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December 2005

Dear friends,

It is with great excitement and solemn reflection that I share with you the last newsletter for 2005. This year has been extraordinary in many ways. From some of the most devastating natural disasters in decades affecting millions, to facing some of the harshest realities of modern times, the human spirit not only survives, but thrives. In the face of these disasters, civil society has answered the call, and organized to ensure that other people never suffer the same way again. Of course, the struggle has yet a long ways to go.

Our Network, over the past year, has seen its greatest growth ever, further allowing us to connect up thousands of youth groups improving our world. We have doubled our number of foreign offices, full-time staff, and donors, been granted special consultative status with ECOSOC at the U.N and affiliate status with their Department of Public Information, and secured 5 paying contracts or grants from UN agencies.

Young people are meeting in groundbreaking ways on ChatThePlanet.com with our help, the UN is engaging young people in efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals with our support, and and millions of youth leaders are mobilizing for causes like HIV/AIDS, democracy-building and volunteerism as a result of our efforts, because we are here to support their mass participation. .

If you haven't gotten involved yet with us, now is the time. If you are already involved, we have an even more exciting year ahead… Join GYAN, propose a partnership with us or become a donor. If you believe in what we're doing, and that young people collectively might just collectively possess the power to change the world, please consider supporting our work today!

On behalf of the growing team, the board, and our growing network of organizations, we wish you a peaceful and prosperous 2006!

Benjamin Quinto
Executive Director

 

XIV International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA)
The conference in Abuja, Nigeria (4-9 December) was preceded by a 3-day youth forum for 300 young people from Nigeria and across Africa. Youth living with HIV/AIDS and/or physical disabilities took leadership roles. The Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA), supported by UNFPA, contributed to the planning of the youth forum, by offering on-line newsletters, organizing a visibility campaign, advocacy training, skill-building and networking sessions. The youth forum started on World AIDS Day with a concert including popular Nigerian musicians. To protest the cancellation of youth presentations in the opening ceremony, 70 GYCA members staged a peaceful, silent protest on the conference floor, wearing GYCA t-shirts and taping their mouths to represent the silencing of youth voices in the forum. GYCA is now supporting ICASA participants in following up post-conference. For more information, contact GYCA Regional Focal Point for West Africa, Azubike Nwokoye.

GYAN Supports Youth Voices at the WTO Ministerial Conference
During the 6th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Hong Kong (13-18 December), GYAN will launch its Youth in Trade program. The objectives of the program are to create a permanent space for youth participation in future WTO Ministerial Conferences and to engage more young people in trade-related issues. A team from GYAN was in Hong Kong to follow the negotiations and to connect with other young people engaged in trade, as well as to shoot a documentary tracking initial efforts towards youth participation within the forum. For more information and updates from Hong Kong , please check the Trade Blog.

DID YOU KNOW?

InsideVOICE Newsletter
A publication of TakingITGlobal and GYAN that features policy- and decision-making processes which welcome youth participation.

The VOICE Section of the TakingITGlobal web site has been re-launched to offer more information on how youth can get involved in policy processes, and also provides reporting on others of potential interest to young people.

 

 

GYAN Arab Region: Fundraiser/Resource Mobilization Officer
Global Youth Action Network - Arab Region is seeking a professional Fundraiser/Resource Mobilization Officer to work with the regional team in Beirut. The objective of the position is to identify and connect with potential donor agencies in the region, as well as implement and evaluate the Market Strategy of the organization. Time commitment: 6-8 hours per week. Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter demonstrating Fundraising experience to Mohammed Al-Ghanim.

Amnesty Says Make Some Noise!
Amnesty International is seeking select members of the new Make Some Noise campaign's On-line Street Team. Yoko Ono's gift of the rights to “Imagine” and John Lennon's entire solo songbook is helping Amnesty inspire a new generation using a mix of music, celebration and action in support of human rights. Interested young Internet-savvy people should contact Alex Fielding. For exclusive tracks, videos and opportunities for action, visit the website.

Youth Activism: An International Encyclopedia
This 2-volume publication features 185 original entries--from chat rooms, to grass roots movements --and is an authoritative source on the history and contemporary forms of youth commitment today. First-person accounts from today's youth and adult activists illuminate the journey from young idealist to lifelong work. Visit the Greenwood Publishing Group page for this title.

