Overview
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is holding its General Meeting from 20-21 September 2003, in conjunction with the Fifth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty (5MSP), being held 15-19 September. Both events will be held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Youth are an extremely important part of the ICBL. Young people are not just leaders of the future - youth are leaders now! It's important that your contributions are recognized and that you have the opportunity to participate in the events in Thailand to learn more about how the campaign functions, to share information and resources with other campaigners, to forge links and help determine the direction of the ICBL for the coming years!
The ICBL would like to invite youth ages 18-22 who are already active in the campaign and have advocacy experience to apply to participate in this series of events.
When?
13-21 September 2003
Where?
Bangkok, Thailand
What?
- Go on a field visit to a mine-affected area along the Thai-Cambodian border (TBC)
- Participate in the 5MSP and side events
- Lobby your government
- Participate in training workshops to strengthen your campaigning skills
- Be mentored by experienced campaigners throughout the week
- Participate as an observer in the ICBL General Meeting
Additional youth training sessions and meeting will be held throughout. This will NOT be a full training program for young people about advocacy and the landmines issue. It is designed to be an opportunity to integrate youth more fully into the campaign and to put into practice the advocacy skills you have already gained. The training sessions held will be designed to supplement the knowledge and experience you already have.
Who?
The ICBL will sponsor three young people from "southern countries" and leave four spaces open to self-sponsored youth. Sponsored youth will have their travel costs, accommodation and per diem covered by the ICBL. Other participants must cover all their own costs.
Criteria for participation:
1. You may apply to participate and receive sponsorship if:
- You are from a "southern country." Preference will be given to youth from mine-affected communities.
- You are currently 18-22 years of age.
- You are CURRENTLY involved in campaign activities in your community.
- You have the support of a local campaign/ organization working on the landmines issue.
- You are able to travel on your own to Bangkok OR an adult campaigner from your country will be participating in the 5MSP/ General Meeting and you can travel to Bangkok together.
- You can stay in Bangkok for the duration of the training.
- You have a valid passport.
- You agree to continue your campaign involvement after returning from the seminar.
2. You may apply to participate and fund your own participation if:
- You are currently 18-22 years of age.
- You are CURRENTLY involved in campaign activities in your community.
- You have the support of a local campaign/ organization working on the landmines issue.
- You are able to travel on your own to Bangkok OR an adult campaigner from your country will be participating in the 5MSP/ General Meeting and you can travel to Bangkok together.
- You can stay in Bangkok for the duration of the training.
- You have a valid passport.
- You agree to continue your campaign involvement after returning from the seminar.
- You can provide proof that you can cover ALL your own costs including visas, immunizations, airfare, accommodation, food, local transportation, etc. Airfare to Thailand will be the biggest cost, but in-country expenses are quite minimal. Accommodation, meals and local travel should cost approximately $350 US.
How?
If you fit the criteria for participation please complete the application form/ forma de applicacion. The form must be sent by fax to +1-202-547-2687 and must be received no later than Monday, 7 July 2003. Applications received after 7 July 2003 will not be accepted. Successful candidates will be notified by Friday, 11 July 2003.
What is next?
The ICBL will notify you if you have been selected to participate. If you are a successful applicant we will begin working with you in the coming months to help you prepare your participation in this very important series of events.
Where do I find out more? To find out more about the events being held in Bangkok please visit www.icbl.org/5msp or contact youth@icbl.org
.
We hope to see some of you in September in Bangkok!
