real-world politics, so effectively advancing policy requires a political pulse.  Some campaign or political background or a desire to become more aware or involved in the political sphere is a crucial component to fulfilling Truman’s mission to bridge the gap between the policy and political worlds.

4. Embody the personal character traits essential to building the ties and trust that define a strong community.  Fellows are asked to build a community for the long-haul of their professional lives.  We look for people with honesty, integrity, humility, and a desire to serve others before themselves.

In each Chapter, we look for:

• Individuals working on the front lines of security, including military veterans, intelligence agents, law enforcement, and prosecutors, as well as development and humanitarian workers;
• Policy experts who work on security-related issues, from traditional defense areas to immigration, public health, trade and foreign investment;
• Elected officials, and other political professionals, including campaign managers, grassroots leaders, consultants, campaign workers, and individuals interested in running for public office;
• Opinion-makers & communication experts, i.e. bloggers, media experts, speechwriters, and press secretaries;
• Community leaders in business, law, or NGOs committed to long-term leadership in their regions.

You should consider applying for the Fellowship if you plan on a life that affects foreign policy and:

Want to Affect the Public Debate in at Least One of the Following Ways:

• Are highly interested in appearing in the media or engaging in public speaking;
• Would like to teach progressive politicians, activists, or college students in order to improve their ability to outreach to the military, understand security issues, or communicate them better;
• Wish to write in ways that engage non-foreign policy experts to affect their perceptions about policy and politics;
• Are participating in the public service, from considering elected office yourself to working in campaigns or advising politicians;
• Are committed to engaging in one or more of our opportunities to affect the public debate.

Share Truman Internationalist Values:

• Feel strongly about the importance of national security and believe that we face serious threats and real enemies that may require robust military or intelligence abilities to counter;
• Would be proud if a friend joined the military—or considered it yourself;
• Deeply believe in progressive domestic values, such as equality of opportunity, civil liberties, and human rights—and believe we should practice the values abroad that we want at home by supporting those overseas who aspire for democracy and human rights;
• Share the foreign policy principles that unite the Truman community.

The Truman National Security Project is a 501(C)(4) membership organization. The Fellowship is a nonpartisan educational program that may receive 501(C)(3) funds, but is run by a 501(C)(4) organization.  Therefore, law clerks and judges may not apply to this program.


If you are interested in learning more about the Truman Security program, please contact Sarah, the Fellowship Program Associate at sbeckerman@trumanproject.org