Jubilee Action: Kids Behind Bars WHY WE MUST ACT
Jubilee Action's campaign is calling for UN special rapporteur on children in prison. There are, indeed, around 1million minors in prison throughout the world and ten of thousands in the Philippines alone. Learn more and get involved here.

Calls for International Observers to Monitor the Palestinian Legislative Elections
Grassroots International Protection for the Palestinian People (GIPP) is appealing to the international community, solidarity movements, parliamentarians and political parties to support and protect the Palestinian people in exercising their democratic right to participate in the legislative elections, to guarantee the legitimacy and credibility of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the future stability of their political system. Please contact the PNGO office by phone +972-2-2963847, fax +972-2-2963848, or e-mail.

 

 

IN THE NEWS:

AMERICAS

Film Festival Seeks to Inspire Young People to Action
Here and Now – 11/18/2005
It's called the "Do It Your Damn Self!" National Youth Video and Film Festival the films are curated by teens largely from public housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. More here

Financial Times to Publish Special Report on Investing in Young People
PR Newswire (press release) – 12/06/2005
The FT will publish a special report on January 26, 2006, entitled "Investing in Young People," a look at why there is a growing focus on investing in youth in all sectors. More here

YouthNet is a major success for mentors and students alike
Mid-Ocean News – 12/16/2005
... "Mentoring is widely recognised as a powerful strategy for helping young people succeed in life," said Clare Mello. It's a completely youth-driven initiative. ... More here

 

ARAB REGION

Youth network official calls for listening to young people
Kuwait News Agency, 11/28/05
The Assistant Regional Coordinator of the Global Youth Action Network's Arab Region, Mohammed Hamad Al-Ghanim called Monday to pay more attention to the opinions of young people, who were future leaders of their nations. More here

 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

TakingITGlobal Hits 100,000!
GYAN's strategic partner and sister site, TakingITGlobal.org, surpasses 100,000 members this month! Congratulations to the exceptional team of young leaders working out of Toronto and around the world for making it one of the top sites in the world for youth engagement.

Art in All of Us: Promotion of Multicultural Exchanges through Photography and Poetry
Art in All of Us promotes creative cultural exchange throughout the UN listed countries, using universal art elements as photography and poetry. The result will be a book presenting the 191 UN-listed member states through the single portrait of a resident, and a national poem written by a local child. The team is introducing the world of poetry and photography to schools around the world, promoting multicultural exchanges. Those interested and wanting to get involved can visit their website. Schools and youth organizations interested in representing their country in the program, should contact by email.

 

EVENT SPOTLIGHT --> Full Calendar here

2nd Int'l Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability
Date: 9-13 January 2006
Location: Vietnam
The conference, held annually in different locations around the world, is accepting proposals for 30-minute papers, 60-minute workshops or 90-minute colloquium sessions. These can be academic or research papers, while presentations can describe educational initiatives. The cost of the event is 640 USD.

Students for Global Sustainability, University of Nairobi Chapter, 2006 Gathering
Date: 11 January 2006
Location: Nairobi , Kenya
This important event will set out the strategies for the organization in the year 2006. Interested parties who wish to join the organization may email M.M. Tairo, any other individuals interested in attending must be students of Nairobi University.

1st Corporate Social Responsibility Youth Summit (CYS)
Date: 13 January 2006
Location: University of Asia & Pacific, Philippines
CYS is a 3-day event for the top forty students from local universities, ages 17-22, to discuss key issues about the future of corporate social responsibility in the Philippines. Two corporations co-sponsoring the summit will engage the delegates in their CSR programs. Registration costs P1,000.00 and the deadline is 30 December 2005. E-mail Kristen A. Pura for more information.

Republica 2006
Date: 26 January, 2006
Location: New Delhi , India
Students for Harmony will be hosting the Republic 2006 which will bring in cultural talents of India on stage. On this occasion folk dancers from 10 different states of India will be presenting dance items. Admission is free. More here.

 Youth Leadership Conference
Date: 29-30 January 2006
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Over 400 youth, activists, social entrepreneurs, educators, representatives from NGO's, technology experts, media specialists, policy makers, students, industry representatives from all over Pakistan and India are expected to attend. Registration for local participants is Rs.1000, and deadline to apply is 25 January. More here.

