February 2007, Issue no 54
http://resource.regional.net
impact@regionalnet.org

1. Funding Opportunities

2. Announcements and Upcoming Events

3. Useful Links

European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights - Preparatory Action for the Establishment of a Conflict Prevention Network
Application deadline: March 6, 2007


The European Commission Communication on Conflict Prevention , together with the EU Programme for the Prevention of Violent Conflicts adopted by the Göteborg European Council, set out a programme for action to identify and address rising tension, the escalation of violence and the re-emergence of violent conflict in post-conflict settings by addressing the expressions of violence and the root causes of conflict. In line with this communication, the European Parliament voiced its support for maintaining a network and decided in December 2005 to allocate a preparatory action under the EIDHR chapter 19.04 with the budget line (19 04 05) and a sum of EUR 1,500,000 for 2006 in order to support a Conflict Prevention Network (CPN) for the coming years. In 2006, the European Commission has decided to implement this action through a grant contract and launch a call for proposals with the following objectives:

The overall objective is to increase, develop and pull together international knowledge and expertise in the field of conflict prevention, to ensure that all actors, including EU institutions, can access strong and independent analysis in this field in order to facilitate better informed and more evidence-based policy decisions.

The specific objective will be to enhance cooperation on conflict prevention issues among organisations that may complement each others' competences in terms of geographical scope and thematic areas, resulting in the establishment of an international network linking research institutions, think-tanks, academia and civil society organisations.

The network shall achieve the following/Expected impact:
· To strengthen institutional knowledge and capacity.
· To ensure a clear focus on long-term prevention and peace building issues.
· To develop links with policy and operational work carried out by a wider constituency.
· To give special attention to the implementation of conflict prevention measures and work at the field level, with particular reference to best practice and engagement with different stakeholders.

The priority issues to be addressed will be the following:
Priority 1: Environment, natural resources, energy and conflict
Priority 2: Security and conflict
Priority 3: External support for dialogue and mediation for conflict prevention and resolution
Priority 4: Democratisation, human rights, justice and reconciliation
Priority 5: Trade and economic development
Priority 6: Gender in conflict prevention/peace building.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/tender/data/d33/AOF72033.doc
E-mail: EuropeAid-CPN2006@ec.europa.eu


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PATRIR and TRANSCEND - 'Professional Preparation for Development Cooperation' Course, March 15 – 17, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Application deadline: March 6, 2007


The Professional Preparation for Development Cooperation (PPDC) course has been designed as the first of its kind in Romania. Created for Government, UN, INGO and NGO staff, PPDC is intended for participants who have had at least 2 – 3 years experience working in development cooperation, government policy and planning, or national civil society projects.

The training will focus on three core areas: Government – Civil Society Cooperation in Development, Field Work & Implementation:Designing Effective Interventions, Enhancing Romanian Development Cooperation. This includes: Context Overview of International Development Cooperation: Global, European Union, and Romanian IDC Priorities, Development Actor Mapping and Assessment Tools and Methodologies, Models of Cooperation: Government – Civil Society, NGO, INGO, UN, Cooperation for Field Work and Cooperation for Policy Development, Identifying Priorities for Romanian International Development Cooperation, Field Work & Implementation: Designing Effective Interventions, Responding to Complex Emergencies: Development & Relief Continuum, Lessons from the Field: Implementing Development Cooperation in Practice, Organizational Assessment for Participant Organizations, Interlinking Development: Gender, Human Rights, Peacebuilding, Human Security.

Who should apply:
The program is limited to a maximum of 25 participants.
As an advanced certificate training, PPDC has been designed for:
- Government / Ministry: staff dealing with EU relations, international development cooperation, human rights, gender, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, human security, and regional cooperation
- NGOs & Civil Society: Medium to Senior/Executive Staff and Program Managers dealing with Field Work, Project Implementation, Development Cooperation, Policy Planning and Design in the fields of development, human rights, gender, civil society cooperation, governance and democracy, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

As the working language for the course will be English, candidates are required a working level of English language knowledge.

While the program has been designed for participants from Romania, participants from other countries may apply as well. Participants should have at least 2 – 3 years experience. A select number of participants entering the field may be accepted following applications and phone interviews.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Level I Certification in International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid and will be invited to register for the national data-base of development workers now being established.

Participation Fees:
Government/NGO/INGO/UN Participants 300 RON, Students and Others 250 RON, OECD Participants from Outside Romania 300 EURO, Non-OECD Participants from Outside Romania 200 EURO. Two scholarships will be available for highly qualified applicants coming from relevant institutions in the field of development cooperation.

