October 2004, Issue no 30
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

Danube University Krems - "Intercultural Competencies" Master's Program, Austria


The Master΄s Program "Intercultural Competencies" will begin in November 2004 at Danube University Krems in Austria, and students from Eastern Europe are invited to apply for partial study grants. Courses will be held in German and English language.

The goal of the Master's program is to train participants to become experts in handling international and intercultural challenges. Participants will learn the necessary facts, tools and strategies to work with colleagues from other cultures. Through intercultural, interdisciplinary and creative thinking, they will acquire the skills for realizing their own personal and career goals in the key areas of business, administration and non-profit work.

The Master's program is designed for professionals with an academic degree or relevant working experience in the following areas: business, tourism and conference management, politics and administration, freelance activities with an international or intercultural orientation, NGOs, cultural management, or media. The program's target group is therefore professionally diverse.

More information
Website: www.donau-uni.ac.at/kultur
Email: sabine.aydt@donau-uni.ac.at (Mag. Sabine Aydt, Department for Cultural Studies)


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Romanet
Application deadline: on-going


Objectives of the Program
- To organize study tours and training programs that disseminate successful Romany initiatives and good practices in the Carpathian Euroregion countries, therefore allowing other organizations to learn about and adapt the given initiative to their communities.
- To organize joint transfrontier events and programs, which would bring benefits to the organizations on both sides of the border and have long-term effects on cooperation among organizations.
- To create a network of Romany initiatives addressing common issues.
- To promote economic development projects, which would in turn decrease unemployment and improve the life of Roma communities within the Carpathian Euroregion.
- To initiate joint institutions of Romany organizations and initiatives in order to strengthen their voice.

The program provides support for up to 3,000 USD to projects which demonstrate efforts in promoting Romany transfrontier cooperation.

Areas of Call
The areas which projects may cover include: economic development; education; social and health; leadership development; advocacy; media; community development.

Criteria for Grant Eligibility
The applicant must be a registered NGO or local self-government located in the geographical areas described above. National and international organizations located outside the described geographical area can participate as cooperating partners in the project but can not be the grant recipient. Project duration should not be longer than 6 months from the date the grant contract is signed.

No support will be given for charitable activities of general humanitarian nature; scholarships; regranting; purchasing buildings; scientific research; conferences (except when they are a part of the project planning); individuals.

Proposal Evaluation
The CF supports projects which meet the objectives of the program and fulfill the technical and administrative requirements.

Practical criteria
Relevant presentation of the project: convincing analysis of needs, clear objectives and thorough information on project activities; clear description of the methods proposed for the implementation of the project; coherent set of tasks with clearly defined operational objectives and measurable results; clear indicators for measuring the success of the project; detailed budget, which clearly explains how funds will be used and identifies funds available from other sources well-documented process of project implementation.

Quality of project
Contribution, adaptation, and/or dissemination of successful Romany initiatives and good practices in one of the countries of the Carpathian Euroregion; Improvement of economic and social situation of the Romany communities in the Carpathian Euroregion; Organization of joint transfrontier events and programs, which bring benefits to the organizations on both sides of the border and have a long-term impact on cooperation among organizations; Creation of a network of Romany initiatives addressing common issues; Establishment of a joint institution of Romany organizations and initiatives in order to strengthen their voice.

Partners:
Involvement of partners from more than one country; clear indicators of local support for the project; capacity of all partners to implement the project; clear identification and distribution of the roles and responsibilities between each of the participating organizations and countries; participation of all the partners from the very outset (i.e. from the stage of project design); detailed budget clearly explaining responsibilities of partners.

Priority will be given to projects in which more than two countries are involved; the project has long term affects; the cooperation can be sustained after finishing the support provided by the CF; measurable local contribution (in kind or financial support).

How to apply for a grant
The CF accepts applications for grants on an ongoing basis. To apply for a grant, please provide the CF a project description. The project description should have three main parts: Information about the applicant, Information about the project, Financial information and budget. Proposals should be prepared in the national language of the country and submitted to the local Carpathian Foundation office.

More information
Website: http://www.carpathianfoundation.org/languages/en/program.php?program=23&what=1


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Local Initiatives Program
Application deadline: on-going


Mission of the Carpathian Foundation
The mission of the Carpathian Foundation is to promote good neighbourliness, social stability and sustainable economic development in the Carpathian Euroregion. Geographically, CF's activities cover bordering areas of Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine. For a complete description of CF's mission, see www.carpathianfoundation.org.

The geographical scope of Carpathian Foundation's activity covers the bordering areas of Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine:
Hungary: Heves, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Hajdu-Bihar and Szolnok-Jasz-Nagykun counties;
Poland: Podkarpackie region;
Romania: Botosani, Bihor, Maramures, Satu Mare, Salaj, Suceava counties; Harghita
Slovakia: Presov and Kosice counties;
Ukraine: Chernivska, Ivanovo-Frankivska, Lvivska, Zakarpatska oblast (regions).

The Carpathian Foundation Small Grants Programme
This programme provides grants of up to $5,000 for projects with a duration of no more than 12 months, which further any of the goals of Carpathian Foundation.

