May 2006, Issue no 47
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

Training Modules on European Citizenship
Application deadline: May 31, 2006


The Partnership Programme on European Youth Work and Policy (the Partnership) is a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. The two institutions decided to take common action in this field several years ago, and have since renewed their cooperation.

Training Modules will be offered by November 2006, hosted by the National Agencies of the YOUTH Programme of the European Commission. Each training module will focus on one important aspect of the concept and practice of European Citizenship, while the basis will be the same. Modules will gather 25 participants for five full training days. All Modules will be offered in English language.

Interested applicants are asked to apply only for one of the module.
Module 3. European Citizenship: Citizenship, 4 – 10 September 2006, Bern, Switzerland
Module 4. European Citizenship: Intercultural Learning, 25 September – 1 October 2006, Cardiff, UK
Module 5. European Citizenship: Human Rights, 23 - 29 October 2006, Eisenborn, Luxembourg
Module 6. European Citizenship: Role of Youth Work in Participation, 23 – 29 October 2006, Rome, Italy.

Profile of participants:
The Modules are intended to be an opportunity for further training complementary to previous experience and training for both youth workers and youth leaders who:
- Have experience of at least 2 years in youth work (as volunteers or professionals)
- Have organised or co-organised at least 1 international youth project
- Have experience in developing and managing a project with and for young people
- Are directly involved in youth activities with young people
- Are supported by their organisation in the application and in their work to integrate European Citizenship into youth work
- Are committed to work directly with young people on issues related to European citizenship
- Are motivated to undergo training and able to attend the course for its full duration
- Are able to work in English
- Have a general knowledge and understanding of youth work realities in their countries and a direct involvement with issues of European Citizenship in this context
- Are resident in a member state of the Council of Europe or in another country signatory to the European Cultural convention
- Have proven experience of youth work in the field of the specific focus of the Module that the applicant applies.

The list of National Agencies can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth/program/contact.pdf

Selection of participants will be carried out by the hosting National Agency and the team of trainers of the actual Module based on the recommendations of the sending National Agency or sending organisation.

More information
Website: http://www.salto-youth.net/static/downloads/training_downloads.php/985/Call%20for%20participants%20EC%202006.doc


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Youth Organizing Institute (YOI): Community Building and Leadership, July 26 - August 5, 2006, Serbia and Montenegro
Application deadline: May 31, 2006


Now entering its sixth year, this 10 days intensive program will attract 60 students from across South Eastern Europe to Palic (near Subotica), Serbia and Montenegro, on July 26—August 5, 2006. The curriculum will focus on community organizing and conflict resolution techniques.

Under the leadership of experienced local and international community organizers, participants will spend one week developing the personal knowledge and skills necessary for them to become effective leaders in their communities through a conflict management and community-organizing curriculum. Imbedded in the format of the Institute is a strategy by which students design projects to address one particular issue of need in their home community. Following the Institute, the participants will then implement the project in their home communities and be required to follow procedures for reporting and evaluation of the projects' progress.

As a general rule, participants should be between the ages of 19 and 27 (although there are exceptions to this rule). Individual applicants may apply, although applicants applying as teams of 2 or more will be given priority. However, each member of your team must complete this application form separately. If you are applying as a team, please refer to your team goals in the essay section of the application.

Once accepted, we will work with you to arrange for your transportation to and from the Institute. You are expected to finance your travel. You are expected to be at the Institute for the entire duration of the program. Housing and meals at the seminar will be paid for by the Institute.

More information
Website: http://www.ccsdd.org/yoi/apply.cfm
E-mail: info@ccsdd.org


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The National Democratic Institute (Romania) - Roma Political Participation Program in Romania
Application deadline: May 31, 2006


In an effort to address the Roma community’s need for more effective leaders in the political process, The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is conducting a political leadership training series for a selected group of 25 emerging Roma leaders.

Selected participants in the Political Participation Program in Romania will be required to attend five monthly two-day seminars, conducting community outreach projects following each session utilizing the skills learned during the course of these trainings. Throughout the training series an emphasis will be placed upon the importance of participants being active at the grassroots level, and the need of staying engaged in their communities after entering politics.

The purpose of NDI’s Political Participation Program in Romania is to build the political skills of young Roma leaders, helping them to integrate into the political system through internship programs with national and local government agencies and with national political parties.

The program’s objectives are:
· Build the capacity of emerging Roma political leaders to effectively contest elections through political skills building such as: issue-based advocacy, community representation through improved constituent outreach, and recruitment of more Roma to participate in the political process
· Increase the training series participants’ understanding of government processes and functionalities, and enhance their relationship to governing officials through an internship program
· Increase mainstream parties’ awareness of Roma political attitudes and potential methods to improve outreach to the Roma community.

The program includes a series of trainings such as policy development and public opinion research; message development and political communication; coalition building and conflict resolution; community development projects and resource raising; campaign organizing.

