Frequently Asked Questions
What is Field?
Field (www.fieldleaders.org) is a year-long fellowship program for senior political leaders led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and supported by Global Progress Action.
Field believes a new kind of political leadership is needed to help solve the global challenges ahead. Leaders who aim to lead differently than mainstream politicians, by centering kindness and empathy, valuing the collective and seeking to bridge-build, and motivating through hope.
The year-long program explores what it means to be an empathetic leader in today’s political climate, and provides fellows with practical tools, access to experts, creative ideas, and a supportive peer network. The fellowship begins with an intimate, in-person retreat in Italy from 22 - 26 July 2025, in which PM Jacinda Ardern and honored guests including the Hon Dr Michelle Bachelet will fully participate. It continues through a series of virtual conversations and occasional in-person opportunities. All fellows receive access to advice and coaching from globally renowned experts, one-on-one time with PM Ardern, and the support and community of an international peer network.
What is the application process?
Applicants are asked to complete a simple written application and participate in one brief interview with Field team members. We aim to inform all applicants of their acceptance status no later than the end of April.
Who are the participants being selected?
Field selects about 12 fellows each year, with only one person accepted from each country within a cohort. The 2025 fellows will be selected from across the Americas, Spain, and Portugal. These fellows will also be introduced into and have the opportunity to engage with the broader Field alumni network.
Fellows come from often very different contexts and backgrounds, but all are senior-level politicians who share a few qualities, including:
▍A proven ability to connect with people;
▍Hope and optimism about Government and politics as a solution for modern problems;
▍Ambitious about what they want to use politics to achieve;
▍Led by progressive values; and
▍At once consensus-builders and savvy political operatives.
What happens at the retreat?
All fellows are required to be onsite for the full duration of the retreat. Also onsite and engaging as full participants will be selected experts and Field program team members, as well as honored guests such as the Hon Dr Michelle Bachelet and Jacinda herself.
The program is intended to be dynamic (no keynotes or lectures) and practical, tailored to what we hear from participating fellows about what would be most useful to them. Example topics we may cover include:
▍Communicating authentically;
▍Counter-messaging;
▍Building effective teams and networks;
▍Empathetic leadership in practice;
▍Navigating online hate and disinformation;
▍Bridge-building in policy development;
▍Building resilience to keep passion and hope alive.
A lot of the magic of the retreat, however, happens outside of these workshops, in conversations and connections made over meals, on breaks, and in one-on-ones with special guests or other fellows. The retreat space provides a private and beautiful setting to have deep conversations and forge connections.
Here is what some of what 2024 fellows had to say about their experience:
▍“I will remember the meeting for the rest of my life. It has explained to me on a deeper level the importance of dedication, the seriousness of the mission and that there are like-minded people to draw inspiration and strength from.”
▍“I am at a critical crossroads, but I have obtained a clear idea on how to be positive while in opposition and how to build a supportive team and choir around me.”
▍“The whole event left a great impression on me. The way the facilitators created an intimate sphere in which I could be the most vulnerable ever and still feel safe.”
▍“On a personal level, it has given me a new approach to what I do and will do with my time.”
What does it mean that Jacinda Ardern and Michelle Bachelet “fully participate” in the retreat?
Jacinda and honored guests, including the Hon Dr Michelle Bachelet, stay onsite at the retreat center with the fellows for the full retreat and are present at every meal and in every session–whether they are leading it or simply participating alongside everyone else. You will have the opportunity to engage directly with them throughout the retreat.
Will I be expected to prepare anything for the retreat?
No. Upon acceptance, we will require your prompt registration with the retreat center and communication with our team so that visas and travel arrangements can be made without delay. We will also ask (and highly encourage you) to complete a pre-retreat survey to help us better shape the program to your interests. And finally, a few weeks before the retreat, we will send around some optional reading/viewing materials that might help get you in the right mindset and better understand Jacinda and our honored guests. But you are not required to prepare anything.
Will there be translation services?
No. The full program is conducted in English and English language proficiency is required for participation.
What does the rest of the program entail?
In addition to the mandatory retreat, the Field program offers (but does not require):
▍Individualized follow-up to provide fellows with advice, coaching, or connections according to their particular needs;
▍1 one-on-one coaching session and 1-2 group conversations with Jacinda;
▍Occasional digital conversations with special guests on topics of relevance to the cohort;
▍Optional monthly digital conversations in which fellows can talk candidly amongst themselves about current politics, policies they’re working on, or other topics of interest;
▍Ad-hoc/occasional opportunities to participate in additional in-person events and gatherings.
Arguably, however, the real value of Field is the network itself, and the connections fellows are able to make with like-minded peers who understand what they’re navigating and who they can call on for both support and celebration.
I have more questions – who do I talk to?
Email Kate at fellows@fieldleaders.org.