Board, lodging and 50% of the travel costs for seminars will be covered or reimbursed by the organizers. Invitatations and visa costs (if needed) are free of charge.

JOIN THE “BRIDGE IT! ” COMMUNITY!

We would like to inform you of an exciting opportunity to participate in the introductory seminar “Power of ImagiNation” which is the first step of the cross-border program “Bridge it! ”.

“Bridge it! ” motivates and enables young adults from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and North-West Russia to become civically engaged. The program consists of several events which will be held within the period from the July 11 till December 8.

This program is a wonderful opportunity for active young adults to advance their careers, extend the circle of contacts and acquire the skills necessary for effective engagement in civil society.

By participating in the “Bridge it! ” program, you will:

• learn more about your neighboring countries and democracy
• be able to look at the issues from different points of view and be more critical
• discuss issues relevant for your societies
• develop personal and social competences
• improve your management skills
• initiate a project in the target region
• build up a network of like-minded people

The program „Bridge it! ” consists of four parts:

1. an introductory seminar to the topic “ Power of the ImagiNation” July 11 - 20, 2013 – Latvia, Pelč i

2. a project meeting August 8-11 or 22 – 25, 2013 - place is determining

3. project implementation September – November, 2013

4. a reflection seminar December 5 – 8, 2013 - place is determining

Board, lodging and 50% of the travel costs for seminars will be covered or reimbursed by the organizers. Invitatations and visa costs (if needed) are free of charge.

At the introductory seminar “Power of ImagiNation” we would like to discuss the following questions: What do we understand by national culture? What is my culture like? What pictures do we have in our heads, and why? When, why and how are we being manipulated, or manipulate others, with frames and images about nationalities? Where do we encounter nationality-based discrimination in our society/ community? What can we do against it? We are going to discuss these questions all together, identify actual problems in our civil community and plan own low-budget projects. Following the introductory seminar, there will be the opportunity to apply for funding for the own project.

We encourage you to apply for the „Bridge it! ” program if you:

- Live in North-West Russia, Latvia, Estonia or Lithuania;
- Are 18 to 25 years old;
- Care about what is going on in your community and want to influence it;
- Have a working knowledge of English.

We will be glad to receive your application for participating in the “Bridge it! ” program at leimane@bridgeit.eu. All you need is to fill out the application form attached. The deadline for submission of applications is June 10, 2013 (earlier application is recommended). Please contact us if you have any questions.

We hope you apply to attend this valuable program and pass along this information to other qualified young adults who may be interested in participating as well. Please do let us know if you submit an application so we can further assist you.