After the series of 5 training sessions, the participants will be involved in a Training of Trainers Seminar covering basic campaign and voter outreach skills to build the capacity of participants to serve as trainers for their colleagues during the next electoral cycle.

The program trainers will consist of Romanian and Dutch politicians, political consultants, university professors, and outstanding journalists.

Requirements for the applicants:
-Age: Between 18 to 40 years of age (preferable)
-Education: completion of minimum secondary education (mandatory)
-An ability to demonstrate an interest in political participation
-Commitment to participate into all training sessions
-Commitment to participate in an internship period
-Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The selection criteria is based on the candidate’s involvement in community life; an understanding of basic political and democratic concepts; commitment to the training schedule and to implementing projects; and willingness to train others.The selection process will emphasize geographic distribution and gender balance.Where possible, the evaluation committee will give preference to applicants who have not received training or other forms of assistance in the past.

More information
E-mail: iulian.stoian@ndi.org (Iulian Stoian, Director of Roma Programs)


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Training of Trainers and Facilitators ‘Facilitating participatory decision-making workshops’, July 19 – 26, 2006
Application deadline: June 6, 2006


This training is a partnership between Life Youth Foundation and Association for Consultancy and Training – ACT with the financial support of Council of Europe

Methodology and program elements
The training course will have two parts: The first part (3 days) is a training course will give participants the opportunity to learn, experience, and reflect upon elements in designing, running, evaluating an facilitation workshop. The second part (5 days) is design as an open floor for the participants to design and to run workshops using what they have learn so far in a safe environment and to get feedback on their approach.

Profile of the participants
- Be committed to attend for the full duration of the course
- Be aged between 18 and 30 years old
- Competently able to work in English language
- Resident of one of the Council of Europe Countries. A full list of the eligible countries you can find at the following adress http://www.coe.int/T/E/Com/About_Coe/Member_states/default.asp.

Financial conditions
Board and lodging are provided and paid by ACT Association. We will reimburse 50% of the travel costs. There is no participation fee.

More information
Website: http://www.act.org.ro/serviciile-noastre/large-group-methods-training-course-description


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East East Program: Partnership Beyond Borders
Application deadline: June 15, 2006


Soros Foundation-Moldova, International Renaissance Foundation-Kyiv and Open Society Foundation-Romania announce the Competition on Public Partnership Promotion in the region: Ukraine-Moldova-Romania.

The goal of the competition is to combine ideas and efforts of civic society representatives of Ukraine, Moldova and Romania for establishing and strengthening open democratic society components as well as creating principles of sustainable development in the region in the context of the European Neighborhood Policy.

Projects that envision international exchange of experience in solving important social problems as well as promotion of social innovations and public activity will be supported. Projects are planned together with partners from all three countries as long-term initiatives and are to be implemented both in three of the countries in the format of work or brainstorming meetings, seminars, study visits, workshops, etc. The East East Program will cover local expenses to support the implementation of hosting projects and travel expenses for invited participants in case when the projects are implemented in a partner country.

The leading organization agreed by involved partners submits the completed proposal to the national office of the East East Program: Partnership Beyond Borders in its country.

Competition areas:
1. Strengthening partnership between NGOs and Local Authorities through trilateral activities (public/private partnership, citizens participation in decision-making, good practices in local problem-solving, transparency in local affairs, ensuring community development in rural areas, etc.)
2. Supporting the European integration efforts and monitoring of public processes in the region: action plans implementation, security issues, human rights monitoring, borders openness, etc.
3. Facilitating dialog between elites to support the process of democratization in the three countries, especially encouraging involvement of young experts
4. Approaching prospects of Euro-Atlantic integration in the Black Sea Region
5. Facilitating cooperation and dialog between public of the region and civil organizations of Transnistria.

Competition participants: NGOs, local authorities of border regions, mass media, policy centers, educational institutions and others.

Projects evaluation criteria:
· The competition requirements compliance and correspondence to the Program principles
· Correspondence to the OSI’s mission
· The project activity plan
· Motivation of the project partners and participants
· Expected results; short-term and long-term outcomes
· Additional sources of financing or in-kind contribution
· The applicant’s experience in international projects implementation in mentioned area.

The Program will not support projects that envision world congresses or conferences; highly tailored conferences or scientific events; network meetings; individual research projects; art events; particular translation and publishing activity; institutional support and an infrastructure development; commercial or profitable activity.

The competition budget is opened.

The project proposals submitted should receive approval from the East East Program Advisory Committees from all Participating Foundations (Soros Foundation-Moldova, International Renaissance Foundation-Kyiv and the Open Society Foundation-Romania) and only after that the project proposal is going to be submitted to the OSI NY who will take the final decision.

The deadline for proposals is June 15, 2006. Projects should be submitted no less than 8-10 weeks before their implementation start, therefore the projects should be planned to be implemented starting with September 2006.