More information
Website: www.patrir.ro
www.transcend.org/training
E-mail: training@patrir.ro (Violeta Glavan, Training Coordinator)


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MEDIA 2007 — Development, distribution, promotion and training
Application deadline: March 9, 2007


Objectives and Description
This call for proposals is based on the Decision No 1718/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a single multi-annual programme for Community measures in the field of Audiovisual for the period between 2007 and 2013.
One of the measures to be implemented under this Decision involves improving the continuous vocational training of professionals in the audiovisual sector, so as to give them the know-how and skills needed to create competitive products on the European and other markets, in particular in the field of:
— The application of new technologies, and in particular digital technologies, for the production and distribution of audiovisual programmes
— Economic, financial and commercial management, including the legal framework
— Script-writing techniques.

Eligible Candidates
The present notification is addressed to European organisations; those registered in and controlled by nationals from the Member States of the European Union and countries of the European Economic Agreement participating in the MEDIA 2007 Programme (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), as well as Switzerland, subject to the conclusion of a new cooperation agreement with this country in the framework of the MEDIA Programme.

This notice is addressed to candidates in one of the categories of establishment below whose activities contribute to the above-mentioned measures:
— Film and television schools
— Universities
— Specialist vocational training establishments
— Private companies in the audiovisual sector
— Organisations/professional associations specialising in the audiovisual sector.

Budget for projects
The maximum amount available under this call for proposals is EUR 4 340 000, provided funds are available under the 2007 exercise. The financial support from the Commission cannot exceed 50-60% of the total eligible costs. The financial contribution will be awarded in the form of a grant. The maximum duration of projects is 12 months.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/training/forms/index_en.htm
E-mail: pauline.david@ec.europa.eu


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Lifelong Learning - Jean Monnet programme
Application deadline: March 15, 2007


The Jean Monnet programme supports institutions and activities in the field of European integration. It has the objective to enhance knowledge of the European integration process. It does so by encouraging higher education institutions and/or associations of professors and researchers specialising in European integration to create teaching, research, reflection, information and debate activities on the European integration process. It is part of the new Lifelong Learning programme (2007-2013), which supports projects and activities that foster interchange, cooperation and mobility between education and training systems within the EU.

Priority themes:
- The evolution of the EU (including institutional change, governance and enlargement)
- The EU and the dialogue between peoples and cultures
- The EU in the world: model for peaceful integration and international rule of law
- The EU's visibility in the world
- The EU, globalisation, economic prosperity, growth and social justice, and social cohesion
- The EU, science, energy and sustainable development
- European citizenship, European culture and European history
- The transnational analysis of the European Union's image in the media.

1. TEACHING ACTIVITIES
- Jean Monnet Chair: full-time teaching post entirely devoted to European integration, minimum 120 hours teaching hours per academic year.
- 'Ad personam' Jean Monnet Chair: experienced professor with a longterm teaching and research background and/or major organizational achievements in European integration studies, recognized at an international level.
- Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence: pluridisciplinary structure pooling scientific, human and documentary resources for European integration studies and research within one or more universities.
- European Module: short programme of European integration study, minimum 30 teaching hours per academic year, may be pluridisciplinary.

2. ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
- Associations of professors and researchers specializing in European integration: associations whose explicit purpose is to contribute to the study of the European integration process and whose aim is to enhance the visibility of regional or national scientific and physical resources in this domain.
- Information and research activities relating to European integration: aims to promote discussion, reflection and knowledge about the European integration process.
- Multilateral research groups: research partnership leading to integrated academic network with a joint research plan and pluridisciplinary synergies in the field of EU studies.

Target Group:
- Higher education institutions within and outside the Community as recognised within their own countries
- Teachers and researchers specialised in the field of European integration studies in all forms of higher education within or outside the Community
- Associations of professors and researchers, institutions and research centres concerned with the study of the European integration process within and outside the Community
- Associations and representatives of those involved in education and training within and outside the Community
- Public and private organisations responsible for the organisation and delivery of education and training at local and regional levels

How to apply:
- In order to be eligible applications must be higher education institutions or associations of professors and researchers within and outside the Community as recognised within their own countries
- These higher education institutions and/or associations of professors and researchers can be from any country in the world.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ajm/calls/index_en.html
E-mail: eacea-info@ec.europa.eu


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Curriculum Research Center - Fellowships 2007/2008
Application deadline: March 20, 2007


The Central European University’s (CEU) Curriculum Resource Center (CRC) funded by the Open Society Institute’s (OSI) Higher Education Support Program (HESP), is launching a new call for applications for its Curriculum Research Fellowship. CRC invites applications from scholars (higher education researchers and teaching faculty) from the region to investigate specific questions related to social science curricula and curriculum design practices in former communist countries. The aim of the research fellowship is to produce a body of scholarly literature on curriculum design and development which would provide CRC and its strategic partners with an insight into the development of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various disciplines and their implementation across the region.

