Forum - Civil Society Welcoming Refugees in Europe, 4 - 10 April 2016, Germany

April 4th to 10th 2016, Berlin

Call for Participants

from Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany and Czech Republic

Background

European states are divided by the urgency of the refugee influx. While on a government level opinions on the matter diverge and state representatives seek a common policy, a part of the civil society is acting rapidly as a relief for the overwhelmed authorities and refugees alike. The press and social media cover a vast number of charitable volunteer actions. The role of civil society in aiding and welcoming refugees has increased due to the slow and ambivalent reaction of the European and national authorities. Moreover, civic initiatives and larger movements also organise in order to counteract racist and nationalistic action.

Scope of the Forum

The Forum is an opportunity for actively engaged helpers to step out of their work and meet with other like-minded and similarly engaged activists, volunteers, social workers etc. The purpose is to deliberate the situation, exchange experiences and inspire or even coordinate next steps of (transnational) action.
The Forum is designed for 45 participants from: Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany and Czech Republic.

Who can participate?

If you are part of an initiative, movement or NGO, if you are an activist yourself or if you plan to initiate action to improve the journey or the stay of refugees in your community, if you work on any refugee-related issue professionally, voluntarily or as a professional volunteer, join the Forum “Civil Society Welcoming Refugees in Europe”.

Topics

Reflection on stereotypes and power relations
Safety and responsibility in Europe
Experience and good practice in aiding and welcoming refugees
Examples of refugee-aid in Berlin

Requirements for participation

actively involved in welcoming actions for refugees
or motivated to engage in an organisation or to initiate an activity in the future
interested in the topic of migration and forced migration and in the political and societal process triggered by it
registered in one of these countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania
at least 21 years old
fluent in English

Costs

During the seminar, we reimburse the travel costs up to:

275,- € for participants from Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania
180,- € for participants from Czech Republic and Germany.

We provide accommodation and meals. The financial contribution for participation is 20,- € to cover the running costs.

Application

To apply, please fill out the application form until the 9th of March 2016.

Contact and further information

If you have any questions about the Forum, please e-mail to: app@balkansletsgetup.org

The Forum is offered by Balkans, let’s get up! Organisation (Serbia) and Initiative Mittel- und Osteuropa e.V. (Germany) in partnership in partnership with Centre for Social Transformation (Romania), GFPS-CZ (Czech Republic), Association Strive! (Croatia), Ideas Factory Association (Bulgaria) and PUZZLE Gevgelija (Macedonia).

Sponsorship

This project is funded by the ERASMUS+ Programme.

We are looking forward to your applications!
With best regards
Andrea Zsigmond (Balkans, let’s get up! Organisation)
Erzsebet Lajos (Initiative Mittel- und Osteuropa e.V.)

Forum - Civil Society Welcoming Refugees in Europe, 4 - 10 April 2016, Germany

Deadline:

March 09, 2016

Disciplines:

Refugee Studies, Society

Event Date:

April 04, 2016 - April 10, 2016