Please pay attention at the following:
· The original copy and electronic version of the proposal has to be submitted in English
· The Participating Foundations neither provides a review nor gives back submitted materials
· The final decision on a project is not to be reconsidered
· The Participating Foundations does not announce the reasons of a project rejection
· The Participating Foundations does not provide financing to political parties, religious communities or natural persons.

We encourage submitting the project proposals via e-mail.

More information
Soros Foundation-Moldova
East East Program: Partnership Beyond Borders
Ana Coretchi, East East Program Director
e-mail: acoretchi@soros.md

International Renaissance Foundation-Kyiv
East East Program: Partnership Beyond Borders
Tetyana Kukharenko, Program Manager
e-mail: kukharenko@irf.kiev.ua

Open Society Foundation-Romania
East East Program: Partnership Beyond Borders
Ovidiu Voicu, East East Program Coordinator
e-mail: ovoicu@osf.ro


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Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Small Embassy Projects Programme (Matra/KAP)
Application deadline: June 16, 2006


Matra is a major programme run by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has a wide range of components, and its aim is to support the process of social transformation in Central and Eastern Europe. Matra responds to private initiatives. It focuses on activities that contribute to the further development of an open, pluralist, democratic society, firmly embedded in the rule of law. Matra seeks in particular to strengthen the fabric of civil society, stressing the importance of cooperation and interaction between private and public bodies. The Matra Small Embassy Projects Programme, better known as Matra/KAP, is part of it.

A plural civil society functions more effectively if people actively participate in it. This is the concept on which Matra/KAP is based. Matra/KAP is seen as a very useful instrument since it can support a wide range of small-scale activities carried out by all sorts of groups and individuals. The aims of Matra/KAP are similar to those of Matra as a whole, i.e. development of an open, pluralist, democratic society. One of the main characteristics of Matra/KAP is its focus on small-scale, less spectacular initiatives of the kind that are usually overlooked. In this respect it is unique, and this is what sets it apart from other donors’ programmes. The programme is run by Dutch embassies and consulates-general, since they are familiar with the local environment, thanks to their involvement in their host country. Matra/KAP also makes a significant contribution to the expansion of networks, leading to better bilateral relations between the host country and the Netherlands.

Which countries?
Matra/KAP operates at present through embassies and consulates in the following countries:
I) New EU-member states Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia (KAP will be phased out by 2007)
II) Candidate EU member States and potential candidate member states Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkey
III) Eastern neighbours to the EU Belarus, Russian Federation and Ukraine
IV) Southern neighbours to the EU Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia

Who’s eligible?
Matra/KAP is a demand-driven programme and therefore only supports target group initiatives. To be eligible for a Matra/KAP grant, projects must promote the process of transformation into a pluralist, democratic society by helping to create a stronger, more diverse civil society. This process of transformation can take place in the following 12 areas: legislation&law, public administration, public order and police, information&media, human rights/minorities, environment/NGOs, environmental authorities, labour&social policy, culture, welfare, health care, housing, education.

What are the requirements?
1. Applications must be relevant to Matra objectives
2. The duration of a Matra/KAP project may not exceed twelve months
3. The application must relate to one or more of the 12 Matra themes mentioned above
4. The project should be a local initiative
5. Eligibility for funding is limited to local costs
6. The target group should be clearly defined and actively involved in implementing the project
7. The target group should bear part of the burden of the project (financial or in kind)
8. Maximum amount to be committed is 15,000 Euro.

More information
Website: http://www.netherlandsemb.ro/


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Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative (LGI) - Policy Fellowship 2006/2007
Application deadline: June 21, 2006 (17:00 GMT)


LGI's fellowship program supports practical policy reform in the region, builds the capacities of talented individuals who are well placed to influence policy, creates networks of multinational experts, and supports the mission of LGI. Each year LGI selects talented professionals from Central, East and South-East Europe and the Newly Independent States to participate in the one-year program. Fellows work in small teams under the guidance of a well-respected mentor to produce policy-oriented studies on a given topic. The completed studies are impact oriented; each contains an advocacy or implementation strategy and concrete policy recommendations. LGI provides its fellows with training on how to write effective, concise, fact-based, practical policy reports. Other training modules LGI offers its fellows are public speaking, presentation skills and advocacy methods. At the conclusion of the program LGI works with its Fellows to determine what steps it can take to support the proposed recommendations in the completed studies. Fellows are generally policy researchers, policy advisors, civil servants and members of NGOs, advocacy groups or professional associations

Applications must include ALL of the following materials:
1. Statement of interest (1 page maximum)
2. Research proposal (2,000 words maximum) including a well-defined research problem, topic justification, research methodology, and expected outcomes of the research. See individual topic descriptions for specific requirements
3. Professional CV (which includes: full name, email and telephone number of the applicant, country of origin and residence)
4. English language writing sample (maximum 5 pages)
5. The name and contact information of three people familiar with the professional capacities of the applicant.

