Application Form: 2017 Young Ambassadors Programme (YAP) at Addressing Europe's Unfinished Business (AEUB) forum in Caux, Switzerland, July 14-21, 2017

YOUNG AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME
14-21 JULY 2017

Do you care passionately about Europe?

 
Apply to become one of the 50 European Young Ambassadors at the
‘Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business (AEUB): Tackling polarization, building trust’ forum organised by Caux-Initiatives of Change Foundation
July 14-21, 2017, Caux, Switzerland

The Young Ambassadors Programme (YAP)

The “Young Ambassadors Programme” (YAP) is part of the European Project of Initiatives of Change (IofC), which aims to bring together young people caring about the future of Europe.

The programme consists of two days training designed specifically for the Young Ambassadors (14th-16th July), followed by full participation in the AEUB forum (17th-21st July).

We offer

1. An opportunity for young Europeans to grow in their personal understanding and commitment to Europe, shared ethical values and one’s personal contribution to a better future.
2. Experience the Conference Centre at Caux, Switzerland, as a place of reflection that provides an opportunity to listen to others and to oneself.
3. Strengthen the network of committed Europeans who are working towards change starting with themselves.

About the AEUB Forum and Caux-IofC

Launched in 2014, Addressing Europe’s Unfinished Business (AEUB) is an Initiatives of Change programme that seeks to engage European citizens from all backgrounds to conceive and participate in actions developing a spirit of partnership and solidarity across Europe in order to achieve the needed peacebuilding efforts in this continent.

The CAUX-Initiatives of Change Foundation’s vision is a just, peaceful and sustainable world in which people act from a sense of global interdependence and responsibility. Established in 1946, the CAUX-Initiatives of Change Foundation (CAUX-IofC) organizes and coordinates international and local forums, seminars and training in Switzerland, primarily in its Conference Centre, the former Caux-Palace, bringing together a true diversity of people.

CAUX-IofC provides a safe space to inspire, equip and connect individuals, groups and organisations from around the globe to engage effectively and innovatively in the promotion of trust, ethical leadership, sustainable living and human security.

The 2017 AEUB forum theme is: Tackling polarization, building trust

The Main Topics will be

• Initiatives addressing the root causes of polarization
• Methodologies for dialogue in divided societies
• How to create a safe space for people from different backgrounds to listen to each other
• The use of reflective space to consider our own responses.

The objectives of the YAP Programme

• To give a voice to young Europeans who are passionate to build a common future based on shared ethical values.
• To invite them to contribute to, and promote, a richer mutual understanding of beliefs, values, identity, history and cultures through a collective learning experience.
• To offer an opportunity to enrich themselves and others ethically and culturally, through the sharing of personal experiences.
• Become part of the YAP alumni network
• Explore possibilities of further co-operation and collaboration for follow up activities with other participants

Who should apply

This programme aims to invite young people from all over Europe who are actively and substantively contributing in the discussion about Europe. Young people who demonstrate their active participation through civil society initiatives, NGOs, political organisations and structures are invited to join this forum in order to bring their input, ideas and experiences.

Young people age 18-25 from countries who are members of the Council of Europe, plus Kosovo*, Kazakhstan and Belarus can apply (see the full list of the countries below).

People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including recently arrived migrants, as well as representatives of minority communities. Should you wish to represent any minority community or group, please specify in your application.

Applicants for the Young Ambassadors Programme are expected to fulfil the below:

• Be present at Caux from 14th July 2017 (4pm) and not leave before the end of the Closing Session on Friday 21st  July, 2017 (12.30pm);
• Be actively involved in civil society and other initiatives related to Europe;
• Be able to communicate and work in English;
• Be motivated to contribute to developing new ideas on Europe;
• Be ready to share own challenges faced in their own communities and work about Europe;
• Cover your travel expenses to and from Caux, Switzerland;
• Complying with visa requirements (where applicable);
• Help disseminate the event information among your contacts and on social media;

*Designation for “Kosovo” is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

List of eligible European countries for the Young Ambassadors Programme (YAP) 2017
Note that participants from countries marked with an asterisk (*) are required to apply for a visa to enter Switzerland.

