Public Affairs
U.S. Exchange Program Opportunity
FROM THE GROUND UP: BUILDING CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TO SUCCEED
An Exchange Program for Emerging Grassroots Leaders in Turkey and the U.S.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Implementing Organization: Heartland International, a nonprofit in Chicago, Illinois, USA in partnership with Toplum Gönüllüleri (TOG) and Uçan Süpürge. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of State and other funding sources, as available.
Description: From the Ground Up: Building Civil Society Organizations to Succeed is an exchange program for Turkish and American emerging grassroots leaders interested in or working in the areas of women’s empowerment, youth empowerment, or environmental awareness and activism. This program is designed for motivated young professionals (ages 20-35) in Turkey and the U.S. who have demonstrated leadership skills, a commitment to grassroots organizations, and an interest in multicultural relationships. The goal of the program is to create joint projects between the American and Turkish participants to promote mutual understanding and address social justice issues common to both cultures. In addition, the program will work on building the capacity of nongovernmental organizations through experiential professional development training in the U.S. and Turkey.
Program Period: January 2, 2010 – September, 2011
Participation Requires:
- Online dialogue with other participants in the United States and Turkey
- Travel to the U.S. for three weeks in March, 2010
- Travel within Turkey for meetings
- Developing and implementing a joint project with an American participant
- Working with and possibly hosting American participants when they visit Turkey in October, 2010 for ten days
- Remaining engaged and active throughout the program period stated above
- Participating as a program alumnus after the program ends
Training will be provided to the program participants on: Organizational Development, Leadership Skills, Project Evaluation and Assessment, Fund Raising and Volunteer Management, Communication and Technology, Multicultural Cooperation and Diversity
Travel and Training Costs: All participant travel and training costs will be paid for by the U.S. Department of State and other funding sources, as available.
To Apply Contact:
Evren Ergeç at Toplum Gönüllüleri at evren.ergec@tog.org.tr ; or
Leyla Welkin at Uçan Süpürge at info@ucansupurge.org ; or
Julia Sportolari at Heartland International at julia@heartlandinternational.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2009
Heartland International, its partners and the U.S. Department of State are seeking a diverse pool of program participants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, medical condition, citizenship, ancestry, or marital status. All interested and qualified persons are encouraged to apply.