Proposals must respond to domestic needs, be policy-oriented, focused and creative. Each incoming application will be registered by LGI upon reception. LGI will check each submission to ensure that it meets the formal criteria and quality. Submissions will be reviewed by LGI (see timetable below) and the team mentors.

More information
E-mail: lgprog@osi.hu


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European Comission - National Awareness Raising Actions on Social Inclusion and Social Protection
Application deadline: June 30, 2006


This programme is part of the Community Action Programme to Combat Social Exclusion (Strand 2). The aim of this strand is to promote and support the policy of co-operation and exchange of information and best practice.

The general aims of this call for proposals are:
- Improving information and raising awareness among concerned stakeholders and the wider public about the relevance of the EU's social inclusion and the social protection processes with regard to the efforts undertaken at national level to prevent and reduce poverty and social exclusion.
- Promoting the involvement of concerned stakeholders in the implementation of the Strategies for social protection and social inclusion
- Promoting the involvement of concerned stakeholders in the monitoring of the Strategies for social protection and social inclusion.

Proposals shoud have a clearly defined strategy for raising awareness and mobilising people active in the field. They may address one or more of the three strands of work:
- Making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion
- Providing adequate and sustainable pensions
- Ensuring accessible, high quality and sustainable healthcare and long-term care.

Proposals should involve a mix of actions which are tailored to meet the needs of different audiences. These include: the general public and relevant stakeholders such as the media, national, regional and local authorities, NGO's, trade unions, businesses, specialised bodies and those directly experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

Type of activities supported are: seminars, leaflets/pamphlets, newsletters, press releases, web sites and media campaigns.

The total budget of this call is EUR 2.6 milion. The funding per project will not exceed 80% of the total costs.

Applicants are:
- Organisations from one of the EU Member States, acceding countries (Bulgaria and Romania) or an EFTA/EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
- Public and/or private bodies and institutions involved in the fight against social exclusion. In particular those organisations with an active interest in promoting the development of NAPs such as national, regional or local authorities, social partners or NGO's
- Single organisations or from a number of organisations involving several different sectors working together in partnership. A specific co-operation with the media will also be of great interest.

More information
Website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/emplweb/tenders/tenders_en.cfm?id=305
E-mail: EMPL-E2@ec.europa.eu


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United Nations Development Programme Romania - GEF Small Grants Programme
Application deadline: July 17, 2006


Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Community-based organizations (CBOs) are invited to apply.

For this financing cycle, GEF SGP will finance projects addressing the International Waters (IW) GEF focal area. A project addressing IW can also address other GEF focal areas, such as: sustainable land management (SLM), biodiversity conservation (BC), climate change mitigation (CC), reduction of persistent organic pollutants' (POPs) impact.

Projects need to address environmental protection, poverty reduction, and local empowerment. They need to involve local communities in the project’s stages and to respond to the requirements in the Logical Matrix of the GEF SGP Strategy.

The maximum amount for a grant is 50,000 USD. Projects need to demonstrate a minimum 35% (recommended 50%) co-financing, cash and in-kind altogether.

The four geographic areas of the country tackled by GEF SGP in 2006-2007, together with the corresponding focal areas (in the brackets) are:
Maramures, Bistrita Nasaud, Suceava, Neamt, Harghita, Mures, Cluj, Salaj, Bihor and Satu Mare counties (BC, CC, IW, SLM, POPs)
Galati, Braila, Tulcea and Constanta counties (BC, CC, IW, SLM, POPs)
Caras Severin, Mehedinti and Hunedoara counties (BC, CC, IW, SLM, POPs)
The Low Danube Green Corridor (IW, BC).

Launched in 1992, the Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) started in Romania in 2004. Currently offered in more than 85 countries, this programme complements the regular and medium-sized GEF project funding.

With small grants up to $50,000 per project GEF SGP supports activities in securing global environmental benefits in the areas of biodiversity, climate change and international waters, through community-based approaches that also generate local benefits. Thus it provides a window for the direct participation of NGOs, local communities, and other grass root organizations in solving local environmental problems.

Project components may include one or more of the following: demonstration, capacity building, targeted research, policy dialogue and information dissemination, and raising awareness among constituencies.

More information
Website: http://www.undp.ro/environment/sgp.php
E-mail: mihaela.dupleac@undp.org (Mihaela Dupleac - GEF SGP National Coordinator)


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The Wilson Center - Fellowships 2007/2008
Application deadline: October 2, 2006


The Center awards approximately 20-25 residential fellowships annually to individuals with outstanding project proposals in a broad range of the social sciences and humanities on national and/or international issues. Topics and scholarship should relate to key public policy challenges or provide the historical and/or cultural framework to illumine policy issues of contemporary importance.