Priority will be given to applications that have a focus on
- Multiculturalism and inter-ethnic dialogue
- Cultural or natural heritage
- Community development
- Capacity-building for NGOs or for local self-government.

How to Apply
Carpathian Foundation receives applications for grants within this programme on an ongoing basis. The decision process may take up to two months, after which applicants will be informed of the decision or asked to provide more information about the project. Applications must be submitted at least 3 months before the intended start of a project. Proposals should be written in the national language of your country or in English and submitted to the national Carpathian Foundation office. Applications typically contain:
- Name, address, and tel/fax of organization
- CVs of key staff
- Information about the organization, a copy of the valid registration letter, statute and/or bylaws of the applicant in attachment of the application, and a document confirming who can legally act on behalf of the applicant
- Project objectives
- Description of the project
- Expected results
- How results will be evaluated and measured
- Financial overview/annual budget of the organization
- Budget of the project, specifying clearly how much is requested from the CF and how much from other sources, including in-kind contributions
- Timing of the project
- If there are partners in the project, please give their contact information and describe their tasks/responsibilities in the project
- Any other information that may be relevant.

Grant Eligibility
Applicants must be NGOs or local self-governments, based in the geographic area described above. National or international organizations registered outside this area may be partners in a project but cannot be the grant recipient. Applicants must have relevant experience in the activity that is targeted. Newly established or ad hoc associations should have objectives corresponding to the programme's aims.

No support will be given to scholarships, general humanitarian aid, buying land or building, conferences (except as part of a project's planning or evaluation), archeological excavation, profit-making activities, general operational costs of the organization.

More information
Website: http://www.carpathianfoundation.org/languages/en/program.php?program=25&what=1


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Central European University - Scholarships for Roma
Application deadline: October 18, 2004


Central European University (CEU), with the generous financial support of the Ford Foundation, is offering a Preparatory Course in Budapest for 17 young promising Roma

The goal is to gain equal opportunity to access post-graduate education through open competition at CEU and in North America or Western Europe. The program will:
- Involve Roma students in the core degree programs of CEU (auditing CEU classes)
- Academically prepare them for their chosen field of study by intensive training
- Accustom students to advanced academic life
- Raise their English to a level adequate for graduate study.

The full-time course will start in March 2005 and last until December 2005. It is a combination of:
1. Discipline specific tutoring in the field(s) of their choice
2. Academic courses in the field(s) of their choice
3. Academic writing
4. English language training

Who should apply?
Young Roma in Central and Eastern Europe who have:
- A university/ college degree in any field (preferably in the Social Sciences or Humanities)
- Strong interest in post-graduate university education
- Intermediate English language skills
- Desire to study in a multicultural environment.

Application
Your application must include:
1. Completed Application Form (in English)
2. CV, including academic background, work experience if any, and involvement in Roma related issues in your country if any (in English)
3. Letter of Intention, stating why you would like to participate in this program (in English)
4. One Reference Letter from a recognized Roma organization translation into English should be attached if the recommendation is written in local language
5. One Reference Letter from a university professor or your employer translation into English should be attached if the recommendation is written in local language
6. Copies of all University Documents (diploma and documents showing your grades).

More information
Email: romaac@ceu.hu


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Raoul Wallenberg Institute - Training Program on Human Rights
Application deadline: November 1, 2004


The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law will organize a two-part training program on human rights in Lund, Sweden (February 21 - March 18, 2005) and in Belgrade (September 19 - 23, 2005).

The program is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and is open to individuals from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo), Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

More information
Website: http://www.rwi.lu.se/news/tempact/osshumr05.shtml


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ArtsLink Residencies - Artists & arts managers from Central Europe, Russia & Eurasia
Application deadline: November 5, 2004


Program description
The ArtsLink Residencies program offers artists and arts managers a five-week residency at an established, non-profit arts organization in the U.S. For the 2005 Residencies Program, ArtsLink will accept applications from artists and arts managers working in dance, music, theater and literature.
ArtsLink Residencies provide opportunities to:
- Pursue artistic and/or professional collaborations that will enrich and enhance your work
- Establish mutually beneficial exchange of ideas and expertise with U.S. artists and organizations and with colleagues from Central Europe, Russia and Eurasia during ArtsLink Fellow meetings
- Deepen your understanding of a particular artistic expression that is related to your own work
- Create new work that draws inspiration from interaction with artists and arts professionals in the U.S.
- Expand professional arts management skills through work with U.S. organizations.

Eligibility
ArtsLink Residencies will accept applications from contemporary and traditional creative artists working in dance, music, theater and literature and from arts managers at independent, non-profit, and government organizations working in these artistic disciplines. Applicants must be citizens of, and reside in, an eligible country (see below). There are no age limitations. Applicants must have sufficient knowledge of English to function independently while in the U.S.
Eligible countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

More information
Website: www.cecip.org


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Council of Europe - The Confidence-building Measures Programme
Application deadline: November 18, 2004


Please note that the next deadline for the receipt of applications for financing within the framework of the Confidence-building Measures Programme will be 18 November 2004 for projects beginning as of 15 April 2005.