Fellowship description
The fellowships to be offered would consist of a monthly stipend, a negotiated research grant and consultancy provided to successful individuals or groups. The duration of the grant can range from 9 to 12 months, depending on the depth of the research to be carried out. All accepted grantees are required to submit their final research articles by the end of April 2008. Since all curriculum research will be directed towards disciplinary developments in one or more countries of our target region, future grantees will not be required to reside in Budapest, though short library research and consultancy can be offered for them at CEU.

Eligibility
Application is restricted to resident citizens of Eastern- and Southeastern Europe, the Former Soviet Union and Mongolia. Citizens of new EU member countries (including Bulgaria and Romania) are eligible only if they participate in comparative group projects with colleagues from non-EU countries.

Due to the disciplinary depth and understanding of curriculum building policies required by such research, the target group of the Curriculum Research Fellowship will be innovative academics with a broad comparative perspective in their disciplines and excellent command of English. Fellowships can be offered to individuals or groups of researchers.

Selected applicants will be required to negotiate with host institutions in the region (departments, universities, accreditation agencies, etc) the terms of their future research activities carried out in those units - letters of agreement and cooperation will be requested from all institutions where curriculum research is to be carried out, particularly in cases where access to data is of paramount importance for the success of the research. (Higher-level university officials and experts can also be included in faculty-led group initiatives.)

Research outcomes
Selected researchers will be expected to critically assess the dynamics of curriculum development in existing social science disciplines, focusing on and addressing questions of particular importance for the countries and subject areas they cover. The scholarly purpose of the research needs to be clear in all cases, and grantees will be asked to consult with CEU faculty or other international experts in their disciplines.
All projects need to result in research articles of high academic quality (in English) that meet the standards of international academic peer-reviewed journals. The research articles will be published electronically on the CRC website.In the case of all proposals it will be expected that the outcomes of research projects will help formulate recommendations for practical curriculum design and implementation. Successful fellowship grantees might be asked to offer a public lecture/roundtable presentation at Central European University on their research projects and findings.

Research areas
All research proposals need to focus on specific, narrow questions and well-defined research hypotheses. Applicants for the fellowship could propose research projects that address specific questions within the following broader areas (including but not limited to):
· Comparative curriculum research in social sciences; regional, national and international differences in social science curricula, their causes and effects
· Undergraduate and graduate curricula: the problem of harmonization and possible discrepancies, overlaps, inconsistencies
· Building new curricula – analysis of various possible strategies; importing externally developed curricula versus developing curricula internally at university or departmental level
· The breadth of scholarship: inter-disciplinarity in curriculum planning, policies of cross-listing courses
· Joint degree programs in our region; the results of international cooperation in building undergraduate and graduate curricula
· The impact of individual and institutional external funds on host department’s curricula
· Departmental curriculum changes reflecting new trends in disciplines: emergence of new subjects, sub-fields, curriculum practices causing the fragmentation of certain disciplines
· Curriculum design and stakeholders: marketization of higher education.
· Curriculum and educational objectives: preparing for academic or non-academic careers; knowledge and skills in social science curricula
· Curriculum changes in the Bologna process. Processes and their effects in shifting to a three-cycle system of higher education.

Priority will be given to research proposals that have an internationally or regionally comparative perspective. Detailed research proposals will be considered in both practical, immediate curriculum questions or more remote, background issues of theoretical significance that researchers believe to have a long-run effect on the development of curricula in their disciplines.

More information
Website: http://www.ceu.hu/crc
E-mail: crf@ceu.hu


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Open Society Institute - Returning Scholars Fellowship Program 2007/2008
Application deadline: March 23, 2007


The Returning Scholars Fellowship Program (RSFP) invites applications from talented scholars who seek university positions and academic careers in their home countries after studying abroad. The program is open to citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine.