Eligibility
· Citizens or permanent residents from any country (foreign nationals must be able to hold a valid passport and obtain a J1 Visa)
· Men and women with outstanding capabilities and experience from a wide variety of backgrounds (including government, the corporate world, professions, as well as academia)
· Academic candidates holding a Ph.D. (Ph.D. must be received by the application deadline of October 2)
· Academic candidates demonstrating scholarly achievement by publications beyond their doctoral dissertations
· Practitioners or policymakers with an equivalent level of professional achievement
· English proficiency as the Center is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas among its fellows.

You do not need an institutional affiliation to apply. For most academic candidates, a book or monograph is required. Scholars and practitioners who previously held research awards or fellowships at the Wilson Center are not precluded from applying for a fellowship. However, the nature and recency of the prior award may be among the factors considered during the selection process, and by the Fellowships Committee of the Board of Trustees.

The basic criteria for selection are:
a) significance of the proposed research, including the importance and originality of the project
b) quality of the proposal in definition, organization, clarity, and scope
c) capabilities and achievements of the applicant and the likelihood that the applicant will accomplish the proposed project
d) the relevance of the project to contemporary policy issues.

The Center devotes significant attention to the exploration of broad thematic areas. Primary themes are:
1. Governance, including such issues as the key features of the development of democratic institutions, democratic society, civil society, and citizen participation
2. The U.S. role in the world and issues of partnership and leadership—military, political, and economic dimensions
3. Key long-term future challenges confronting the United States and the world.

A complete application must include the following:
1. The two-page, single-sided Fellowship Application Form
2. A list of your publications that includes exact titles, names of publishers, dates of publication and status of forthcoming publications (not to exceed three pages)
3. A Project Proposal (not to exceed five single-spaced typed pages, using 12-point type)
4. A bibliography for the project that includes primary sources and relevant secondary sources (not to exceed three pages)
5. the one-page Financial Information Form.

More information
Website: http://www.wilsoncenter.org
E-mail: fellowships@wilsoncenter.org


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Center for Development of Civil Society MilenijuM - International negotiation simulation events for students in Serbia-Kosovo-Macedonia region
Application deadline: June 12, 2006


Center for Development of Civil Society MilenijuM has started the project 'Start Negotiating!' in order to enable students to develop the necessary skills for making contribution to sensitive dialogue within southeast Europe by participating and organizing a series of safe, profound, intercultural discussions through local and international negotiation simulation events. Negotiation simulation events are tried and tested means of allowing students to learn through experiencing, especially through viewing matters from alternative perspectives by having to role-play the real life situations.

The aim of the project is to introduce experiential learning techniques into Universities in the Serbia-Kosovo-Macedonia region, as a pedagogic tool usable in intercultural communication. The project focused primarily on students and faculties from the Universities in Nis, Pristina, Skopje and Tetovo. Through organizing a series of negotiation simulation events, and providing training, the project will develop sustainable capacity among students as peer-educators, and faculties as users of experiential learning approaches, as well as establishing or/& reinforcing linkages between institutions.

Place and time:
The second from the series of simulation will take place in Skopje,Macedonia in the period 23-25 june 2006. The lectures and workshops will be held at the European University in Skopje.

Who can apply:
Anyone that is a student at a faculty in any of the Universities in Skopje regardless the year of studies. The number of participants is limited.

More information
Website: www.milenijum.org/sn
E-mail: LSskopje@milenijum.org


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XII CEI International Summer School of Cervia 'Beyond the Enlargement. The Wider Europe and the New Neighbourhood', September 3 - 16, 2006, Cervia, Italy
Application deadline: May 31, 2006


The School deals with the post-Cold War challenges and the courses are designed with the aim to help South-eastern Europe and CIS students to learn about democratic development, human rights, peace and security issues, integration factors and the new EU policies of neighbourhood, as well as to analyse emerging patterns of economic growth and commerce based on new technologies, institutions and work practices.

The Twelfth School offers 3 different courses, corresponding to 3 main study areas:
1 - Democracy, Governance and Political Institutions
2 - Economic Transition, Enlargement Processes and Globalisation
3 - Sustainable Development and Environmental Integration in a European Perspective

Qualification: the minimum qualification required is a 1st level university degree.

Candidates: students with a background in Politics, Economics, Law, Philosophy, Social Sciences, Agrarian Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Literature and Communication Sciences.

Grants: Participants from Central and Eastern Europe and from the Balkans (Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkey, Ukraine) are eligible for grants that cover both the course fees and the board and lodging (in double or triple rooms). As for the travel expenses, a contribution may be offered.

Fees: For students from the EU and Overseas: 950 Euro. The fee includes: board and lodging expenses in Cervia, didactic materials, tuition, and free access to the Internet after lectures. Please note that the travel expenses are to be covered separately by the admitted students themselves.

More information
Website: http://www.eurobalk.net/
E-mail: dessislava.krasteva@poloforli.unibo.it


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‘Transition through History and Culture’ International Conference, October 30 – 31, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
Application deadline: May 31, 2006


Organizers: The Institute of National History (Skopje, Republic of Macedonia), Ethnographic Institute and Museum-BAS (Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria).