Projects, of which the primary aim is to improve intercultural relations, can be submitted by NGOs, local and regional authorities, media and educational establishments. In addition to their inter-ethnic character, projects should be relevant to one or more of the various fields of the Organisation's intergovernmental work programme, including human and minority rights, democracy, democratic citizenship, media, education, culture, social cohesion, youth, local democracy and transfrontier co-operation. The maximum contribution that can be granted for a one-year project is generally 27,000.

In addition to the above criteria, as in previous years, preference will be given to projects which fit within one or more of the following categories:
- Projects relevant to one or more countries of the Caucasus and South East Europe
- Projects promoting the integration of Roma communities
- Projects promoting Council of Europe legal standards, particularly in the field of the promotion of human and minority rights
- Projects linked to structures set up within or related to the Council of Europe (e.g. Field Offices, Information and Documentation Centres, Local Democracy Agencies, International NGOs enjoying consultative status with the Council of Europe).

In addition, as in recent years, special attention will be given to projects aimed at (i) the promotion of inter-religious dialogue; (ii) the integration of foreigners and (iii) promotion of civil society contacts between Council of Europe member States and adjacent countries in the Mediterranean basin.

More information
Website: http://www.coe.ro/
http://www.coe.int/
Email: confidence-building@coe.int
Mihaela.TIRIGAN@coe.ro (Ms. Mihaela TIRIGAN, assistant to the director, Information Office of the Council of Europe in Bucharest)


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Integrated Rural Commmunity Development Program in the Carpathian Euroregion
Application deadline: December 1, 2004 (for project concepts)


Program History
Rural areas in the Carpathian Euroregion are confronted with an array of problems likely to seriously affect their viability. These include fragile ecological and social environments, a lack of local institutions and local cooperation, depopulation, unemployment and weak structures of civil society. Addressing these problems is most difficult in the remote rural mountain areas and in the regions near to national-borders. Rural mountain areas, with their rich natural and cultural heritage, have great potential for development. The Carpathian Foundation is convinced that a competitive rural economy and a socially inclusive, confident and cooperating rural society are the attainable core ingredients of a sustainable rural community.

This Program is designed to encourage and help rural actors to think about the longer-term potential of their area. It seeks to encourage the implementation of integrated, original and alternative strategies for sustainable rural development that:
• Enhance the natural and cultural heritage
• Reinforce the economic environment in order to contribute to local community economic development
• Improve the organizational abilities of communities to handle economic and social problems by strengthening local social capital
• Encourage cross-border and transfrontier cooperation in local development between micro-regions.

The Carpathian Foundation's Integrated Rural Community Development program has been running for seven years. In the framework of this Program, the Foundation has provided US $1,9 million to 20 organizations in the Carpathian Euroregion in order to promote community based local development that is consistent with the general characteristic features of a effected micro-regions and that builds on existing human and natural resources.

Previously awarded projects have focused on areas including:
• Promoting and diversifying rural economies based on local knowledge and cultural heritage, including developing rural tourism and handicraft production
• Mobilizing local communities and resources for local development
• Encouraging small business development by creating mutual guarantee funds and micro-loan institutions in economically depressed micro-regions
• Creating alternatives for sustainable economic development in mountain regions
• Revitalizing town-market traditions and promotion of local products.

During the years each of the grantees were able to make significant changes at the local level, gained a considerable amount of experiences in creating partnership and maintained the project after the CF support has finished.

Program Objectives
• Encourage and test new approaches of local development in order to motivate integrated local planning that takes into consideration ecological, social, cultural and economic aspects of local/micro-regional development
• Promote community and local knowledge based economic development that is consistent with the general characteristics of a given, geographically, ecologically and culturally defined micro-region by building on its human and natural resources
• Encourage the development of a local value added economy that creates new job opportunities
• Strengthen indigenous forces and mobilize local communities by creating partnerships between local stakeholders including civic organizations, local governments, businesses and other local institutions
• Motivate cross-border/transfrontier and interregional cooperation between micro-regions within and between the Carpathian Euroregion, including bordering micro-regions. CF intends to offer financial support to ambitious local programs up to US $ 60,000 for a maximum two-year period, beginning July 2005.

Criteria for grant eligibility
The Program provides support for projects:
• which address the identified objectives, and which focus on specific geographical, ecological and/or border areas within well-defined micro-regions
• with a total micro-region population of 10.000 to 50.000 inhabitants.

Priority will be given to projects that address the following:
• The project is designed and implemented in partnership between local communities resulting in a coalition of the main local stakeholders, including civic organizations, local governments, businesses and other local institutions
• The integration of related programs within the project area, to ensure that policies are oriented to the same strategic aims as defined by the partnership
• Are implemented in cross-border micro-regions
• Increase the human capital and absorption capacity of local communities enabling them to attract funds from national and European Union programs
• Include an on-going developmental impact on the local economy and can demonstrate long-term sustainability
• There is a significant local financial and/or in-kind contribution to the project (25% of the total budget of the project is recommended).

