At a time of deep divisions within and sharp conflicts between societies, it seems very difficult to promote positive change. However, it is especially important now to work and advocate for positive change in the face of opposition. Many young people in the South Caucasus and Moldova are rising to this challenge. The EU4Dilaogue Change Makers Forum aims to support and connect these change makers. In its third edition, the Change Makers Forum focuses on impact-oriented community actions and engaging communication for change. The cross-regional forum in Finland, scheduled from April 26 to May 1, invites you to embark on a transformative journey as we delve into two crucial guiding questions that lie at the heart of positive change:
? GUIDING QUESTION 1: How can I contribute to the change that I want to see in my community or in the relations to our neighbours?
The forum creates a space for sharing and listening, inviting participants to engage in dialogue about their vision for a positive future and how they can contribute individually and collectively. Together we will share experiences of working for positive change within communities and between societies. This enables us to gain a better understanding of the specific and collective challenges facing young change makers in the region. It also allows us to co-create concrete approaches and ideas for positive change and to benefit from the collective wisdom of the group. Here we aim to immerse in a collaborative learning environment where we explore methodologies to co-develop community actions with real impact. From participatory design to inclusive decision-making processes, discover how collective wisdom can shape projects that address genuine community needs.
? GUIDING QUESTION 2: How can I design and execute engaging and targeted communication to multiply the impact of our community actions?
For change makers, the imperative extends beyond the mere execution of impactful work; it demands compelling and targeted communication. The forum will enable knowledge sharing and capacity building on impact-oriented communication for change makers. We will delve into the art of crafting messages that resonate with specific target groups. This includes developing persuasive storytelling, utilizing visual elements, and acquiring the skills to convey your message effectively and authentically. Explore digital platforms in order to understand how to leverage technology to amplify your voice and reach wider audiences. We will explore and practice how to use viral videos as a powerful tool in projects for social change. The Forum will also offer practical training for how to use mobile technology in capturing emotional moments with your own mobile device and turn them into relevant stories through a simple editing process.
The one-week event aims to foster exchange, joint learning, and networking among upcoming change makers from the South Caucasus and Moldova. The forum also offers the opportunity to gain cultural experience through excursions and to become part of an inspiring community of change makers. All costs for participants, including travel-related costs, accommodation, all meals, and excursions are fully covered by the project. The working language is English.
Selection Criteria:
This call has been extended until 16.02. for participants from Moldova! We invite young change makers (aged 18-30) from the South Caucasus and Moldova who are working towards positive change withing their communities and positive relations between societies. We strive for a high degree of diversity and inclusivity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from people from rural areas, vulnerable groups and ethnic, linguistic, or religious minorities. Change makers who work on different social challenges can apply, such as but not limited to:
- Rural development and socio-economic participation and empowerment of vulnerable groups
- Sustainability and environmental protection
- Confidence building and dialogue facilitation
- Social entrepreneurship and social innovation
- Impact communication
How to apply:
If you are interested in participating in the third EU4Dialogue Change Makers Forum, please apply with the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Motivation video (maximum 90 seconds) in which you share your motivation and answer how you contribute to one or both guiding questions. Please use .mp4 format for uploading, and make sure to keep the file size as small as possible. Therefore, either lower the resolution settings on your phone/camera beforehand or compress the video file afterwards, but before submitting.
It is necessary to clearly name both files using your surname and name in the following way: Surname_Name_CV and Surname_Name_Video
Submit your application using the following drop-off link no later than February 16th, 2024:
https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycby_XTktmHLsTeNcNImwbgDtgjpRqbdBxthQJzqV5LeVVaNeTPaODbXmo2c7bgETtdZ5wg/exec
For more information, Dr Tanja Tamminen, Team Leader, EU4Dialogue Project, Component 1, (tanja.tamminen@eu4dialogue.eu).
The EU4Dialogue Change Makers Forum is organised by the European Union funded project - EU4Dialogue: Supporting Understanding Between Conflict Parties (Component 1), that is implemented by Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. in partnership with IDIS Viitorul (Republic of Moldova), IDP Women Association “Consent” (Georgia), Institute for Mediation, Counselling, Development (Germany) and Cowater International (Belgium).