The aim of this Conference is to analyze transitions in history and culture from interdisciplinary aspect. Such approach towards the problem can contribute for better understanding of historical as well as modern transitional processes, which will be reflected in all segments of the culture, history, language, literature and in everyday life of the individual. In that respect we suggest the following topics, but also we are open for all your suggestions related to the transitions:

Transitional periods through history and culture, Modern transitional processes, Cultural transitions throughout history, Language and literature in transitions, Persons/profiles in transitions, Transitions and demographic changes, Transitions and religions, Village-town: migrations, Tradition in transition, Historiography and cultural studies, Personal and collective identity in transitions, Protection of cultural heritage, Transitions in everyday culture/working days and holidays, Gender studies.

The organizers do not cover the participant's travel and accommodation expenses.

The title of your paper, short abstract and CV should be delivered to the Institute of National History.

More information
E-mail: brjosifovska@yahoo.com (Biljana Josifovska)


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XI Annual Savaria International Summer University, June 26 – July 7, 2006, Koszeg, Hungary
Application deadline: June 1, 2006


From June 26th through July 7th a wide array of academics, professionals and students will convene in Koszeg Hungary to reflect upon the progress of European integration, the role of Europe in the world and prospectives for the future.

Along with the rich academic program, the participants will experience the atmosphere of a medieval town shaped by the footprint of the Iron Curtain and awakened by the impact of the European Union. The participants will also be provided with the opportunity to visit various regions of Western Hungary, enjoy a diversity of cultural events and will the chance to spend informal time with students from around the world.

The comprehensive fee of the Summer School is 400 Euro. Students may apply to the Institute for Social and European Studies for a scholarship. ISES will offer a limited number of scholarships to PhD and other students who come from Central and Eastern Europe, South Eastern Europe, Turkey, Belarus, Ukraine or Russia.

Two types of scholarships are available:
1) Students from the newly joined EU states would be required to pay 200 Euro plus their own travel expenses but do not have to pay for accommodation and meals during their stay at the Summer University. A reader of essays on the topics of the summer university will be provided free of charge.
2) Students above-mentioned countries may also be awarded a full scholarship which only means paying for personal travel costs to and from Ko"szeg. A reader of essays on the topics of the summer university will be provided free of charge.

More information
http://www.ises.hu/sisu2006.html
E-mail: sisu2006@gmail.com


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ILSA Lithuania and Mykolas Romeris University - ‘War on Terror and Human Rights’ International Summer School, July 10 - 21, 2006, Vilnius, Lithuania
Application deadline: June 5, 2006


Today’s world confronts the unpredicted threats – the threats that did not even have a name a couple of decades ago. Terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance poses a serious and growing danger to the global society, threatens the social and economic development of all states, undermines global stability and prosperity.

The price to be paid when countering terrorism is one of the most complicated and sensitive issues. Is there a way to balance the security and the protection of human rights? It is the dilemma that must be addressed. An in-depth understanding of all the aspects – political and legal – of this dichotomous problem is needed.

The Summer School will provide a platform for young people to gather and discuss, to study and learn from the distinguished teachers and experts, as well as share their knowledge and different views on War on Terror and its conformity with international human rights' protection regime. Our principle objective is
to reflect diverse national, institutional, professional, and cultural perspectives on the major challenges to international peace and security.

Students in their last years of studies in the fields such as law, international relations, political science, or similar, graduate students, as well as staff of non-governmental organisations, human rights activists or young researchers with a demonstrated interest in international security and/or human rights, aged between 20 and 29, are invited to the Summer School.

Participation fee of 50 Euro covers: tuition and study material, accommodation and full board for two weeks time as well as all social activities. All living and studying costs are therefore included. A fee-waiver will be granted to a number of participants. Please specify the need, when filling the application.

More information
Website: http://www.ilsa.lt/summerschool
E-mail: evelina_kurgonaite@yahoo.com or ilsa@mruni.lt


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International Summer School, July 10 – 30, 2006, Zagreb, Croatia
Application deadline: June 12, 2006


Organized by: The Student Association Zoon PolitikoN , University of Zagreb, Croatia and Open Society Institute Alumni and Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA

Do you sometimes wish you could change something in your school, your community, your country, or even the world?
... But you don't know how...
We are looking for motivated students from Romania to participate in the third International Summer School called Global Partnership for Activism and Cross-Cultural Training (GPACT). The focal point of GPACT is to equip as many people as possible with active citizenship skills and knowledge, to empower them to recognize and deal with the current and future social, cultural and political issues in their countries, the region and around the world. Upon completion of the course participants will become certified GPACT trainers. Participants are encouraged to use the knowledge gained in the training by becoming active in the NGO sector. Moreover, they develop cross-cultural communication skills, team work spirit, learn about fund-raising and budgeting techniques and become more tolerant of the differences when working together in a culturally heterogeneous class.