Short Movie Festival: Youth In Action
Date: 5 February 2006
Location: Potenza, Italy
The purpose of the movie festival is to allow young people to present themselves, show their viewpoints and approach others in their community, and explain how they intend to realize a real European integration. Email Anna Lagrotta if interested in attending the festival.

Galilee College Special Capacity Building Seminar on Management of NGOs
Date: 23 March - 3 April, 2006
Location: Israel
The seminar is designed for directors and senior officials in non-governmental organizations, and is offered by UNESCO's Israel National Commission. It addresses the current role of NGOs in community development and challenges facing NGO leaders in their efforts to build their organizations. For more information, visit their website.

International Volunteer Camp: “Meet Palestine"
Date: 12-30 July 2006
Location: Palestine
The summer work camp will bring together 20 young people from around the globe who are interested in creating a better world. Those working with youth-led organizations that address issues concerning humanity and social justice are being sought, as well as highly motivated young people. Visit their website for more information and application form, or contact by e-mail.

Alternative Media and New Public Settings
Date: 13-14 October, 2006
Location: Slovenia
This conference focuses on how new media development has influenced its alternative use for citizens' empowerment. What are alternative media potentials/limits and how are they related to citizenship? Original papers tracing theoretical claims and/or practical application in new public settings are invited. Selected papers will be considered for publication. Application deadline is 25 April, 2006. For more information, please visit their website.

 

BE CAUTIOUS - POTENTIAL SCAMS
Many scams invite people to register for a youth conference, and intend only to collect registration fees. Please beware and only pay fees when you are certain it is a legitimate event. Common schemes include events taking place in both the USA and another country.
• “Committee for the Defense of Human Rights” (CDHR) founded by Professor Collins Robinson Conference to take place in Kansas City, Kansas, USA on 10 January 2006.
• “Overseas Development Foundation” (ODF) 4th International NGO/CBO Summit to take place from 23-27 January 2006 in New York , USA .

 

OTHER FREE RESOURCES

ASIA

Happy With Power Transition In MAYC
Bernama, 12/17/05
Malaysian Association of Youth Clubs (MAYC) president Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar is happy that the transfer of power to younger leaders in the MAYC is proceeding smoothly without having to wait for the government to limit the age of youth leaders. "The government wants young people to manage the youth clubs" he said. More here .

Youth Blog on Climate Issues
Its Getting Hot in Here is a community blog by the leaders of the youth climate and energy movement. The blog has been updated with news from all the young people, having followed the UN climate negotiations in Montreal . Check out ItsGettingHotInHere.org. You can also find the international youth declaration on climate change, emerging from a summit held before the negotiations began, on-line.

Guide to Youth Volunteer Opportunities
PasoJoven, the Program for Youth Volunteering in the Americas, is inviting participation in building a database of youth volunteer opportunities for the region that links civil society and educational institutions. The hub will serve as a reference guide and directory for members of organizations, educational institutions and youth who wish to volunteer or find an organization. Please take 5 minutes to add your organization to the database via their web portal.

Children of Abraham: The Discovery Program
The Children of Abraham organization is searching for 18 exceptional young people (nine Muslims & nine Jews) from eighteen different countries between the ages of 16-18 to participate in an historic project. Together, they will create an unprecedented Muslim-Jewish Relations Guidebook to Mutual Discovery. Applications are due no later than 20 January. For more information, please contact by e-mail.

European Youth Forum (EYF) calls on European Commission and other EU institutions to engage in dialogue
The second European Youth Week, held 5-11 December, has seen events organised throughout Europe, including a European Conference in Brussels on the theme ‘Youth Takes the Floor' , which concluded on 7 December and gathered 200 young people from every EU Member State. The EYF, as a partner on the event, called on the European Commission to embark upon a structured dialogue with the major decision-makers in all policy areas relevant to young people. For more information, please visit their website.

Euro-Mediterranean Youth Platform wins Newropeans Grand Prix!
It is significant that, in just two years since being established, the Platform has received such recognition for its contribution to democracy. Due to the increasing number of facilities the Platform is offering on-line, the web-site has been re-organised. You can find information on the situation of young people, or on developments with the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Programme, on their website. For more information on Euro-Med Education and Training for Employment Programme, please visit the project website.