Albania - Andorra - Armenia* - Austria - Azerbaijan* - Belarus* - Belgium - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic - Denmark - Estonia -.Finland -France - Georgia* - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Iceland - Ireland - Italy - Kazakstan* - Kosovo* - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Macedonia - Malta - Monaco - Montenegro - Netherlands - Norway - Poland - Portugal - Republic of Moldova - Romania - Russian Federation* - San Marino - Serbia - Slovak Republic - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Turkey* - Ukraine* - United Kingdom ​

Scholarships

The program provides scholarships for participation.
The scholarships cover the conference fee, accommodation and the meals. The scholarship DOES NOT cover the travel to and from Caux (the closest airports are Geneva and Zurich) or visa connected expenses.

The programme is possible thanks to the support of the Robert Hahnloser Foundation (Switzerland).

Application Procedure and Selection Process

How can I become an AEUB Young Ambassador?

To apply, please:

1. Fill in the application form
2. Upload your CV
3. Submit a short video[1] (90 seconds) in which you briefly state what you see as the most important problem facing Europe today, and outline what you would do about it. Post the video on YouTube (please check further instructions below). Should you prefer another platform please include the link in your application.

[1]By submitting your video you grant AEUB / Caux / IofC the right to use it on our websites, social media, and quote it in any materials connected to the AEUB forum and the Young Ambassadors Programme.

Application deadline: April 15, 2017 Midnight (CET) time.

We will select suitable candidates on the basis of their personal motivation and the demonstration of their active participation in initiatives and projects related to Europe, seeking regional, gender and other possible diversity.

All applicants will be notified of their application results by May 15, 2017.

For more information please contact us at yap@caux.ch


Want to contribute further? 

We aim to include in the programme 2 workshops of a maximum of 1.5 hours each, delivered by the YAP participants.  If you have a specific workshop or an activity that you are willing to share with your fellow Young Ambassadors during the forum please submit a short paragraph with a description and requirements you may have to deliver the workshop, together with your application.  This requirement is not mandatory in order to be selected in the programme.

Use the following instructions to send us your video.
YouTube:
1. Create a Google account if you do not already have one at https://accounts.google.com/SignUp
2. Go to www.youtube.com
3. Click the Upload link at the top of the page.
4. Select the video you'd like to upload from your computer. You can also record a video from your webcam, or create a video slideshow.
5. Once the upload is completed YouTube will notify you that your video is done uploading and processing
6. ADJUST YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS: When you upload a video, by default it’s set as a “Public” video, which means that anybody can view it.
You can easily change the privacy settings while you’re uploading the video in the “Privacy Settings” section. Or, if you’ve already uploaded the video, you can change the privacy settings by following the steps below:
a. Visit your Video Manager
b. Find the video you’d like to change, and then click the Edit button.
c. In the “Privacy Settings” drop down menu, select ‘Unlisted’
d. Click “Save changes”
7. Copy the URL address of the video into your application form

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IMPORTANT
If you are not selected as an Ambassador, you can still join the conference as participation is open to everyone! You can check the applicable fees here.

​Don't hesitate to follow us on Facebook or like our AEUB Project page to stay updated!  

​
YAP F.A.Q.  

BEFORE APPLYING
​
1) What does the YAP scholarship cover?

The YAP scholarship covers:
a) ​full board in Caux during 7 days/nighs
b) your conference registration fee of 50.- CHF

The YAP scholarship does NOT cover:
a) your travel expenses to and from Caux;
b) your visa expenses, if required;
c) any other personal expenses in or outside Caux.
        
2) I am not sure I will able to cover my travel expenses. What can I do?

Unfortunately, the Full scholarship will not cover your travel expenses to and from Caux. However, should you be in need of a ‘sponsor’ we suggest that you start your own crowdfunding campaign. In other words, your can convince people around you (such as your family, friends, school, church, etc.) of the bounty of your initiative and encourage them to finance the purchase of your tickets to represent your country in Caux. We encourage you to check the following website https://www.crowdfunding.com, where you will find the list of the top 10 crowdfunding websites.

You should also keep in mind that once you choose crowdfunding, you will need time to convince people, as well as commit to report back on your experience and to provide any further explanations whenever people ask you. Having said that, let’s keep our fingers crossed because crowdfunding works pretty well if you are serious about it!

