Solidarity Academy 2014

The European Solidarity Centre and New Eastern Europe are pleased to invite you to the tenth edition of the Solidarity Academy which will be held in Gdańsk from 16th to 22nd November 2014. The Solidarity Academy is an international educational project aimed at maintaining and developing the tradition of the Solidarity Movement. Looking back at the social movement of Solidarity and the peaceful socio-political changes which took place both in Poland and throughout Eastern Europe, we can find an inspiration for solving problems in today’s world. 

During the project, 15 young journalists will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn skills necessary for the work of any young and ambitious journalist or a commentator/columnist who is not indifferent to issues such as geopolitics or liberation movements on both the global and the European scale. The aim of this year's Solidarity Academy is to raise awareness among young journalists about aspects of multiculturalism and solidarity with nations fighting for freedom as well as integrating young contributors to New Eastern Europe. The Solidarity Academy will help to create a space for journalists from different backgrounds to meet, share and exchange experiences and initiatives.

Workshops will be both theoretical and practical. Participants will have an opportunity to take part in shared activities but they will also be divided into smaller groups during the journalistic workshops and comfy groups. The result of the journalistic workshops will be the final publication and the debate/panel discussion - fully prepared by the participants with the support of experts. The working language of the Solidarity Academy is English. 

One of the main goals of the project is to create a programme of Solidarity Academy Graduates which will allow the participants to maintain contact and engage together in other projects. That is why, this year, the former participants of previous editions of Solidarity Academy will participate in the workshops as facilitators and assistants. 

Organizers cover the costs of travel (up to 800 zł/200 €) and the participants’ stay in Gdańsk.  

Click here for the agenda of this year’s Solidarity Academy. 

The application form is available here 

Please note that all applications must be received by 12th October 2014.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: 

Anna Fedas, Civic Education Specialist

European Solidarity Centre;

T: +48 58 767 79 94;

F: +48 58 767 79 78;

e-mail: a.fedas@ecs.gda.pl

International Student Festival in Trondheim 2015

International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT), the world’s largest international student festival, will be held on 05-15 February 2015.

ISFiT is a non-profit organization and is brought to life with the efforts of more than 400 student volunteers. The vision of ISFiT is to create a better future for young people in the world. ISFiT is arranged every other year, and each festival has a theme related to social and political topics with international relevance. The festival is held in the city of Trondheim, Norway. Here, over 450 students from all over the world gather to attend 18 different workshops and take part in the cultural program of the festival.

The theme of ISFiT 2015 is “Corruption” and it will be subject for debate in the 18 workshops, which all have a different topic related to corruption. The festival theme will also be addressed by renowned speakers in plenary sessions during the festival. In addition to the workshops, ISFiT highlights the festival theme through a vast cultural program consisting of concerts, plenary sessions, art exhibitions, performing arts and ceremonies. The culture program offers an extensive range of events for the visiting participants, but is also available for the population of Trondheim.

Eligibility

Studnets over 18 years old can apply to participate in the festival. It is also necessary to be proficient in both written and spoken English.

Costs

ISFiT will cover your stay in Trondheim by providing accommodation and meals throughout the festival, and you will have to pay the travel expenses to and from Trondheim and visa costs.  If you have limited resources and are not able to pay for your travel expenses, you can apply for financial aid. You apply for this support when you are filling out the application form. You will have to write an essay about why you should be granted financial aid, however there is only limited amount of money to offer.

Application

You can apply by filling out the online application form. When you apply for the festival, you also apply for one of the 18 workshops which you will attend during the whole festival. Applications will be open from 15 August 2014 until 30 September 2014.

Read more: https://www.isfit.org/

Check out frequently asked questions. If you can not find answers to your questions in the FAQ, please e-mail: question@isfit.org

International Youth Forum in Lutsk

On October 18-19, 2014 the Ukrainian city of Lutsk will host the II International Youth Forum-2014 that will become a meeting place for the active youth from many countries. The organizers strive to create the best working conditions for the Forum participants to exchange experience and ideas in order to create and maintain cooperation. 

During the two Forum days participants will take part in presentations, discussions, panels, workshops and indulge the Lutsk city tour. Various presentations of international funds and Ukrainian charity organizations will be a valuable initiative that will help young activists to find the financial help for their creative projects. Also the Forum encourages young leaders to take part in a contest of project ideas. The best idea will be awarded. 

The Forum organizers invited VIP-guests to share their experiences with the youth and talk in informal environment. The international Forum guests will learn about the civic sector of the Volyn region of Ukraine when attending meetings, workshops and seminars. 

Conditions of Participation: 

1. Participation in the Forum is open to non-governmental organizations around the world, initiative groups, public figures. You don’t necessarily have to be a registered institution, but you can be a group of social activists etc. 

2. Participation in the Forum is free and voluntary. 

The International Youth Forum in Lutsk is an opportunity to gain new experience and learn about new solutions for the development of your organization and establish necessary contacts for the future cooperation with other organizations. In addition, it is a good opportunity to visit the ancient Ukrainian city with nearly a thousand years of history. So, we invite youth organizations of various orientations to join the International Youth Forum in Lutsk and present your organization internationally. The Lutsk Forum will be a kind of XXI-century congress of young monarchs like back in 1429 when Lutsk hosted a congress of European monarchs. 

Costs

The accommondation and meals are provided. The organizers don't cover travel costs, they are participant's personal contribution.

Application

1. go to http://mmf.ukr.re/ 

2. click "registration" 

3. download the application form 

4. send the application form to youth.forum.lutsk@gmail.com 

5. wait for the call from our coordinator. 

Deadline: 20.09.2014

For additional information please contact Oleksandr Shvets at: olek-shvets@ukr.net or youth.forum.lutsk@gmail.com

More at: http://mmf.ukr.re/