Are you a passionate conservationist aged 18-25 looking to ensure a future for animals on our planet? Are you committed to working with communities to find solutions enabling people to live and prosper alongside nature? Are you tireless in your efforts to educate your friends, colleagues and the public to take action and protect wildlife? Do you want to meet and share ideas with like-minded young conservation leaders from around the planet, while seeing how real-world global policies are actually made?
If what drives you is conservation and protecting animals, tell us about it and you could soon be on a plane to Johannesburg, South Africa to join this unique youth event. You might be a scientist, a grassroots campaigner, an artist, a game ranger, a budding politician, run a rehabilitation center, be a film-maker or running a community education project. Tell us what makes you tick.
The Youth Forum for People and Wildlife takes place in the days leading up to the 17th gathering of the world's biggest conservation policy making forum, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) .
Activities during the forum include a team field excursion; skills building workshops; debates and discussions with top conservationists from around the world; as well as social events designed to give you skills that you can apply in your community and in your career as well as a taste for life in vibrant, exciting international political arenas.
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate commitment to wildlife, environmental, conservation and/or sustainable community development issues to earn their place at the Forum from September 17-25, 2016. You will need to be willing to devote time prior to and following the Youth Forum to engage with a wider youth community online, demonstrate how you will use what you learn, and contribute to the diversity of the group experience. Travel and participation costs covered.
orum Participation Requirements
How does wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat loss impact wild animals, biodiversity and communities? How can you leverage your own strengths and experiences to help protect wildlife? How can you tailor your messages to effectively reach different audiences? These are just some of the questions that delegates will explore through the Youth Forum for People and Wildlife as they become more powerful and effective conservation advocates.
In addition to attending the Youth Forum in-person in September 2016, the selected delegates will engage in learning activities both before and after the event to help them make the most of their experience. Below, is a summary of these activities and goals for their participation:
Before
Delegates will communicate with other youth advocates through a dedicated web platform, and complete a few small assignments prior to their attendance at the Forum to introduce them to key topics and ideas. Assignments and activities will be provided to delegates at least one month in advance of the Forum and will include:
- Participation in the global digital network, a dedicated web platform.
- Readings to introduce topic areas relevant to conservation, wildlife trade, and communities.
- A brief writing assignment to reflect on personal experiences.
Some activities will be optional but others will be mandatory for full participation in the Forum. This preparatory work will help ensure the delegates can maximize their learning and experience when they are together in South Africa.
During
The Youth Forum will be an immersive week of learning and conversation, designed to create a personally and professionally rewarding experience for each delegate, which will include:
- A guided site visit to experience wildlife in a natural ecosystem.
- A variety of dynamic activities where delegates will be asked to read, write, and share ideas.
- Short readings and assignments for delegates to explore issues relevant to conservation, wildlife trade, and sustainable communities.
The Forum will be an active experience for all participants, and delegates are expected to be present and participating throughout the Forum. Attendance during the Forum field trip, workshops, trainings and lectures will be mandatory, but there will be free time to socialize and get to know other delegates in a less structured setting as well.
After
The Forum experience will continue even after the session in Johannesburg. Delegates will be given opportunities to interact and continue to network with their Forum peers via online forums, access information relevant to their interests, and seek ways to continue growing as leaders and advocates. This includes:
- Continued engagement via a dedicated web platform.
- Take-away materials to develop their wildlife conservation efforts.
- Additional opportunities such as mentoring and networking with animal welfare and wildlife conservation professionals around the globe.
Ultimately, the Youth Forum will serve as a launching pad for the next generation of leaders. The relationships delegates form and the skills they learn during this program should carry beyond Johannesburg and into the next stage of their professional lives.
Terms & Conditions
By submitting an application to participate in the International Fund for Animal Welfare ("IFAW") Youth Forum for People and Wildlife (the "Youth Forum"), you (the "Applicant") indicate your agreement to the following Terms & Conditions:
- Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 25 on 17 September 2016;
- Be willing and available to attend the entire Youth Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, from September 17-25, 2016;
- Be able to read, understand and speak English proficiently, as determined by IFAW.
- In possession of a valid passport and fulfill all visa requirements for travel to South Africa for the Youth Forum.
- Be willing and able to commit to pre-and post-Youth Forum work requirements as outlined in the Addendum to the Application.
- Be willing and able to participate in media opportunities and promotion of the Youth Forum, such as by providing your photo, biography and quotes for use on our website and by other collaborating organizations.
- Be willing to execute a waiver form to be provided by IFAW; or if under the age of majority in their home country at the time of the Youth Forum to obtain their parent or guardian's signature on a waiver form to be provided by IFAW.
- Be willing to agree and conform to a code of conduct during the Youth Forum to be provided by IFAW.
- Selection Criteria:
Successfulapplicants will come from wildlife trade species range, transit or consumer nations and will reflect a diversity of backgrounds and experience level, race, geography, and gender. The Selection Committee will be made up of a single group of at least 10 people representing IFAW and key partners. A shortlist of applicants will be personally contacted by IFAW to confirm key information and provide any additional information to help Selection Committee. The information from these interviews will be included with the applications provided to the Selection Committee.
- Selection Timeline:
- All applications must be submitted by 11:59PM/23:59 GMT 4 December 2015 in order to be considered
- The successful applicants will be selected and notified bythe end of January 2016 and will be required to submit biographical information with photos by mid-February 2016.
- IFAW's Right to Withdraw an Applicant's Right to Participate:
Within IFAW's sole discretion, IFAW may at any time (including during the Youth Forum) withdraw an Applicant's right to participate in the Youth Forum for any reason, including due to: an Applicant's failure to abide by these Terms & Conditions; an Applicant's participation in an activity inconsistent with the purposes of the Youth Forum; an Applicant's conviction of a crime.
- Non-Employment: Your participation in the Youth Forum does not constitute a relationship of employment or agency with IFAW or any partner organizations.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://youthforum.ifaw.org/ifaw/DelegateApplication