Requirements:
- Aged 18-25
- Students or young volunteer workers
- Experience in community service (voluntary work) within an NGO
- Very good command of English

Your Application should contain the following:
- A CV containing your professional and nonprofessional background. It should be no greater than one A4 and should also include your passport number.
- A letter of motivation (no greater than 500 words) covering the issues: Why are you applying (personal and/or organizational benefits)? How would you describe yourself (professional, freelance activist, humanitarian, scientist, educator, etc.)? Previous experience with similar programs. Are you willing to take part during the training in the role of educator, providing a small presentation from your previous experience on issues you consider you already have mastered?
- A scanned copy of an English language certificate is a PLUS
- A recommendation letter (scanned copy) from a professor and /or an NGO is also a PLUS.

The program provides full board and lodging and all related items, but participants are expected to cover the transportation costs to and from Zagreb. There are no participation/tuition fees.

More information
E-mail: gpactromania@yahoo.com (Mihaela Georgescu and Cristina Istratescu)


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International Summer School Seggau 'State – Society – Religions: Levels of European Identity', September 2 - 16, 2006
Application deadline: June 12, 2006


The project will be carried out by the University of Graz, represented by the Vice Rectorate for International Relations, in cooperation with the Commission of the European Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) and the Diocese Graz-Seckau.

Aims&Objectives
Interdisciplinary meeting and cooperation of teachers and students, focussing on East- and South-Eastern Europe and dealing with the cultural and intellectual aspects and dimensions of current European integration. Shaping profiles of future executives in the area of politics, administration, economy, science and religion.
- Two-week Summer University
- for 80 students and 11 teachers.
- 2 lecture series, 5 parallel seminars, excursions
- Discussions with guests from the area of culture and politics
- Accreditation via ECTS - credits.

The complete costs (room and board for teachers and students, salaries and travel expenses for teachers, technical infrastructure, excursions and evening program) of around 100.000 Euro will be covered through 80 scholarships (1.000 euro each) as well as through student fees (300 Euro/150 Euro for students from East- and South Eastern Europe). Students pay for their travel costs and organise their trips themselves.

More information
Website: http://www.uni-graz.at/en/bibwww_soe_seggau.htm
E-mail: daniel.johnston@uni-graz.at


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BalkanKult - 'Cultural diplomacy' book and seminar


BalkanKult opened a project with the support of the US Embassy in Belgrade. The project called 'Cultural diplomacy' gathers a publication and a seminar with the topic on the importance of cultural diplomacy in creating strategies for cultural policies and building international relations.

Publication 'Cultural diplomacy' gathers works of two distinguished Professors - Ms. Cynthia P. Schneider, Georgetown University - Diplomacy that works: Best practices in cultural diplomacy and Ms. Margaret J. Wyszomirski, Ohio University - International cultural relations: a multy country comparison.

A Seminar on cultural diplomacy will be organised upon a publication of a book on 22nd June 2006 in Belgrade in Hotel Balkan with the presence of the authors and other researchers and diplomats from Europe. Target audience of the seminar is gathering experts in the field, representatives of the cultural institutions, diplomats, administration, etc.

More information
Website: www.balkankult.org
E-mail: atwork@balkankult.org (Ksenija Graovac, Researcher)


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Bucharest Summer University, August 20 - September 3, 2006, Bucharest, Romania
Application deadline: June 30, 2006


We live in a knowledge based economy, in an ever changing environment, and small and medium enterprises play a major role in present and future economies. Thus, we believe that this year’s edition is going to improve students’ knowledge and abilities concerning small and medium enterprises. The subject of the second edition of 'Bucharest Summer University' is 'Preparing the SMEs for a knowledge based economy'. The courses of the Bucharest Summer University will be entirely in English.

The four modules of BSU 2006 are:
1. The knowledge based company and its characteristics
2. Financial instruments for SME’s
3. The major difficulties for SME’s and their sources
4. Opportunities and threats for SME’s facing globalization and transition to a knowledge based economy.

The applicants must register until June 30th, 2006 and they will be submitted to pay a participation fee of 250 Euro. The fee covers all the academic courses and seminars, courses support, accommodation, 3 meals a day and entertainment activities, including a week-end excursion.

More information
Website: www.bsu.ase.ro


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10th International Summer School Stop AIDS 'Joseph Scheich', August 1 – 8, 2006, Kopaonik, Serbia and Montenegro
Application deadline: July 1, 2006


Do you know how many people become infected with HIV every day? Do you know what is it like to live with HIV/AIDS? Do you wish to help the PLWHA? Do you know how many young people want to learn something more about HIV/AIDS? Do you know how many young people there are who are willing to transfer their knowledge to the others? Do you wish to participate in the active fight against AIDS?

Improve your model of peer education and implement that in your environment. This is the 10th time that Youth of JAZAS and YIC is organizing International Summer School STOP AIDS - ISSSA. Young people from various countries come to our School every year because they want to learn something more about PE and implement the gained knowledge in their own countries. The possibility for obtaining, a lot of facts about these problems in excellent working atmosphere and wonderful environment, social activities and direct contacts with people of similar interests from various countries present a big benefit of ISSSA.

