Roma Youth Advocacy Seminar
Brussels, 31 March until 7 April 2016 (including travel days)
This seven-days seminar is organized by Phiren Amenca, ternYpe International Roma Youth Network and ERGO Network. It will gather 30 young Roma and non-Roma youth in order to strengthen their capacity as young advocates and leaders to tackle antigypsyism. During the seminar, the group will run a youth campaign against antigypsyism targeting EU level actors, like Members of the European Parliament and European Commission. The campaign is part of the “Roma Week” ahead of the 8 April – International Roma Day.
The “Roma Week” is an initiative of a group of Members of the European Parliament and civil society organizations to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the International Roma Day. The “Roma Week” is taking place at the European Parliament on April 4-7, 2016.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The seminar aims to strengthen the capacity of the participants to understand the structures and working mechanisms of the EU institutions, as well as the current EU policies concerning Roma and against racism, and to develop advocacy strategies and campaigns raising-awareness about antigypsyism on European level.
The objectives of the activity are to:
- Get to know the European Union institutions and to understand their working mechanisms, and policies towards Roma, in particular of the European Parliament and European Commission;
- Build a dialogue and bring a Roma youth perspective to DG Justice (responsible for Roma policies in the European Commission), to DG EAC (Education and Culture, includes the youth sector in the European Commission), as well as to Members of the European Parliament;
- Raise awareness of the participants about antigypsyism, and the current anti-racism policies;
- Raise awareness of the participants about the Brussels-based civil society structures and their strategies against antigypsyism and racism (in particular ERGO, ENAR (European Network against Racism) and the European Youth Forum);
- Develop a youth campaign against antigypsyism during the “Roma Week” of the European Parliament ahead of the 8 April – International Roma Day;
- Raise awareness of Members of the European Parliament, European Commission staff and Brussels based advocates about the recognition of the Roma Holocaust and of antigypsyism which was approved in April 2015 by a European Parliament resolution.
PROFILE OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Present will be Roma and non-Roma youth leaders, activists, multipliers, and volunteers who are active in Roma communities and experienced in working with Roma communities and/or Roma youth.
Participants must also:
- be able and committed to act as multipliers in youth work on the themes of anti-discrimination, combating racism and antigypsyism and promotion of human rights with Roma young people, for the benefit of Roma communities and Roma youth
- be motivated to develop their competences in advocacy, anti-discrimination work, human rights education and youth work and to share their experiences with other participants
- be aged 18 – 30
- be committed to attend for the full duration of the course
- be able to work in English, or check with the coordination that translation can be provided through other participants or team members
- be resident in one of the following countries: Belgium, Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Germany
WORKING LANGUAGE
English
DATES OF THE ACTIVITY
Arrival: March 31, 2016 (Thursday)
Departure: April 7, 2016 (Thursday)
LOCATION
The seminar is organised in Brussels.
Accommodation is provided in Hotel Aviation, Square de l’Aviation 20, 1070 Bruxelles
The conference will take place in various venues. Information is provided with the Info Pack later.
TRAVEL
Participants should organize their travel (arrival and departure) for these dates AFTER the organizers have confirmed their participation. Earlier arrivals and late departures will be exceptions after discussion with the organizers.
COSTS
Reimbursement of travel costs:
The organisers of the seminar cover accommodation and food during the activity.
The maximum of reimbursement of travel costs is € 200 (for French and German participants € 150); if costs are higher they have to be covered by participants or contact the organizers. The reimbursements of travel expenses (based on economical prices, Apex, student price, special price) will take place on the spot during the week in cash or by bank transfer after the activity. Participants should bring with them original invoices to prove the costs of travel as well the tickets.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION
How to apply?
Click HERE
Application deadline: February 28, 2016
Based on the sent applications will be selected 20 participants and 10 participants will be selected by MEPs.
Selection procedure:
If you fit into the participants’ profile, you may submit an application until February 28 at midnight Central European Time. The preparatory team will select up to 20 participants on the basis of the profile outlined above, ensuring also a balance between genders, geographical regions, different types of experiences and organizations. Within few days, we will inform the candidates whether their application has been accepted or rejected.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Contact person: Atanas Stoyanov
e-mail: [email protected]
ABOUT ERGO NETWORK
ERGO (European Roma Grassroots Organizations) Network wants to achieve equal opportunities for Roma in their societies and encourages them to take an active role in accomplishing respect for their rights as equal citizens.
ERGO Network connects organisations that share the conviction that Roma can and should participate as active citizens in their own societies. To overcome the discrimination and stigmatization that are root obstacles to their equal participation in society, ERGO Network supports civic empowerment, mobilization of Roma at grassroots level and leadership at all levels of society. www.ergonetwork.org, http://www.romareact.org
ABOUT PHIREN AMENCA
Phiren Amenca is a network of Roma and non-Roma volunteers and voluntary service organizations creating opportunities for non-formal education, dialogue and engagement, in order to challenge stereotypes and racism. More information under: www.phirenamenca.eu
ABOUT TERNYPE
ternYpe – International Roma Youth Network was founded in January 2010 and unites Roma youth organizations from around Europe. The mission of the network is to create space for young people to become active citizens through empowerment, mobilization, self-organization and participation. We believe in the common efforts by creating trust, and mutual respect between Roma and non-Roma youth.