IN THE NEWS:

EUROPE

Express Yourself!
Europa, 12/02/05
On 5 December, European Commission President José-Manuel Barroso and Commissioner in charge of Youth, Ján Figel', officially launched the European Youth Week (EYW) 2005 under the title “Youth takes the floor”. About 200 young people from all over Europe will gather in Brussels in order to voice their opinion on key issues, the future direction of the EU and the need for better opportunities for youth. More here.

Commonwealth Youth Forum comes to an end
Malta Independent – 11/25/05
[Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon] said that young people can truly contribute and make positive changes within the nations of the Commonwealth, if they are given the chance to do so. The Commonwealth Youth Forum served this purpose: ensuring that young people are given a voice on an international level. More here

Youth Parliament asylum debate
Scotsman – 11/27/05
“There are concerns about the conditions within detention centres which in many ways are like prisons. These conditions are unacceptable for children”. The Youth Parliament has campaigned for a basic right to education for all young people. More here

Young people throughout the Basque Country set up Youth Council
Berria.info –11/27/05
Yesterday, nearly four hundred young people endorsed the setting up of the Basque Country Youth Council to defend the rights of young people, to handle cooperation and agreements with today's youth councils and to support projects begun by young people's organisations. More here

200 young people to gather in Brussels to debate on the future of Europe
EUROPA (press release) – 12/02/05
The YOUTH programme allows young people to engage in youth activities such as exchanges, voluntary work and youth initiatives throughout the Union and beyond. More here.

Pre-budget report: Young to be given £75m for facilities
Young People Now – 12/07/05
John Bateman, chief executive of UK Youth, said any investment in youth services would be welcomed, but asked: "Is it going to be there for young people, or for providers and young people to work together on? One would hope it is the latter." More here.

Youth takes the floor
Europarl -12/07/05
No, you cannot devise a European youth policy without young people. The Youth Programme contributes to getting young people involved in European affairs. More here.

 

AFRICA

Pending Issues in Marking World AIDS Day
Kenya Times, 12/02/05
...in today's world where the mass media--especially television and radio--reach large numbers of young people around the world and have enormous influence, the youth will still get information about them. More here

 

 

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES -> Full Listing

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB): Research Fellows
The Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE) is seeking Research Fellows with advanced degrees in Economics or related field to work at headquarters in Washington, D.C. This position is full-time, for up to two years. Application deadline: January 15, 2006. For more, please e-mail.

Staying Alive Foundation: Executive Director
The Foundation is seeking a new Executive Director. The Director provides the overall vision, leadership & motivation to the Board in furthering the Foundation's mission. The Director has overall management responsibility, ensuring that the Board, staff and systems work to maximise the Foundation's impact. For more information, please visit their website or email Steven Kolb.

Ford Foundation: Program Officer, West Africa
The Program Officer will be responsible for developing, monitoring and evaluating the Foundation's West Africa programming in media, arts and culture. The program's overall goal is to promote the use of media, arts and culture as key resources for strengthening social, cultural and economic development. Qualifications: A degree in the arts, humanities, media or other cultural disciplines (preferably advanced); substantial professional experience in the arts, culture and the media. Experience in West Africa is highly desirable, as is grant-making experience and proficiency in French. Application deadline is 9 January. For more information, visit their website.

Terre des Hommes Foundation: Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist .
The position will create a Monitoring & Working (M&E) system for the Regional Child Protection Project in Hungary . Applicants must hold a university degree in statistics, economics, computer engineering or related fields, and have minimum three years professional experience in M&E. The position is based in Budapest , with travel to other countries in the region. Interested candidates should send a letter of introduction explaining candidate's motivations and qualifications, and a complete CV in English by 15 January. For more information, please visit their website or contact by e-mail.

Project Entrepreneur, Youth Initiative, Ashoka
Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Buenos Aires or Washington
Ashoka is seeking highly motivated, entrepreneurial, and experienced individuals to become Project Entrepreneurs. Salary is commensurate with experience. Ideal candidates will have 5-10 years of relevant experience as a leader. Send a CV, cover letter, and 3 references to Tia Johnston.

