Shrinking space for civil society
More and more civil society organisations face challenges and restrictions across Europe. Young people and their organisations are particularly vulnerable in the context of shrinking civil space. The study session, organised by the European Confederation of Youth Clubs in collaboration with Rural Youth Europe and the Council of Europe at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, “Shrinking space for civil society” brings together young activists to raise awareness on the topic.
Aim
The main aim of this study session is to empower young people and youth organisations to engage in expanding the space for civil society through youth work and youth-led actions.
Objectives
Taking part in the study session will help you:
– to understand what is shrinking space for civil society and how it affects youth organisations and young people;
– to share experiences and good practice in response to shrinking space for youth organisations and young people;
– to disseminate the knowledge within your organisation, and to connect it to the topic;
– to сonnect to like-minded young people that are currently engaging in countering effects of shrinking civil space;
– to share your personal story about how you’ve experienced phenomena of shrinking space for civil society on an online platform (if preferred anonymously).
Desired profile of participants
The study session is open for:
- Young people with a keen interest in the topic of shrinking space for civil society;
- Engaged in meaningful participation in civil society from Rural Youth Europe member organisations;
- Motivated to build solidarity and further civil society spaces and connections between youth organisation and informal youth groups;
- age 18-30, residents of European Cultural Convention signatory countries, with good use of English.
Practical information
This study session is organised by the European Confederation of Youth Clubs in collaboration with Rural Youth Europe and the Council of Europe at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France.
A total of 35 spaces are available to participants. The preparatory team will select participants on the basis of the profile outlined above, ensuring a balanced group (gender, geographical regions, different types of experiences, cultural backgrounds and organisations).
- Applicants will be informed about the selection decision by 17th of January 2020 – Please do not book your travel tickets before your participation has been confirmed!
- Arrival is on Sunday 1st of March 2020 (preferably no later than 19:00).
- Departure is on Saturday 7th of March 2020 (preferably after 9:00).
- Accommodation and meals will be provided and paid for by the Council of Europe at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg. The participants may need to share rooms.
- An enrolment fee of 50 euros should be paid by all participants to the Council of Europe. This amount will be deducted from the amount to be reimbursed for travel expenses or paid at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg during the study session.
- Travel expenses and visa fees are 100% reimbursed based on the presentation of the relevant receipts according to the rules of the Council of Europe. Only the participants who attend at least 80% of the whole study session can be reimbursed. The payment will be made either by bank transfer after the course or at the end of the course in cash (in euros). Participants are asked to use the cheapest transportation possible. More information about the travel conditions will be sent with the acceptance letter to participants.
- Participants requiring a visa should fill in the part of the application about details required for visa. The cost of the visa will be reimbursed upon presentation of a receipt. Agency fee or visa service fee will not be reimbursed. If the participant has to travel to get the visa the cost of the travel is not automatically reimbursed, so the participant should in this case contact ECYC at ioana@ecyc.org and check if the reimbursement of the travel for the visa is possible.
- Participants are responsible for arranging suitable insurance coverage (travel + medical, and in addition E111 for EU citizens) for themselves.
How to apply
Young people and youth organisations hold an important role in democratic society. However the phenomenon of shrinking civil space is affecting young people and youth organisations in Europe and globally at a disproportionate degree. Only 3% of global population live in countries with an open civic space. Shrinking civil space is a human rights concern and is being underestimated.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.ruralyoutheurope.com/event/study-session-shrinking-youth-civil-spaces/?fbclid=IwAR30zfJ0gqyGdaLRNjoZTpwUR_QjvU9bFkEh99EcKgHUSXmv9wAMEB5gJ4s