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TRANSFORMATIVE YOUTH IN ACTION
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 21 JULY 2024 (23:59 CET)
CALLING ALL DEDICATED YOUNG TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERS IN THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN!
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) programme embodies a dynamic approach toward fostering positive change in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Grounded in the principle of experiencing through action, MYA empowers young pioneers to become catalysts for transformation and advocates for societal progress. With a steadfast commitment to peer sharing and learning, MYA cultivates a vibrant community where young leaders collaborate, exchange ideas, and harness their collective potential. Embracing a Euro-med vision, the programme bridges cultural divides and promotes dialogue, understanding, and cooperation across borders. Through initiatives aimed at empowering young people to shape public policy and promoting active citizenship, MYA positions youth as the true agents of change, envisioning a future where they play pivotal roles in shaping the societal landscape of the Mediterranean region.
ABOUT TRANSFORMATIVE YOUTH IN ACTION
Dive into the world of transformative action with the Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) programme! This call is all about empowering young leaders to make a tangible impact on their communities. Through MYA, young transformative leaders from both shores of the Euro-Mediterranean region are invited to take the reins and implement grassroots initiatives addressing local needs and promoting inclusion. It is about hands-on involvement and real change. Moreover, these initiatives at the local community level will serve as exemplary models, showcasing the relevance and effectiveness of community action at the broader Euro-Mediterranean scope. This call is a dynamic opportunity for young leaders to unleash their innovation and drive lasting, positive change in society. So, if you're ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something truly meaningful, MYA is calling your name. Join us, and let's turn vision into action!
Who can apply?
Young Transformative Leaders of age between 18 and 35, who have the nationality of one of the 43 countries of the UFM, affiliated with youth-led or youth-oriented organizations active at the community level.
What should the initiative be about?
The initiatives should be locally transformative, addressing community needs and promoting inclusion. They can tackle various issues, such as social, economic, public policy, or other issues, as long as there is a clear demonstration that these concerns align with the needs of the community. The implementation should be in one of the 43 countries of the UFM.
How to apply?
Initiate your involvement by submitting your online application via the available online form only before 21 July 2024 23.59 Central European Time, CET. Ensure alignment with the criteria, demonstrating your commitment to driving positive change in your local community. Craft a concise initiative outline, limited to 500 words, focusing on local transformative initiatives that address community needs and promote inclusion.
Only complete applications, meeting the criteria and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please note that it is not possible to save the application as a draft or to make any changes after submitting it. At the close of the call, the most recently submitted version of the application will be processed. The same applicant cannot submit more than one proposal under this call.
Due to the high volume of expected applications, responses to individual requests will not be provided. Only pre-screened candidates will be contacted.
In case of technical problems or questions related to the call, please send questions to: myaprogramme@annalindhfoundation.org
Programme phasing
Embark on a vibrant journey with the Transformative Youth in Action by acquainting yourself with the process. Here is a detailed breakdown to guide you seamlessly through each step:
- Application submission
You will kickstart your journey with MYA by applying by the specified deadline, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, and showcasing your dedication to contributing to the Euro-Mediterranean vision. This includes the submission of an outline for a transformative initiative of up to 500 words These outlines should focus on transformative initiatives at the local level, addressing community needs and promoting inclusion in an innovative manner.
- Online practical training (for 50 Pre-screened young transformative outlines)
A selection committee will pre-screen the top 50 outlines. If your proposed outline is among the pre-selected 50, engage in an enriching online training programme. Led by expert facilitators, this training will bolster your skills in project cycle management, communication, and dissemination, preparing you for the subsequent phases.
- Extended proposal
Following the online practical training, you'll be tasked with developing an extended proposal, providing a detailed description of your initiatives and relevant indicators. Based on the evaluation of the extended proposal, the top 25 initiatives will be selected.
- Face-to-face kick-off engaging meeting (for 25 selected leaders)
The selected 25 young transformative leaders will convene for an immersive in-person kick-off meeting in one of the Euro-Mediterranean countries. This meeting offers a unique platform for sharing approaches, refining methodologies through peer reviews, and fostering collective engagement. Special attention will be given to reviewing all aspects of the proposed initiatives, ensuring clarity in narrative and financial reporting. Moreover, this gathering presents a unique opportunity to foster a sense of community and collaboration on the Euro-Mediterranean scale, enhancing connectivity and synergy among young leaders from diverse backgrounds.