You could also check blablacar.com, where you might get a good deal to get to Caux by lift-sharing with individuals traveling by car in the same direction.

BEFORE ARRIVING
​
3) If, because of travel booking constraints, I arrive in Switzerland before July 14 and/or leave after July 21, would it be possible to spend extra night(s) in Caux?   

In case you need to spend extra night(s) in Caux because of exceptional travel arrangements e.g. your flight arrives and/or departs one day before/after the YAP starts/ends, the cost of extending your stay in the Caux Palace will be of 63.- CHF per night. This is the rate according to the age range 18-25 and includes three meals per day. The accommodation rate can be paid upon arrival in Caux or beforehand. If you decide to do that, please inform the AEUB Team and email the Caux Reservation Team (reservation@caux.ch) indicating in the message body that you will stay and pay extra night(s).  
​
DURING THE CONFERENCE

4) Can I go to Montreux or leave the Conference Centre at any time?

Selected Young Ambassadors are expected to take part in all of the activities from the beginning to the end of the conference. We also understand that you might come from afar and that you might have a particular interest in exploring the surroundings. For this reason, we have allocated a slot of free time in the daily programme and you can decide to sightsee as you wish. However, if you think that you need more time to travel around, we recommend that you consider allocating some extra time before or after the completion of the conference. ​​

IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.

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Youth Exchange: Care About (E)Urself, Italy

Deadline: ongoing
Open to: young people 18-30; coming from Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Turkey, Poland, Macedonia
Venue: 2 – 10 May 2017; Colletorto – Italy

Description

The project is a youth exchange under the Erasmus+ programme, KA1 mobility of young people to be held in Colletorto (CB), Italy in May 2017 during the Europe day celebration. The main idea of the project is to reflect on the feeling of young people related to their belonging to European Union and its values and how this affects their self-development as active young citizens.

There will be 30 participants, young people 18-30 and group leaders with no age limitation coming from 6 European youth organization, from Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Turkey, Poland, Macedonia. During the project, participants will have the chance to share and learn more about themselves and about European Union, the benefits and advantages of being active citizens in their own communities, the challenges that nowadays they are facing in the actual Europe.

The project will be developed through the digital storytelling method, a great tool to connect their ideas, feelings and values related to the topic, releasing their potential and pro-action, dealing with digitalism in a smart approach, guiding them in an empowerment pathway mediated by the discover and interiorization of European Union values.

Eligibility

Young people 18-30 and group leaders with no age limitation coming from 6 European youth organizations, from Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Turkey, Poland, Macedonia.

Costs

All costs are covered.

How to apply?

In order to apply, please fill in the application.

For more information please contact: info@excursio.net.

Read more:

IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.

Read More

Digital Competition in Europe

Participate in our Digital Competition! #DEEPEU 

Share your views on studying, working or volunteering abroad and win a trip to Brussels! Send us a video, infographic, picture or other type of digital creation on the topic of youth mobility in Europe.

HOW TO ENTER:

To participate to the Digital Competition:

1. Create digital content (eg. video, infographic, etc.) related to youth mobility and the Erasmus+ programme;
2. Upload your content online through your own social media, youtube channel, etc.;
3. Inform us that you wish to enter the Competition by completing the following form HERE.

Your entry to the Digital Competition is confirmed only after you receive an email from us with a personalised hashtag you will need to use for distributing your content online.

COMPETITION RULES

• The submitted content must meet the content design eligibility criteria;
• The entrants must be from age 18 to 35 and from a European country;
• The digital content can be submitted in English, Croatian or Hungarian from 28 October 2016 to 28 February 2017;
• Material must be on the topic of EU youth mobility (e.g. learning mobility, Erasmus, EVS, work/study/volunteering abroad);
• In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules, conduct, results and all other matters relating to the competition, the decision of the judge(s) shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into;
• Employees of ECAS or any partner associated with the project and their immediate families, persons connected with the competition/prize draw and their immediate families i.e. prize sponsors, distributors are not eligible to enter the Competition;
• ECAS reserves the right to disqualify any entrant if it has reasonable grounds to believe the entrant has breached any of the Rules;
• Prize winners must be available to travel to Brussels in September/October 2017 and be in the presence of a valid EU passport/identity card;
• Any personal data (except for names) relating to entrants will not be disclosed to a third party without the individual’s consent.