Eligibility
Applicants must be registered civic organizations located in the bordering areas of Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, namely:
Hungary: Borsod- Abauj-Zemplen, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Szabolcs-Szatmar- Bereg counties
Poland: Podkarpackie Province
Romania: Bihor, Botosani, Harghita, Maramures, Salaj, Suceava, Satu Mare counties
Slovakia: Kosice and Presov regions
Ukraine: Chernivciska, Ivano-Frankivska, Lvivska, Zakarpatska oblasts.

Local governments, research institutions, national NGOs and international organizations can participate as cooperating partners in the project, but cannot be grant recipients. Former IRCD grantees can participate as cooperating partners but cannot be grant recipients. The applicants must have a proven track record of activity in the areas targeted by the project and relevant experience collaborating in the strengthening of local communities.

No support will be given for
• Charitable activities of general humanitarian nature
• Purchasing land and/or buildings
• Re-granting or sponsorship
• Research projects (except when research is an integral part project planning).

No more than 10% of the grant funds can be used for purchasing capital equipment.

More information
Website: http://www.carpathianfoundation.org/languages/en/program.php?program=1&what=1


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Directorate of Youth and Sport of the Council of Europe - National and Regional Training Courses on Human Rights Education
Application deadline: by 15th December 2004 for activities planned from February - April 2005, by 31 January 2005 for activities planned from May - December 2005


The Directorate of Youth and Sport of the Council of Europe runs a European youth programme on human rights education since the year 2000, aiming to bring human rights issues in the mainstream of youth work practice. This programme, coordinated by the European Youth Centre Budapest, is designed to achieve wide synergies in the Council of Europe member states and beyond.

In 2002, the Council of Europe published "COMPASS - a manual on human rights education young people". Presently, the manual is available in English, French and Russian language. Some twenty other language versions are in the process of being published. In order to make COMPASS available and accessible to users across Europe, the Directorate of Youth and Sports encourages the organisation of National and Regional Training Courses in Human Rights Education. These courses are a means to introduce trainers, facilitators, youth workers and youth leaders as well as teachers to work with "COMPASS" and, consequently, mainstream human rights education in non-formal and formal education. In 2002 and 2003, twenty such courses were organised in 18 member states of the Council of Europe.

The organisation and running of such courses is possible only with the active support of national and regional institutions, organisations and public services interested in introducing and developing human rights education in non-formal and formal educational settings. The Council of Europe welcomes expressions of interest for further training courses in 2004 and 2005 following the criteria and procedures outlined below.

1. Organisers of the courses
- Youth non-governmental organisations, other non-governmental and governmental organisations and institutions involved in human rights education with young people can be organisers of these courses.
- Co-operation projects amongst different partners are encouraged and given priority.
- Co-operation between non-formal and formal educational fields is encouraged.

2. Objectives of the courses
- The training courses aim at training multipliers (trainers, youth workers, teachers) in developing human rights education activities with and for young people.
- The courses should present an opportunity to introduce the participants to "COMPASS" and how to work with it.
- The courses should bring together "key multipliers" of the country or region concerned, committed to carry out further activities and projects in human rights education with young people.
- Participants should come from the diversity of associations and organisations dealing with human rights education and youth work and should strive to involve different religious, sexual, ethnic and cultural, minorities and other frequently discriminated groups in society.
- The organisers should strive to achieve gender and geographical balance.
- The duration of the course, the number and profile of the participants should be consistent with programme and the specific objectives of the course. The courses should be held for a maximum of 40 participants, and have a minimum of 4 days duration.
National organisers are expected to:
- Define the objectives for the course in the specific context of the country/countries of the participants.
- Prepare, run and evaluate the course with a competent team of trainers and organizers.
- Provide the necessary infrastructure for a residential training course using interactive educational methodology.
- Include when appropriate in the preparatory group one or more trainers who have participated in one of the "Training of Trainers in human rights education" course, organised by the Directorate of Youth and Sports.

The Directorate of Youth and Sports may support the courses by providing:
- Competent educational support and advice
- To adapt the training course to the specific situation of the organising country/countries.
- Recommend or nominate trainer(s) with specialized experience in the field to support the national preparatory group in the programme development.
- Financial assistance to:
- Cover interpretation costs
- Contribute to costs for board and lodging
- Cover the travel costs of possible international participants
- Cover the fees and expenses of trainers nominated by the Directorate of Youth and Sport.
- Institutional support
- Recommendation letters to potential funders.
- Official Council of Europe representation at official parts of the training course programme.
- Publicity to the training course in the Council of Europe website.
- Authorisation for the organisers to use the Council of Europe and the Human Rights Education Youth Programme logos for the activity.
Applicants should specify their needs and expectations for assistance from the Council of Europe in the application form.

More information
Website: http://eycb.coe.int/EYCBwwwroot/HRE/index.asp?url=LTTC%20DC%20.asp
Email: natalia.miklash@coe.int


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UNESCO - Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowship Programme
Application deadline: January 14, 2005


UNESCO is calling on young researchers with advanced degrees (M.A., M.Sc. or equivalent) in developing countries to apply to the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowship Programme for fellowships ranging from US$ 6,000 to US$ 10,000. The Programme is financed by Japan through its funds in trust programme for capacity-building of human resources.

