Greetings and welcome to the Oxfam International Youth Parliament monthly network newsletter!
This edition focuses on the work that our Action Partners are undertaking through their efforts to achieve sustainable change in their communities. Action Partners from all corners of the OIYP Network have launched their Action Plans with events, conferences, rallies and meetings on International Youth Day, August 12, 2004. See the ‘Action Updates’ section below for a progress report.
In recognition of the fact that many of you will be currently investigating ways to resource your Action Plans, we have compiled a list of potential organisations to approach for funding as well as guidelines for writing an effective proposal and building a major donor campaign. Refer to the ‘Skills’ and ‘Resources’ sections.
See the ‘Spotlight’ section for news from our newly elected International Steering Committee Chairs Annabel Alexander and Adaeze Nnanta and ‘Message Board’ for an update on the OIYP Small Grants Program and upcoming mailout.
The theme for the next newsletter on the 12th of October will be Indigenous Peoples, to coincide with the International Day of Solidarity Indigenous Peoples.
What are some of the concerns facing Indigenous Peoples in your community?
What does solidarity with Indigenous Peoples look like in your community?
Please email your contributions to iypvoice@sydney.caa.org.au.
All the best and we look forward to hearing from you soon,
The OIYP Team
Editor: Jacinta Isaacs
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ACTION UPDATES
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---¤o¤Vahid Nobahar, OIYP 2004 Action Partner, Iran ¤o¤----
Vahid Nobahar is working to encourage young people’s active participation in creating a healthier world, through his Action Plan entitled ‘Healthy Youth 2020’. He aims to identify the mental and physical health risks that young people face as well as make health services more youth-focused. He says that health has “four equally important elements: emotional and mental health, physical health, cultural and spiritual health and connection to family.”
He is trained in medicine, basic AIDS vaccines, treating opioid dependence and Good Clinical Practise (GCP) for international HIV vaccine trials. For more information please contact Vahid at vnobahar@erh.ir
“I should not think that it is mine but this plan is ours I mean all OIYP action partners. We must change the young life conditions to better status. We must believe that we can do it. I appreciate OIYP that empowered all delegates in their action plan through the 2004 sitting.” (Vahid Nobahar)
---¤o¤Olusegun Olowu, OIYP 2004 Action Partner, Nigeria ¤o¤----
As part of his efforts to mobilise active participation of young people in his community and create awareness about volunteering opportunities, Olusegun Olowu organised a media advocacy visit to the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Nigeria. There as part of the event to launch his action plan he was involved in a television interview in English and Yoruba languages, two live radio discussion programs and a live phone-in discussion feature program on television. Five youth leaders including representatives from the Young Humanists Network, Life Vanguards and the Voice of the Nigerian Youth as well as the management of the State broadcasting outfit and the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of the State attended the event.
Olusegun is skilled in the areas of community participation, event management and working with the media. He is happy to offer advice to others needing assistance in these areas. Olusegun would like to build on his research, project management, web-building and management skills. If you have any advice or questions for Olusegun, you can contact him at olusegunolowu@yahoo.com.
---¤o¤Mimi Zou, OIYP 2004 Action Partner, Australia ¤o¤----
Australian delegate Mimi Zou is working to implement a range of local and global projects that aim to challenge young people to explore the multi-dimensions of their cultural identity through creative means. One of her projects is the publication of a cultural diversity journal.
This journal, supported by the University of Sydney Union, is titled “Roots”- a kaleidoscope of creative pieces by young people exploring their cultural identity and will be distributed to over 40 000 students from diverse backgrounds.
You are invited to submit original pieces of artwork, essay compositions, poetry, short stories, songs, satirical pieces, photography and other creative works. Multi-lingual pieces are highly encouraged (please also submit an English translation of the piece).
All contributors will receive a copy of the journal. Please email all submissions to culturaljournaleditors@usu.usyd.edu.au by October 22, 2004.
Mimi is skilled in public relations and marketing, working with the media, running public advocacy campaigns, fundraising, event management, budgeting/ accounting, research, youth services, and is also interested in issues relating to education, women, the environment and cultural diversity. She would like to improve her skills in video production, time management and multimedia production and design (webpage design and the use of various multimedia production and design software). To offer or request advice, please contact Mimi Zou at m.zou@usu.usyd.edu.au
---¤o¤Sadhu Ram Tamang, OIYP 2004 Action Partner, Nepal ¤o¤----
As part of International Youth Day, Sadhu, who works with The Bahai Training Institute in Nepal, launched his Action Plan by attending a youth peace rally, a youth seminar and a peace conference. More than 500 young people from different regions, professions and organisations attended, including representatives from Youth Initiative, Bahai Youth, United Youth, Youth section of Ministry of Education and Sports and Youth. The peace conference was the first step towards achieving input and participation from young people on a National Youth Strategy. If you’d like to offer suggestions or ideas or ask Sadhu a question, feel free to email him at pev04@bahaiemail.com.