- Implementation of community-based transformative initiatives
With up to 8,000 euro, the selected leaders will implement their initiatives, emphasising multiplier effects and alliances with local entities. Robust measures, including online intermediate sessions and continuous accompaniment, will be in place to maximise results and address potential challenges.
- Face-to-face evaluation and results-sharing meeting (MYA Forum)
The 25 participants from the kick-off engaging meeting will be invited to participate in the MYA Forum that brings together youth, decision-makers, and stakeholders from the Euro-Mediterranean region at the end of each cycle. It provides a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and addressing key issues related to youth empowerment, and intercultural dialogue. The MYA Forum will provide the opportunity to evaluate the impact of the “Transformative Youth in Action” component to improve further editions. The MYA Forum will take place back-to- back to the ALForum, scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2025.
WHAT WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM?
1.Skills enhancement (50 pre-selected young community leaders):
Elevate project management, communication, and transformative leadership skills through an online training programme. Receive a certification endorsed by the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Secretariat.
2.Face-to-face kick-off meeting (25 selected young community leaders):
Join a kick-off meeting in person in one of the Euro-Mediterranean countries for peer review and discussions. Refine methodologies, build connections, and prepare for the initiative's implementation phase.
3.Financial support (25 selected young community leaders):
Receive up to 8,000 euro for implementing community-level initiatives. Foster alliances, contribute to sustainable change and explore potential additional funding sources.
4.Networking opportunities:
Connect with leaders, stakeholders, and civil society representatives. Build a robust network for potential collaborations and future endeavours.
5.Evaluation and learning support:
Receive continuous accompaniment and support. Engage in online intermediate sessions, ensuring timely and collaborative problem-solving. The ALF Secretariat is committed to supporting participants at every stage.
6.Communication contribution:
Young leaders will actively contribute to communication initiatives, creating diverse content to share their insights. These will include direct testimonies from the young community leaders about their experiences and knowledge gained during their participation in the MYA programme. Financial compensation will be provided for these contributions.
Additional benefits: participation in Euro-Mediterranean dialogues and MYA forum
As a selected young community leader, your journey with "Transformative Youth in Action" offers an exclusive opportunity to actively engage in participatory and policy dialogues within the Euro-Mediterranean region. This includes participation in events such as:
• ALF youth dialogues:
The top-performing young leaders will have the opportunity to activly participate in dynamic events and dialogues organised at the Euro-Mediterranean scale, amplifying youth voices and perspectives, fostering dialogue, and connecting with stakeholders and peers across the region.
Participating in these events not only enhances your visibility and network but also provides a unique platform to contribute to meaningful dialogues shaping the Euro-Mediterranean narrative.
Selection criteria
The selection process is designed to ensure fairness, diversity, and relevance. ALF considers the following criteria to identify local transformative initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to the Euro-Mediterranean discourse:
- Alignment with Local Community Needs (25%)
Demonstrated understanding of local community needs and a clear articulation of how the proposed initiative addresses these needs at the grassroots level. This includes analysis of the context (15%), and the targeted beneficiaries (10%)
- Background and Experience (15%)
Diverse background and experiences showcasing the applicant's ability to contribute unique perspectives and approaches to the initiative, and that they have community engagement experience.
- Feasibility and Clear Implementation Plan (25%)
A feasible and well-detailed implementation plan, including a clear description of activities, appropriate indicators for outputs and outcomes, and an understanding of potential challenges and mitigation strategies and feasible in terms of the maximum financial support offered (up to 8,000 euro). This includes main objectives (10%), and activities outline (15%).
- Innovation of the Transformative Initiative (25%)
Explain what your innovative approaches are to address the main objective. What it its added value.
- Usefulness at the Euro-med scale (10%)
Demonstrates how the proposed initiative is relevant to and aligned with the broader Euro-Mediterranean context, taking into account the unique socio-cultural, economic, and political factors of the region.
ALF is dedicated to promoting an inclusive and non-discriminatory atmosphere within the Transformative Youth in Action. Applicants are encouraged to showcase how their projects contribute to diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities in their communities. Additionally, a gender and geographical balance between regions and countries will be observed. This commitment underscores our goal to create a diverse and equitable community, fostering sustainable and inclusive development in the Euro-Mediterranean region.