Advocates for Europe (CANCELLED)

Regional Brussels, Bélgica

Between 24 and 28 April 2023, the European Scout Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM ) will welcome 20 young advocates for a better world to Brussels, Belgium, for two days of advocacy training and a “youth takeover” of the EU Institutions on 27 April 2023.

During the two training days, participants will have the opportunity to grow their understanding of advocacy in Scouting, learn processes for public engagement and representation, and understand how advocacy works in the European context.

On 27 April 2023, during the “youth takeover”, there is anticipated to be an opportunity to speak to key decision-makers about what changes they want to see in Europe for a better future for all through a seminar in the European Parliament, engagement directly with Members of the European Parliament and representatives of the Commission, and an evening reception.

Who should apply?

We are seeking applicants aged 18-30 on 10 March 2023, who are interested in the subject of how to engage with politicians on social issues relevant to them in their Scouting lives. Applicants may already have had some experience in local or national change-making, through advocacy, local initiatives, public speaking etc.
Participant selections will be based on:

  • Balance of geographical representation
  • Balance of genders represented
  • Balance of ages (18-30)
  • Knowledge of English (language of event)
  • Previous knowledge of advocacy at national/international level

Expected outcomes

  • Participants have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to speak out and act on issues linked with the priorities of the WOSM European Region.
  • Scout associations in Europe have reinforced their collaboration and cross-fertilised ideas in the development and influencing of youth policies at national and European level.
  • Participants will have an overview and understanding on why it is important for a Scout organisation to invest in youth advocacy.
  • Participants will be better equipped to invest in advocacy in their home context.
  • External decision-makers in the Brussels European space have increased visibility of European Scouting priorities through direct youth participation.

Date and venue

Scouts should be available to travel arriving in Brussels in the evening of 24 April 2023 and departing in the afternoon of 28 April 2023. The event will take place from 09h00 AM on 25 April 2023 to 12h30 PM on 28 April 2023.

Costs

Participation fee

  • The participation fee for the event is EUR 40 per person (covering meals and accommodation for the whole duration).
  • Any extra nights’ accommodation required by the participant will be at the participant’s own cost.
  • The participation fee will be invoiced by the European Scout Region and paid prior to the training.

Travel costs

Since the event received the financial support of the European Parliament and the European Youth Foundation, all participants are eligible to receive a financial support for their travel as follow:

  • Funding of 80% of the travel costs accounting up to EUR 250 in total. If the travel costs exceed EUR 250, the difference will be at the cost of the participants (e.g., for travel costs amounting EUR 300, the reimbursement will be EUR 200 which corresponds to 80% of the maximum budget provided which is EUR 250).
  • Reimbursement will be done based on a real cost basis.
  • Reimbursements will be completed after the event, provided that all supporting documents have been handed to the European Scout Region (including boarding passes, flight tickets clearly indicating the name of passenger, route, dates and price paid). A credit note or invoice will be sent directly to the sending organisation. No reimbursement will be made directly to participants.

Travel and visa arrangements

Confirmed participants will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Please do not book your flights or trains before receiving a confirmation letter from the European Scout Region where we will provide more information about the logistics. Should you need a visa to access Belgium, please let us know in the registration form.

Insurance and refund policy

The European Scout Region does not cover the participants insurance neither during the event nor during the travel to or from the venue. Please note that it is the exclusive responsibility of the National Scout Organisation to check and make sure that participants are covered by insurance (illness, accident, repatriation). Costs incurred in the case of participant cancellation are not guaranteed by the Region.

Application

Interested participants should apply by completing the following form by 10 March 2023https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9fd3e352ab2d49609988bd615acef9f2. Shortlisted participants’ International Commissioners will be asked to provide approval of the application.

Support

The event is generously funded by the European Parliament and the European Youth Foundation.

Further information

If you have any questions or require further information about the event, please contact Júlia Pérez Lema (juliapl@scout.org) or Louise Lundbye (louise.lundbye@scout.org) at the World Scout Bureau Europe Support Centre in Brussels.

Organizers
European Scout Region