----¤o¤Sharon Diave, OIYP 2004 Action Partner, Papua New Guinea ¤o¤----
Through her work with the East New Britain Social Action Committee in her province in Papua New Guinea, Sharon successfully implemented a Village Health Volunteer program on Safe Motherhood on International Youth Day. She had previously presented to a group of 70 young people including some of her community’s elders. and is also promoting community Human Rights awareness.
Sharonsees posters as an effective material for those who cannot read and write and is, therefore, looking to obtain posters relating to Indigenous people, women and/or children's rights. If you can assist Sharon in her hunt for posters, please contact her at enbsek@datec.net.pg
“The issue that I have raised to work on in my Action Plan has become critical. The consumption of home brewed alcohol is becoming a nationwide issue together with marijuana. As a result, it has had a very big effect on PNG's violence-related problems. From my point of view, the South Pacific Brewing Company is trying to protect itself from the blame for violence as a result of home brew mixed with marijuana.”(Sharon Diave)
---¤o¤Ezequiel Misarayme José, OIYP 2004 Action Partner, Peru ¤o¤----
In his effort to defend and express indigenous rights, Ezequiel helped run the Sixth Festival of Alpaca-breeding communities “Papu Uywaqkunapa Suqta Raymin” on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th of August 2004, at the Rumichaka-Occollo fairground, Aracucho, Peru. The aim of the festival was to celebrate and affirm the culture of the alpaca breeding communities of Ayacucho, especially of the Vinchos, Paras and Chuschi districts. The event dealt with issues relating to the process of indigenous unity between organisations on the coast, in the Andes and Amazonia, natural resources, political autonomy and self-determination, identity, culture and education, and economic solidarity.
The festival operates under the belief that “social development and cultural affirmation are parts of an inseparable whole in the quest for community empowerment.”
---¤o¤Joya Banerjee, OIYP 2004 Action Partner, USA ¤o¤----
“This summer as part of an internship at the United Nations Population Fund
HIV/AIDS Branch I have been working on an initiative called Global Youth Partners, which trains youth HIV educators worldwide to advocate for greater youth access to HIV prevention information, education, and services.
This year our pilot countries are Panama, the Dominican Republic, Lebanon, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Nepal. Each country receives a grant for advocacy work, capacity building of the youth partners, and implementation of policies and programs.
Apart from my work at the UN, I have been doing my own advocacy work to increase the United States’ commitment to AIDS relief. I am part of a group that uses radical and visible protest to shame the government on its empty rhetoric on AIDS. Last week at the Republican National Convention [which took place from the 30th of August to the 2nd of September] we held two major protests to bring national attention to the lack of spending on AIDS prevention and treatment and the lack of accountability for failed programs.”
You can contact Joya at banerjee@unfpa.org.
SPOTLIGHT
OIYP International Steering Committee (ISC) Chairs Annabel Alexander and Adaeze Nnanta explain the role of the ISC within the OIYP structure
“Annabel and I, will ensure that the ISC fulfills its role in order to allow the Secretariat, the ISC and OIYP action partners to work together, periodically, in our vision for a more peaceful, equitable and peaceful world” Adaeze Nnanta, Co-Chair, Nigeria
What is the International Steering Committee, ISC?
The ISC is the new name for what was previously called the International Advisory Board (IAB). It is made up of 17 OIYP2004 Action Partners (18 – 25 years old) who were elected through their Action Area Groups this July in Sydney. They are a key link between the work of Action Partner and the operations of the Secretariat in Sydney. The main functions of the ISC are to provide advice to the Sydney Secretariat and to contribute to setting the strategic direction of OIYP's key program areas. The ISC also plays a role in supporting the Action Partner network. Importantly, the ISC has the collective Action Plan of assisting in the successful establishment of the next sitting of OIYP.
IYP empowers young people to full, active and effective youth participation in all levels of decision making, including decisions made at the United Nations, in corporations, at national and local levels, and in the home. As such, the ISC is a very important group.
How does the ISC work?
>> First Week of the Month
The OIYP Secretariat meets monthly, usually the first week of the month. At end of this meeting the OIYP Programs Coordinator will send out an email to the ISC e-group asking for feedback and comments on a particular issue or document (this can range from an upcoming conference that OIYP needs to submit papers to or an idea for a campaign or OIYP policy itself).
>> Second and Third Week of the Month
In relation to our working group and regional group discussions and outcomes, as well as our own experience and knowledge, the ISC provides comments and feedback. In doing so, ISC members may email their working group or members of their regional group and ask for advice.
>> Fourth Week of Month
The Co-Chairs will read through everyone's comments: provide a summary and collate everyone's original comments/feedback into one document and send it back to the OIYP Programs Coordinator by the end of the month, in time for the next Secretariat monthly meeting.
Adaeze’s Message...
“At the ISC, I've initiated discussion on the existing ISC policy. I am also collating phone numbers of ISC Action Partners so we can ring each member as needed.