Legal Officer
World Federalist Movement/Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC), Hague
The CICC is an international network of about 2,000 NGOs working to support the functioning of a permanent, fair, and independent International Criminal Court. The Secretariat seeks an officer to provide coordination and legal support. More here. 

Office Coordinator
Women for Women International, London
The organization seeks an experienced individual to serve as office coordinator for one year. As the official representative in England , the Coordinator oversees staff, programs, fundraising, and administration. More here.

Monitoring and Evaluation Administrator
Haitian Health Foundation, Haiti
This senior level position requires an experienced individual with fluency in both English and French. Email Marilyn Lowney, Executive Director with a resume and letter of interest. More here.

Director of Global Volunteer Recruitment
SASI Foundation, Toronto , Canada
SASI is seeking a director to create and oversee programs, and support volunteers for the foundation's global Social entrepreneurship activities. To apply email . More here.

Field Project Manager
Peace Villages Foundation, Venezuela
The individual must be able to commit to at least one year and will begin in February/March 2006. The manager will oversee rural ecological projects in appointed region. To apply email. More here

 

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Internship/Volunteer Placement in Ghana
Sachabu Care Foundation is looking for volunteers in the following fields: medical/nursing, teaching English and math, social workers, sexual and reproductive health including HIV/AIDS education and counseling, or anyone who wants to share his or her skills. Working with SACAFOUND will give you the opportunity to fight against poverty directly. More here.

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

GYAN Arab Region: IT Manager/Website Administrator
Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) Arab Region seeks a volunteer IT Manager/Webmaster. They will be responsible for developing GYAN-Arab Region's English website and interactive forum connecting youth in the Arab world to information and resources to participate in decision-making. Tasks include: translation from Arabic to English, maintaining and updating the web site. Interested candidates should be available for 12-18 hours per week. Send cover letter and CV wih IT experience by e-mail (English).

Volunteering in Environmental and Community Education Programme
Volunteer Society of Nepal is seeking volunteers to aid in development of villages and schools, and help organize meetings with school management committees, students, and community members in an effort to identify needs of the school and the community. More here.

Conservation Construction
New Zealand Ecological Restoration Network Inc. (NZERN) needs volunteers to help out with construction; work involves building and maintaining furniture and equipment for a national conservation organization. More here.

Young & Children Project Worker, Belfast
Forthspring Inter-Community Group, a local inter-community partnership located along the “peace line” in west Belfast, is seeking an Assistant Young and Children Project Worker to assist in planning and implementing programs such as after-school clubs. More here .

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES -> Complete Listing

Grants for Volunteer Projects Available!
Youth Service America and Disney are offering the Disney Minnie Grants for youth across the globe. These 500 USD grants are for youth (ages 5-14), or the teachers and organizations that engage them, to implement service projects on Global Youth Service Day, 21-23 Apr,'06. To learn more, download the application and frequently asked questions on-line or contact by e-mail.

Funding for UN Decade of the World's Indigenous People Activities
Guidelines are now available for the submission of project proposals relating to activities for the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. The deadline for submission of project proposals is 15 January. More information is available on the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues website.

 

ASIA

Russia Reins In Non-Governmental Activity
OneWorld US, 12/04/05
A new regulation that would tighten controls on non-governmental organisations and force many foreign-backed groups to leave is being pushed through the Russian parliament. ‘What makes this a really odious law is its restriction on the right of freedom of assembly,' says John Squier, of National Endowment for Democracy in USA, ‘ More here

Action Against Hunger Works to Save Earthquake Victims Faced by Winter
Action Against Hunger (Also known as Action Contre la Faim or ACF) continues to fight against the weather and transportation nightmares to ensure that the Pakistani survivors of the South Asian earthquake will make it through the winter. Present in Pakistan since the day following the 7.6 earthquake, ACF has been working in the Allai and Kaghan Valleys to provide shelter, water treatment and sanitation facilities, and food aid for the past two months, issuing warnings that the winter would bring horrific conditions. Learn about ACF's network of Chapters, volunteer opportunities, fundraising & educational resources, student projects & pro bono partnerships here.

GLOBAL YOUTH ACTION NETWORK (c) 2005
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