Background

LIGHTS Institute personnel consider their work on privacy and data protection not only a profession but an advocacy, as well. A fact proven by the numerous related projects and initiatives they regularly engage in pro bono or without remuneration.

In line with this, beginning September 2022, LIGHTS always allocates two (2) slots for all its online learning sessions to budding privacy advocates who do not have the resources to afford high-quality capacity building opportunities. Those chosen will be regarded as LIGHTS OLS Fellows.

The aim is simple: to support privacy advocates and help them increase in strength and numbers so as to facilitate the growth of a more rights-respecting information society.

Terms and Conditions

1. Start of applications. Interested individuals may apply beginning on 6 February 2024. This is for the LIGHTS OLS: Data Privacy Fundamentals which will be held on 4-5 April 2024.
2. Qualifications. Only individuals who meet all of the following conditions may apply to become a LIGHTS OLS Fellow:
   
   • has been working for a non-profit, charitable, and/or non-government organization for at least one (1) year
   • has not previously attended a similar training conducted by LIGHTS or some other institution
   • has a demonstrable interest in the field of privacy and data protection
   • if selected, will commit to make themselves available on the scheduled training dates
3. Benefits. LIGHTS OLS Fellows will be able to attend one (1) LIGHTS data privacy OLS free of charge and, where available, take the related LIGHTS assessment exam. They will also receive a Certificate of Attendance (training) and Certificate of Recognition (exam passer, if applicable).
   
4. Submissions. Applicants must fill out and submit the online application form, along with the following attachments:
   
   • Proof of the non-profit, charitable, and/or non-government nature of one’s organization
   • Certificate of employment or proof of engagement. One that clearly shows the duration of the applicant's employment or engagement, thus far
   • Valuable proof of interest in the field of privacy and data protection (e.g., written articles, attendance in events or related trainings, relevant certifications, etc.)
5. Deadline. The deadline for applications is on 29 February 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted.
6. Selection and decision. Because of the limited slots available, an individual who makes a valid submission does not automatically become a LIGHTS OLS Fellow. LIGHTS will select and announce the Fellowship recipients two (2) weeks before the scheduled training date via its social media channels. All decisions are considered final.
7. No shows. A LIGHTS OLS Fellow who fails to attend the scheduled OLS without adequate justification will be given less priority in future LIGHTS OLS Fellowship offerings. A LIGHTS OLS Fellow who fails to attend even after being granted a second opportunity will be disqualified from all future LIGHTS OLS Fellowship offerings.
8. Publication. LIGHTS OLS Fellows agree to have their relevant personal data be featured in LIGHTS communication materials that will be publicly available.