The Programme is named after the late Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who was known for his commitment to furthering development. It grants a total of 20 fellowships a year to researchers in four areas:
1.Environment
2.Intercultural dialogue
3.Information and communication technologies
4.Peaceful conflict resolution.

UNESCO Director General Koοchiro Matsuura has written to UNESCO National Commissions, Permanent Delegations to UNESCO and to the Organization's regional offices asking them to invite young researchers to apply for the fellowships through their country's National Commission. Each Member State may nominate a maximum of two candidates, no older than 40.

More information
Website: http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=22149&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html


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European Diploma in Cultural Project Management 2005 - 2006
Application deadline: January 15, 2005


The European Diploma in Cultural Project Management is a training and learning experience fostering cultural diversity and interregional exchanges as a way of giving culture a stronger place within Europe.
Through its content and methodology, this pan-European programme is specific in the way that it does not only aim at improving the skills of cultural administrators in the field of cultural management and administration, but also at helping the participants develop understanding of these fields in a changing Europe.

Its main aims are to make participants aware of challenges within their field of action and influence and to develop approaches and tools needed for co-operative and creative cultural workforce in Europe. Each year, around 25 professionals from 20 countries take part in the European Diploma. Since 1989, 350 cultural managers from 41 countries followed this course.

The programme is supported by the Council of Europe.

Who is the training for?
Cultural managers from public and private organizations who are actively involved in the management of cultural and artistic projects in their region, with at least 3 years experience.
The training languages being French and English, applicants must be fluent in one of these working languages and have a good passive knowledge of the other. The age limit is 45.

Content and Organization
The European Diploma is organized so that the participants carry on with their professional activities. The programme lasts one year and is organized in 3 phases: residential sessions, practical training and an evaluation + seminar phase.

The residential sessions
Two sessions of a fortnight take place in two different countries each year.
The next training session will be organised in South West Sweden as well as in Portugal (Tondela) and Spain (Santiago de Compostella).

More information
Website: www.fondation-hicter.org


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Society for the Research of Religions and Ideologies, Al. I. Cuza University - The Challenge of Multiculturalism in the Eastern and Central Europe, International Workshop, October 28 - 30 , 2004, Iasi, Romania


The topic and issues of multiculturalism represent the research object of several categories of disciplines, such as political science, sociology, philosophy, history and so on. In the same time, it constitutes the basic theory for many practitioners, ranging from politicians to representatives of NGOs. Through this project, we attempt at facilitating the encounter and the dialogue among all these types of people, in a 3-day workshop and consequently in a volume with the texts and discussions. In this way, we expect to benefit from an interdisciplinary meeting where both the theoretical framework and the concrete cases should be put face to face. The invitation of specialists from the whole CEE region is meant to open up the discussion and to bring about the consolidation of a network of people connected by their topic of investigation.

In the same time, we intend to disseminate and multiply the information and the practical knowledge on these issues. This is why we plan to invite representatives of mass media to participate during the whole event, and to a press conference. It represents another reason for publicizing the results of the workshop in a volume.

Sections of the workshop:
1. Multicultural/ intercultural politics. Theoretical framework, challenges and opportunities
2. The challenge and the reality of multiculturality in the CEE region. Case studies, threats and solutions
3. Multicultural education. Achievements and prospects.

Website: http://www.sacri.ro/files/multicult.htm
Email: sfrunza@yahoo.com, sfrunza@hiphi.ubbcluj.ro (Assoc. Prof. Sandu Frunza, Project Coordinator, Babes-Bolyai University, President of SACRI)
Email: Nicolas@uaic.ro (Assoc. Prof. Nicu Gavriluta, Al. I. Cuza University, SCIRI Iasi Coordinator)


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CEI Summit Economic Forum (SEF), November 24 - 26, 2004, Portoroz, Slovenia


As the main annual event for the whole Central European region, this forum provides the best opportunity to make business contacts and establish co-operation on investment projects and development programmes.

The Summit and SEF are co-organised by the CEI with the Slovenian Ministry of Economy, Finance Business Daily, and the Small Business Development Centre. The International Herald Tribune is a press partner. The chambers of commerce (Central European Chambers of Commerce Initiative, CECCI) are co-organisers of some of the events.

Please register early to obtain registration benefits and be included in the list of participants and networking system in advance of the forum.

The Forum will attract industry leaders, senior government officials from the 17 CEI member countries; regional, national and international organisations; financial institutions; professionals and consultants; lawyers and hundreds of businessmen. 1500 participants are expected, including 200 journalists.

This year a new formula has been developed: four main thematic areas, or streams, will constitute the core of the event. Besides economic and project-based discussions, the roundtable of Ministers of the Economic Sectors and the CEI Summit of the 17 Prime Ministers will provide an important insight into each country's policy approach.