The participants of ISSSA can learn many things about working in NGO, the skills and techniques of peer education model Youth of JAZAS and YIC implements. Interesting lessons, interactive classes and numerous workshops with subjects that refer to sexuality, sexually transmitted infections, contraception and protection, HIV/AIDS, prejudices and discrimination against PLWHA provoke interest in work on finding the solutions for these problems.

Peer education is a very appropriate way to communicate in the context of HIV/AIDS and other reproductive health issues. It empowers young people to take action. Examples of participatory activities used in peer education are games, art competitions and role-plays. All of these can help people to see things from a new perspective without 'being told' what to think or do. Program of ISSSA will consist of interesting lectures such as: Peer Education techniques, Facilitation, Volunteers management, Peer Education and media, Advocacy, networking and youth participation.

Registration fee: The participation fee for 10th ISSSA will be 300 Euro. Accommodation and food will be 500 Euro. Registration fee is to be paid in advance via bank transfer. Registration fee include bus transportation to Summer School location on Mt. Kopaonik and the back to the airport, board and lodging during ISSSA, complete professional and social program. Special conditions undergo the participants to be granted with lower prices of registration and accommodation fees. Please request more detailed information by official e-mail address of ISSSA.

About scholarship: Registration fee is to be paid by participant, but also it can be paid by participant’s organization or Embassy. Please request more detailed information by official e-mail address of ISSSA

Number of participants is strictly limited. Earlier registrations will be accepted rather than the late ones should the decision be required.

Participants from Council of Europe states may apply for reimbursement of traveling expenses only if they complete registration procedure before June 10th.

More information
Web: www.jazas.org.yu/isssa
E-mail: isssa@jazas.org.yu or dejan.tomasevic@jazas.org.yu (Dejan Tomasevic)


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Science Policies Meet Reality: Gender, Women and Youth in Science in Central and Eastern Europe, December 1 – 2, 2006, Prague, Czech Republic
Application deadline: July 16, 2006


As the Central European Centre for Women and Youth in Science, the first regional support project for women and youth in science funded by the EC, is drawing to its close, this conference will provide an opportunity to assess the impact of the project and present findings and results. This will be done against the backdrop of recognising the growing significance of the gap between the goals of science policies and programmes and their actual implementation.

This conference will discuss for the first time in East-Central Europe current obstacles to successful science policy implementation and discrepancies between the status quo and stated goals concerning gender equality and the position of early stage researchers. This will be done through discussing/disseminating existing research and policy implementation practices.

The conference will bring together researchers from all fields of science, activists and policymakers. We are specifically interested in relevant research and policy implementation experience of scientists and policymakers across Europe who may aid policy formulation and implementation and recognition of scientific excellence. Papers and posters are invited for the following sessions:
Session I Mobility: perils and possibilities
Session II Is science inspirational? Is life inspirational?!?
Session III Making decisions and decision making: dealing with sticky floors and glass ceilings
Session IV Dumb or deaf? The missing voices and missing issues in science communication.

Please send a 500-word proposal for poster or presentation, indicating which one, and a brief curriculum vitae as an attachment (PDF, Word, rtf). Please address your proposals to the relevant session.

There is no conference registration fee, and some funds are available to assist those who wish to present or participate in the conference but do not have the available resources, particularly those from Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkan region. However, since our funds are very limited, priority will be given to those who submit a paper for presentation at the conference. Only then will we be able to assist other interested parties. Early registration is encouraged for those who would like financial assistance, as the majority of funds will be allocated by the end of July.

More information
Website: http://www.cec-wys.org/html/
E-mail: laura@zenyaveda.cz (Laura Henderson)


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http://www.eciks.org/english/publications/ada-study-online.pdf


Potentialanalyse Kosovo

Within the framework of the project 'Economy and Development', the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) in coordination with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to strengthen the economic development in partner countries and to include more Austrian potential there. In order to support different projects in these countries, two instruments were created: 'Business Partnerships' (business to business projects) and 'Development Partnerships' (public-private cooperation).

In the country program Kosovo, the Austrian Government pays a special attention to the creation of new jobs and to the strengthening of the local production. The instrument of Business Partnerships aims at integrating Kosovar enterprises into national, regional and international value added chains.

In order to successfully realize the concept of business partnerships in Kosovo, exact knowledge of the local enterprises is needed. Through this study financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the Economic Initiative for Kosovo (ECIKS) analyzed the enterprise structures in Kosovo and potentials of different sectors of economy. The results of this study have been made public today. You can download the online version of the study (only in German language) at: http://www.eciks.org/english/publications/ada-study-online.pdf


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http://idw.idebate.org/roma/


Roma News and related Forum on a web site of IDEA (International Debate Education Association)


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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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