Announcement note and call for applications
The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) in cooperation with European Tibet Support Groups and the International Tibet Network (ITN) invites Tibetan activists and members of Tibet Support Groups (TSGs) residing in Europe to apply for a 2-day-long advocacy training program to be held in Brussels in March 2015 in view of the upcoming 10 March commemorations all over Europe.
Tibetans are facing a crucial time in history. There is increasing awareness in the West about the situation inside Tibet and a real possibility for major victories towards fulfilling the hopes of millions of Tibetans.
The 2015 European Lobby Days Training is directed to Tibetan activists and European citizens involved in the Tibet movement. Its objective is to train them to become effective advocates of the Tibetan cause at European level in their respective countries of residence, in particular ahead of the Europe-wide Solidarity Rally for Tibet on 14 March 2015 in Paris.
The training will include a theoretical part on EU policies towards China and Tibet, human rights, recent developments in Tibet, advocacy and communications techniques. It will also provide participants with meaningful exposure to the EU political scene and the discourse around EU-China relations and Tibet’s role in it by organizing meetings at the European External Action Service and the European Parliament.
Participants of the 2015 European Lobby Days Training will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with distinguished professionals working in different fields, such as EU-China relations, human rights advocacy and the Tibetan movement. Moreover, they will expand their understanding of the role of activists, lobbyists, NGOs and the media in influencing foreign policy at European level. Beyond this, the 2015 European Advocacy Training Program will provide each participant a rich environment for exchanging information and ideas, and building a network of European activists for the Tibetan cause.
ICT is an international advocacy NGO working to promote human rights and democratic freedoms for the Tibetan people. ICT has offices in Washington, D.C., Amsterdam, Berlin and Brussels, and partners with the Australia Tibet Council in Sidney.
Practical Information:
• Brussels (Belgium), 02/03 March 2015
ICT will be in charge of arranging the program and providing speakers and materials. Participants will be responsible for their own practical arrangements (travel, accommodation etc.) and are encouraged to liaise with local TSGs and Representatives of Tibetan communities for all logistical aspects.
Application Process:
Interested Tibetan activists and European citizens involved in the Tibet movement are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be residents of Europe. Up to 10 candidates will be selected.
Note that the training will be in English. Excellent language skills are required.
Please send your applications (brief CV and statement of interest) to Elena Gaita at elena.gaita@savetibet.eu by 31 January 2015, specifying which of the three trainings you wish to participate in.
Applicants should include their complete contact information, including mailing address, phone number, and email.