The first stream is the Portoroz Business Conference, organised by Finance, Slovenia's first business newspaper, together with the faculty of Economics of the University of Ljubljana and the Slovenian Association of Economists. The main focus is given to competitiveness, social responsibility and economic growth within the context of the Lisbon strategy and its implementation in western as well as in those countries which have just acceded to the European Union.
The second stream will deal with infrastructure and energy, and in particular the role attributed to sustainable development for transport and municipal utilities, PPP, corridors, air transport, energy efficiency and renewable sources. The EBRD and the EIB will present their recent instruments and programmes, together with other financial institutions, governments and private sector.
The third stream is on financial sector. Here focus is given to investment opportunities by country and sector, financing real estate and agriculture, banking, insurance, privatisation, regulatory and business climate. The OECD, EBRD, FAO, and Italian financial institutions and government agencies (including ICE) will present their latest initiatives.
The fourth stream, co-organised by the Small Business Development Centre, focuses on small and medium sized enterprises, dealing specifically with the internationalisation of SMEs, business support services and the analysis of the comprehensive role of SMEs in the local economy and in support of local employment. The EBRD and the OECD/ LEED programme will present recent initiatives (including the BAS programme and the CEI- LEED Local Development Network).
Besides these traditional sessions, an Interactive Business Area (IBA) will provide participants with tools to network and explore business opportunities in a dynamic way. The Business Info Desk will offer specific expert advice on specific problems and opportunities for small businesses, while the Project Room and the database for the business match-making will facilitate networking for both project ideas and projects in the implementation stage. Several Stands, including those of financial institutions, will also provide information and advice on large projects.

More information
Website: www.ceinet.org/SEF
Email: info.sef@cei-es.org


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International Association for Political Science Students and The Romanian Center for Global Studies - The First IAPSS Annual Academic Conference: Political Science Research in the XXIth Century, Mapping the future - understanding new challenges
Application deadline: October 21, 2004


The organizers propose eight panels, a general overview of current policy issues in world and domestic affairs. Thus the paper submitted should address one of the topics below:
1. The New Anti-Americanism
2. Conflict Prevention And Resolution (Regional Conflicts)
3. Wider Europe
4. Political Participation
5. Political parties
6. Euro skepticism
7. New challenges in international security
8. Right-wing extremism - comparative perspective

The International Association for Political Science Students is a worldwide organization with member associations and individual members in almost forty countries. Our foreseen mission is to generate and promote opportunities for full actualization of political science students cooperating through a global communication network.

The First IAPSS Annual Academic Conference represents an opportunity for every political science student to freely express his beliefs and perspectives, within a framework of policy research provided by CRSG. This project will occasion the presenting of academic papers elaborated by students worldwide with both academic and policy concerns. Workshops are meant to offer a deeper perspective into the topics approached by the panels.

The Romanian Center for Global Studies (CRSG) is a Romanian think-tank created by a group of young Romanian IR researchers, graduates of Western Europe and North American universities, who joined forces to bring their international expertise within the domestic debate on relevant international affairs. The Center functions under the guidance of leading Romanian and international IR policy experts. By co-organizing this event, CRSG aims at integrating academic interests of political science students into relevant policy debate both in Romania and abroad.

The best papers in each panel will be published in a special edition of Politikon - the IAPSS Journal and on the website of CRSG. CRSG will offer a prize to the best policy paper on IR or foreign policy analysis.

The requirements for the academic papers are:
* English language
* A half page abstract
* A draft of minimum of 15 pages written in Times New Roman, size 12, 1.5 lines
* Bibliography (minimum 5 references, see the rules for references in the attached document.

An abstract is expected by the 21st of October 2004. On the 25th of October you will have the final answer regarding the acceptance. The paper is expected by 1st of December 2004. The abstract and draft papers should be submitted at the following e-mail address: academicconference@yahoo.com

More information
Website: www.iapss.org
Email: academic.conference@iapss.org, info@iapss.org


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Lorenzo Natali Prize
Application deadline: October 31, 2004


You published an article on the defence of Human Rights and/or Democracy in 2003 - Participate in the 2004 Lorenzo Natali Prize by sending us your article.

Created by the European Commission in 1992, the Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalism is awarded each year to journalists from the written and on-line press who stood out for their remarkable understanding and particular involvement in reporting on Human Rights and Democracy in the countries in development as vital elements of the economic and social development.

In 2004, the European Comission will award a prize in the five world regions : Europe (members states and states of central Europe, oriental and Mediterranean), Africa, the Arab world, Iran end Israel, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean;

All the nominated journalists for the Lorenzo Natali Prize will be the hosts of honour of the European Commission for the awards ceremony that will proceed in Brussels in December 2004; Each winner will receive a Trophy and a financial reward of 10 000 Euro.

Who can take part ?
The Natali Prize 2004 is addressed to journalists of the written and online press who work in the local media in the five regional categories mentioned on the rules below.
It concerns journalists who have written reports related to Human Rights and Democracy in the case of world in development. Each applicant or group of applicants is allowed to submit ONE article (or a series of articles related to the same issue), published between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2003.