CONTENT DESIGN ELIGIBILITY:

The aim of the competition is to generate appealing digital content on the subject of youth mobility (e.g. studying, working or volunteering aboard).  This might be a video, graphic or any other form of digital content which can be distributed over social media. (For example: a funny video on the problems in Erasmus, an informative video about youth volunteering in EU countries, a provocative picture on youth mobility, etc)

For all content:

• You cannot advertise a product or a service. If a branded product is showed in the video, the brand must be blurred;
• You should not use music or other content protected by copyright if you don’t have the rights to do so. You can find free music and sounds for your video in many places (ex. here);
• Content must be tasteful (e.g. not illegal,offensive, defamatory or target named individuals);
• Content must be your own work.

Suggestions:

• Video Content: Format preferred AVI,MPG,WMV, suggested maximum length 2 minutes;
• Picture or infographic: Format preferred JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF;
• Other types of material: GIF, audio files.

WINNERS:

Six pieces of digital content will be awarded the top prize, after the assessment of the jury.

The top prize is an all-expenses paid trip to Brussels (travel, accommodation and subsidiency costs for 2 days; reimbursement up to 900 euros max.) The winners will have the opportunity to meet with Members of the European Parliament and present their work at the Digital Democracy Day 2017 (October 2017 tbc).

Note: If the digital content was created in a group, then only one representative will have his/her travel paid to Brussels.

Apart from the top 6 winners, additional prizes will be awarded for very good digital contents in the form of places for the Citizen Participation University 2017, which will take place in Kunbábony (Hungary) in summer 2017. The prizes include EU travel, accommodation and meals. More details to come.

JURY:

The jury is composed by the DEEP-linking Youth project partners who will assess each entry to verify that it meets the competition rules and decide on the prize winners.

Entries will be based on the following criteria:

• Content relevance (ex. related to learning mobility, policy-solving orientation and solution oriented – addressing decision-makers);
• Production quality (ex. originality of the content in terms of its narrative, use of media, appearances etc.);
• Outreach (ex. shares, number of views/clicks/likes/etc. and reactions to content on social media).

The jury reserves the right to reject inappropriate content containing hate speech (which includes content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases), violence, etc.

The jury will be applying its Code of Conduct while monitoring and assessing the entries in to the Digital Competition.

For more information contact: elisa.lironi@ecas.org

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IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.

Read More

The 2017 Antall József Summer School in Hungary

Are you interested in the Visegrad Cooperation and Central Europe in general? 

Do not miss the chance to participate in this year's Antall József Summer School.

The Antall József Summer School was launched in 2013 with the aim of strengthening the Visegrad Cooperation and rendering it more visible also in the field of education. Each year, 50 students, who are selected upon criteria such as motivation, degree of interest taken in the V4, as well as professional and educational background, are admitted into the two-week educational programme organised by  the Antall József Knowledge Centre. The 2017 Antall József Summer School will examine the position of the Visegrad Countries within the European Union, commemorating historic milestones such as the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, the 25th of the Treaty of Maastricht, and the 10th of the Treaty of Lisbon. Therefore, the opening roundtable discussion will feature prominent people involved with the EU accession negotiation of the V4 countries in order to make sure that the thirteen years that have passed since the accession are appropriately assessed.

Invited speakers of the roundtable include Danuta Hübner, Former Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Ján Figel, Former Chief Negotiator of the Slovak Republic for Negotiations on the Accession of Slovakia to the EU, Pavel Telicka, Former Chief Negotiator for the Accession of the Czech Republic to the EU, and Enikő Győri, Former Adviser on EU Affairs of the Hungarian National Assembly, as the moderator. In addition, community-building activities are an integral part of this year’s programme and the creation of an AJSS Alumni Society is an additional important aspect in 2017, as the Summer School was launched exactly five years ago. APPLICATION will be open between 1 February 2017 - 31 March 2017. For further information, please visit ajsummerschool.com


What will you do in the summer? Application to AJSS 2017 is open! Register now:

Application


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IYPORTAL, we’re dedicated to helping young people succeed. We open doors for youth with a holistic approach that emphasizes life skills in combination with a mix of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training. As a result, young people are prepared to enter the workforce, create their own opportunities, and be agents of change in their communities.

Read More