Now Accepting Applications: The 2022 IDEAL Workshop for Alumni in Southeast Europe
Identify challenges. Develop a better understanding. Establish plans. Act. Lead by example.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
| Application Deadline | February 13, 2022 |
| Virtual Program | March 17-22, 2022 |
| In-person Program | March 25-27, 2022 |
| Project Implementation | May-October 2022 |
The 2022 IDEAL Workshop is an opportunity for alumni of the FLEX and YES programs from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, N. Macedonia, and Serbia to develop knowledge, skills, and experience in the following areas:
Mental Health – Participants will explore what mental health is; how to maintain one’s mental health; how to deal with common mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma; how to help someone struggling with mental health concerns; how to promote more openness and understanding regarding mental health in our communities; and other related topics.
Public Health and Public Opinion – Participants will explore the impact of stigma, misinformation, gossip, and other social behaviors and mores on public health issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and reproductive health and safety.
Environment – Participants will explore current environmental concerns and impacts on society (particularly in the SEE region), as well as practical tools and approaches for environmental protection, advocacy, and activism.
Peacebuilding – Participants will complete the NewGen Peacebuilders certification program, “an award-winning peace education, training and mentoring program that equips people to build peace and repeat the peace in their communities, countries and the world.” Learn more at www.facebook.com/newgenpeace/.
The program will consist of four phases:
| PHASE 1: Pre-workshop Training in Country Groups (Virtual) | March 17, 2022 (2 hours in the evening) |
| PHASE 2: Regional Program (Virtual) | March 18-22, 2022 (weekday evenings – 3 hours / weekend days – 6.5 hours, including breaks)
Each participant will explore one of the topics listed above as part of a “theme group” with alumni from across the region. Sessions will be led by experts who are alumni themselves. |
| PHASE 3: Country Group Program (In-person) | March 25-27, 2022
Each participating country will have a unique local program. The program will include project development training led by representatives of NewGen Peacebuilders and development of community projects based on the virtual workshop themes, as well as trainings, lectures, peer education activities, local site visits, teambuilding activities, and/or other program elements that meet the needs and interests of participating alumni. |
| PHASE 4: Project Implementation | May-October 2022
Participants in this workshop are required to implement a post-workshop project that utilizes the knowledge and skills gained through the workshop to impact their communities in a positive way. Participants will have support from their workshop mentors and American Councils staff. Each participant will be eligible (though not required) to receive grant funding of up to $100. Alumni will have the option of working in groups to combine awards for a larger project. |
Who can participate in this workshop?
All FLEX (A-SMYLE) and YES alumni from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia are eligible to participate in this program.
Alumni will be invited to participate in in-person programs in the FLEX/YES country in which they live. Alumni who do not currently live in a participating FLEX/YES country are welcome to participate in the virtual program, but travel to in-person programs will not be provided.
Alumni may opt out of the in-person portion of this program for any reason, including vaccination status, health concerns, or travel concerns.
Alumni who wish to participate in the in-person component must successfully complete the virtual component. They must also be fully vaccinated and agree to comply with other measures intended to maximize safety, including undergoing COVID-19 testing prior to the event.
Alumni are expected to complete post-workshop projects, and are eligible for project grants, regardless of whether they participate in the full workshop program or the virtual program only.
Alumni who participate in this and other virtual and hybrid workshop programs will have preference in selection for future in-person programs, including both regional and international workshops.
How can I apply?
Interested alumni must complete and submit this online application: www.surveymonkey.com/r/IDEAL2022
The estimated time required to complete the application is ten minutes.
Questions?
Contact your Alumni Coordinator or Program Assistant Aziz Hreljić, ahreljic@americancouncils.org.