How to take part ?
Nothing more simple. You only need to fill in the application form below and to submit it online at www.nataliprize.info, accompanied by an electronic version of your article. Before submitting, please read carefully the Prize rules.

More information
Website: www.nataliprize.info


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Under Eastern Eyes: Travel Writing from Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Workshop, March 2005, Sofia, Bulgaria
Application deadline: November 1, 2004


The Centre for South-East European Studies, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, and the AHRB Research Project on East European Travel Writing 'East Looks West', in collaboration with the British Council, the British Academy, and the Faculty of History, University of Sofia, are organizing a three-day WORKSHOP entitled 'Under Eastern Eyes: Travel Writing from Eastern Europe and the Balkans', to be held in Sofia, in late March 2005. The event will bring together scholars from across Europe, the UK and elsewhere to present research on East European and Balkan travel and travel writing.

The role played by travel writing by Westerners in defining Eastern Europe and the Balkans (and the West, in opposition to these Eastern 'others') has been much debated recently, but there has been much less work done on the ways people from the region have traveled, observed and recorded their impressions - and the implications of these activities. The workshop will focus on travel and travel writing from the East of Europe and the Balkans, with the emphasis on two main directions: travel to the West; and travel to and within the Balkans. In looking at both these themes, we are particularly interested in the ways that travel and travel writing can provide a vehicle for self-definition, whether individual, national, regional or other, in relation to the people and places visited.

The organizers plan to publish suitable contributions to the workshop as part of the 'East Looks West' publishing programme. For a description of the AHRB 'East Looks West' project, see www.ssees.ac.uk/eastwest.htm; for reports from previous sessions of the South-East European workshops, see www.ssees.ac.uk/seecentre.htm. If you are interested in making a proposal for publication, but cannot attend the Sofia workshop, please don't hesitate to write with an enquiry.

Those interested in participating should send a cover letter and a short abstract of their potential contribution, accompanied by a brief CV, to Dr. Wendy Bracewell at w.bracewell@ssees.ac.uk. The organizers are happy to discuss possible topics before a formal submission is made. Limited funding is available to cover travel, accommodation and expenses; preference will be given to participants coming from the region.

More information
Website: www.ssees.ac.uk/eastwest.htm
Email: w.bracewell@ssees.ac.uk (Dr. Wendy Bracewell)


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Faculty of Political Sciences and Communications, West University of Timisoara - International Symposium: Ideologies, Values and Political Behaviours in Central and Eastern Europe, 3rd edition, December 2 - 3, 2004, Timisoara, Romania
Application deadline: November 10, 2004


The event will take place between 2-3 December 2004 in Timisoara, Romania and the topics on which we would like to have your contributions are:
- Political Ideas in Central and Eastern Europe
- Political Parties and Electoral Behaviours
- Gender and Politics
- Religion and Politics
- Human Rights
- New Political Actors
- Challenges of Globalisation. Central and Eastern European Perspectives

Among the participants this year we are honoured to have Jean Bethke Elshtain, Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of Social and Political Ethics in the Divinity School, the Department of Political Science, and the Committee on International Relations of the University of Chicago, David Robertson, St. Hugh's College, Oxford, well known author of several dictionaries in politics.

We regret that our institution is not able to cover expenses for traveling and accommodation. However, in case of exceptional needs, we might assist with partial support. Please contact us if you would like your proposal to be taken into consideration.

Please confirm your participation as well as the topic area on which you would like to contribute (including a maximum A4 abstract) by 10th November 2004.

More information
Email: crudu@polsci.uvt.ro (Ionut Crudu, Assistant Professor)


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ISTR and EMES - International Society for Third-Sector Research, April 27 - 29, 2005, Paris, France
Application deadline: November 30, 2004


The EMES network owes its name to its first research program, on "the emergence of social enterprises in Europe". More generally, it studies socio-economic and socio-political entities increasingly important in Europe. The terms designating these entities include, amongst others: the third sector, the social economy, the civil and solidarity-based economy, voluntary organizations and social enterprises. Established university research centers working in this field have combined their efforts so as to gradually build up a European corpus of theoretical and empirical knowledge. Their approach comprises an ongoing dialogue with researchers working in similar areas in other regions across the world and with European Union representatives.

ISTR is the major international membership association and recognized leader promoting research and education in the fields of civil society, philanthropy, voluntarism and the non-profit sector. It publishes an interdisciplinary journal, Voluntas, the International Journal of Voluntary and Non-Profit Organizations, with articles that introduce new topics and reviews for discussion, present theoretical an empirical work, and provides critical commentary on research and policy. The on-line Membership Directory provides member contact information and includes research interests and activities, and recent publications. In addition, a quarterly newsletter, Inside ISTR, and occasional issues of ISTR Report, provide information about research and events as well as highlighting thematic and regional Third Sector topic of interest.

What is the role for civil society in the future of the European social model and an enlarged Europe? The title of this conference shows that there are different modes of answering this question. They vary according to the languages used, the national legacies and the conceptual frameworks. To structure a dialogue between the diverse approaches and concepts is more urgent today than ever; recent developments having been important with the changes in existing organizations and the emergence of many new initiatives in the last decades.