The OIYP Action Partners can inform us about their Action Plans, ask questions about the ISC and updates, and if their representative at the ISC is running a little behind, its up to Annabel and I to follow them up.
On the personal level, I'm in my 4th year in the study of law at the University of Nigeria. In realising my dream to be in school and have straight 'A's, extracurricular activities and community service, I work with my organisation (NIA) to empower young women in South-eastern Nigeria to led full, meaningful lives. We do this via our Roving movie series, skills workshop, leadership training institutes, career-counselling and newsletters.
Presently, we are writing a book on advanced women leaders to serve as inspiration to NIA girls. So I'm into chatting these women up for words of wisdom to pass down the ladder to their female underlings.
I love reading, music, meeting people, and I enjoy dancing.”
Annabel’s Message...
"My name is Annabel Alexander and I am from New Zealand. Both myself and Adaeze are really excited about co-chairing a committee that is filled with so much talent and passion for seeing positive peaceful global change. At OIYP I was in Youth Culture and Empowerment Group 2 and am currently working full time with young people who have alcohol and drug issues and concerns.
I am also studying part-time a Masters in Youth Development, helping run a youth group called Primal and somewhere between all these things I love going to the gym and spending time with family and friends. I am really passionate about advocating for young people who do not necessarily have a voice within health systems and increasing young people’s participation.
I am really excited about the opportunity to co-chair the steering committee and if you would like to contact me or Adaeze please feel free- we would love to hear your thoughts, feedback on OIYP 2004 and ideas for the next OIYP.”
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RESOURCES
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FUNDING ORGANISATIONS
Below are some potential funding organisations. Many of them offer grants, sponsorship or other kinds of support.
- The Mc Knight Fondation offers a range of grants in areas relating to children and families, region and communities, art, the environment, Africa and South East Asia. See http://www.mcknight.org/cfc/guidelines.aspx.
- The Time Warner Foundation provides grants to practitioners of after-school or other youth programs which involve hands-on learning, leadership development, decision-making opportunities and skill building. See http://www.timewarner.com/public_service/time_warner_foundation/programs_overview.adp
- Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential (UP) Programoffers grants, software donations, a community learning and support network and also provides technological support for non-profit organisations. See http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/overview/
- COL-PROTEIN(Poverty Reduction Outcomes Through Education Innovations and Networks) through the Digital Opportunity Channel is requesting funding proposals whereby the applicant’s use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) will work towards alleviating rural poverty. Applications close January 15, 2005. See http://www.digitalopportunity.org/article/frontpage/329/1098
- Youth Action Netlists current funding opportunities including grants and prizes from various organisations with deadlines in November and December. See http://www.youthactionnet.org/opportunities/index.cfm?opid=1366
- The Belgium Development Fund offers studying and training grants for people from developing countries. See http://www.dgic.be/en/dgdc/grants/index.html
- New Zealand’s International Aid and Development Agency provides assistance to people from Pacific Island Countries. See http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/programmes/r-pic.html
- The Synergos Instituteoffers programs in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America that deliver high-impact support to civil society. Synergos also provides a foundation database of grantmakers in these areas. http://www.synergos.org/programs/globalphilanthropy.htm
- The WK Kellogg foundation funds organisations from the United States, Latin America, the Carribbean and Africa relating to health, food systems and rural development, youth and education and philanthropy and volunteerism. See http://www.wkkf.org/Grants/Default.aspx
LETTER TO the
Dear Editor,
I need to get this off my back by sharing what's happened to me during the last 2 horrendous days!! I have just undergone one of the most inhumane, undignifying, and downright illegal experiences of my life during the past 2 days of being detained by the police.
On Tuesday night, I was out photographing a street fair that was taking place on 16th street in response to the Republican National Convention [held in New York City from the 30th of August to the 2nd of September]. The next thing you know, the police blocked off the street, both ways, and everyone, including innocent bystanders that were on the sidewalk not taking part in the march, were blocked off and cornered. I was one of them.
After 2 hours of being on the ground and not being told why we were being detained, NYPD handcuffed us tightly and took us to a jail. This space was an old warehouse garage (pier 57) for buses and trucks and hence the floor had toxic oil, and was greasy and black. Nowhere to sit, just stand, we fell asleep awaiting to be informed of why we were being detained, and when we would have access to speak to a lawyer.
This happened to 1800 people, "detained" from 24 hours to almost 3 days that night, taken from various locations. I waited more than 40 hours!! I feel this was downright illegal, degrading, and disgusting!!! This is the first time the city has detained this many people at one given day and the first time in my life, I've been arrested. The city has let me down and I want JUSTICE for my unconstitutional incarceration.
For more information see www.nynewsday.com/search/nyc-arre0904,0,6454320.story or http://nyc.indymedia.org/feature/display/114761
Yours truly,
Betty A. Bastidas
Endnote
“The crowd gives the leader new strength” Dwight D. Eisenhower