The aim of the conference is to bring together researchers all over Europe and beyond whose research and scholarship relates to civil society, third sector, social and solidarity-based economy. It also includes non-governmental organizations, cooperative and mutual associations. The promoting institutions wish to provide an international space for an open debate between the different trends of research in diverse disciplines and national contexts, taking in account the contemporary evolutions of economy and society. The tension fields and intermediate areas have to be understood better in welfare pluralism and a plural economy. The studies presented in the conference will contribute to establish a synthesis of the many efforts to catch this complexity.

One of the main objectives is to help researchers to submit their results and to create cooperations through dynamic professional and social organizations. Another main objective is to facilitate a discussion with actors and representatives of civil society new dynamics.
So, the conference provides a forum for scholars and practitioners to exchange about the present and future of civic engagement and citizenship. It will challenge those interested in this field of knowledge and action to examine the implications of political and economic dominant patterns for the nature and roles of the social and solidarity-based economy and the third sector. It will offer a European-wide arena to exchange about theoretical and empirical insights, to identify vital question for new enquiry and establish contacts with those having similar concerns.

The abstracts for the communications in the parallel streams are encouraged by all the researchers dealing with enlarged Europe. Abstracts must be 500-1000 words in English or French. The abstract should give a working title and summarize the argument of the paper and the issue(s) which it addresses; locate that issue within a wider literature; indicate its relevance to an international audience; and refer to its empirical and theoretical base. It should be suitable for blind refereeing. Brief biographical details should be given on the attached form. Original papers presented at the conference will be considered for the Conference Working Paper Series to be published shortly after the conference. The organizing institutions are keen to encourage contributions form all countries and disciplines, as well as contributions form practitioners carrying out research in and with the sector. Comparative papers covering more than one country will be particularly welcome. Abstracts are also requested for research workshops that will take place during the conference. These should be based on current research, should be no more than 300 words long and include a brief description of the research topic, methodology, progress and emerging outcomes. Successful abstracts will be grouped under common themes and presented as mini-papers (5 pages in length) in parallel workshops, providing presenters with an opportunity to share current work and find out what else is going on in that field.

More information
Email: crida@ext.jussieu.fr
darocha@iresco.fr


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http://agora.mcu.es/pcc/index.htm


Culture 2000: Partner Search Database

The European Network of Cultural Contact Points hosts an on-line database where organisations and institutions can present projects seeking partners before making a Culture 2000 funding application.

The Partner Search Database is an initiative of the European Network of Cultural Contact Points, co-funded by the European Commission to assist arts and cultural organizations in European countries to access funding from the European Union's Culture 2000 programme.

The database is available in English and Spanish. Users can register their project details and search the database free of charge.

Artists should note that the partner search is at an organisational level and is not aimed at individuals. However, the database should be a useful tool for performing arts companies, festivals and other arts organisations and cultural project managers in the 15 Member States, the 3 EEA/EFTA countries, and the Accession Countries participating in the Culture 2000 Programme.


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www.balkankult.org


We have a pleasure to inform you that BalkanKult organization for cultural cooperation has updated its European Cultural Network database. More than 170 networks are ready to help you find a partner for future cultural cooperation.

You can find the updated version on our site www.balkankult.org
Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to ask, we will be happy to help.


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http://www.zamirzine.net


ZaMirZine

ZaMirZine is an electronic newspaper for civil society and urban culture covering mostly civil society in Croatia but encourages NGOs from the region to send news, articles and announcements.

Feature stories, by renowned journalists, are published daily. Worth visiting every day.


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www.localminds.com


New literary/ photo site for young CEE artists

"Local_Minds" is a new portal for young artists under 35 years of age from the Central and East European states. Available at www.localminds.com, it offers the opportunity to publish works of creative writing and photography in an attempt to capture the specifics of local mentality manifested within artistic productions.

The "local_minds" community includes and is opened to writers and photographers from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Albania, Moldova and Byelorussia or to other artists who have a considerable experience within this area.

We encourage the publishing of texts in the original language and also try to provide an English version as well. The texts on the local_minds site cover a large area or styles from poetry and short prose to scripts and plays. As for the photo galleries of the site, they promote both quality
classic and innovative approaches.

At the moment, we are looking for contributors from the above-mentioned countries both for the "Texts" and "Photo" sections of our site. For more details see www.localminds.com. In case you need more guidelines for sending in your materials, you can find them under the "Contribute" page of the site or you can contact us at localminds@yahoo.com.


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http://www.euroguidance.org.uk/


Our network of 65 specialist centres throughout 31 European countries supports the guidance community and promotes good practice and developments within European guidance.

Funded by the Leonardo Programme, each Euroguidance Centre acts as the NRCVG - National Resource Centre for Vocational Guidance in their home country.


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Euroregional Center for Democracy

Semenic Nr. 10
300035, Timisoara
Romania

Tel: + 4 0256 221 471
Fax: + 4 0256 436 633

http://www.regionalnet.org

Editor:
Camelia Cocioba

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