RSFP, a part of the Academic Fellowship Program (AFP), welcomes scholars from these countries who have received (or will receive by September 2007) an internationally competitive postgraduate degree in anthropology, area/cultural studies, gender studies, economics, history, political science, international relations, psychology, public administration, public health, philosophy, social work, sociology, human rights & public law, or journalism/media studies. The program does not support scholars in philology, the visual and performing arts, or business.

AFP supports placement of Returning Scholars primarily in AFP partner departments, with some exceptions. A list of current AFP partner departments can be found on our website, though the list is subject to change for the 2007-08 academic year. Potential applicants are advised to explore placement possibilities with an AFP Region Manager or Country Coordinator before applying.

Fellowships include a monthly stipend and various allowances, in addition to the opportunity to participate in departmental and professional development projects.

Fellowships begin in August or September 2007 and normally last one academic year, with the possibility of renewal.

More information
Website: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/hesp/focus/afp/grants/rsfp
E-mail: afp@osi.hu


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Open Society Institute - International Scholars Fellowship Program 2007/2008
Application deadline: March 23, 2007


The International Scholars Fellowship Program invites highly-qualified scholars in social sciences and humanities from around the world to teach and/or consult at selected university departments in South Eastern Europe, parts of the former Soviet Union, and Mongolia.

The program, part of the Academic Fellowship Program (AFP), welcomes applications from faculty, retired faculty, and others holding PhDs in anthropology, area/cultural studies, gender studies, economics, history, political science, international relations, psychology, public administration, public health, philosophy, social work, sociology, human rights & public law, and journalism/media studies. The program does not support scholars in philology, the visual and performing arts, or business.

Candidates apply to teach outside their country of citizenship and must hold an internationally-recognized PhD or JD. AFP accepts applications for fellowship placements in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine.

AFP fellows are placed in carefully selected university departments that are amenable to change and demonstrate a realistic and clear vision for future development. A list of current AFP partner departments can be found on our website. The list is subject to change in the 2007-08 academic year.

The International Scholars Fellowship Program offers two arrangements:
- Non-resident International Scholars share their expertise with host departments on a consulting basis, visiting the institution for several short consultations and remaining in contact for mentoring and advice between visits. Nonresident fellows are senior or well-established academics; recent PhD recipients are not considered.
- Resident International Scholars live in the host country and teach courses for one academic year at partner universities. Fellows also work on a variety of projects within their host departments, and benefit from the diverse academic network connecting AFP program countries. The Resident option is available only for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia.

Fellowships generally include a stipend, transportation, and accommodation. Resident fellows also receive health insurance and various other allowances.

Fellowships begin in August or September 2007 and normally last one academic year, with the possibility of renewal.

More information
Website: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/hesp/focus/afp
E-mail: afp@osi.hu


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European Commission DG Education and Culture - Lifelong Learning COMENIUS
AApplication deadline: March 30, 2007


The Comenius programme addresses the teaching and learning needs of all those in pre-school and school education up to the level of the end of upper secondary education, and the institutions and organisations providing such education. It is part of the new Lifelong Learning programme (2007-2013), which supports projects and activities that foster interchange, cooperation and mobility between education and training systems within the EU.

Specific objectives:
- To develop knowledge and understanding among young people and educational staff of the diversity of European cultures and languages and its value
- To help young people acquire the basic life-skills and competences necessary for their personal development, for future employment and for active European citizenship.

Target group:
- Pupils in school education up to the end of upper secondary education schools, as specified by Member States
- Teachers and other staff within those schools
- Associations, not-for-profit organisations, NGOs and representatives of those involved in school education
- Persons and bodies responsible for the organisation and delivery of education at local, regional and national levels
- Research centres and bodies concerned with lifelong learning issues
higher education institutions
- Bodies providing guidance, counselling and information services.

The following actions are supported by the Comenius Programme
- Mobility of individuals
- Development of partnerships
- Multilateral projects
- Multilateral Networks
- Accompanying Measures: other initiatives aimed at promoting the objectives of the Comenius Programme, including e-Twinning.

How to apply:
- Comenius applies to all institutions involved in school education; it also applies to bodies responsible for school education systems and policies at local, regional and national level, to associations working in the field of school education, social partners, companies, trade organisations, etc.
- Individuals (pupils, students, teachers) in most cases can participate in Comenius only through their home institution
- Applications need to be submitted to the National Agencies. Multilateral projects, Networks and Accompanying Measures Projects need to be submitted to the EAC Executive Agency.

Participating countries:
- 27 EU Member States
- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
- Turkey.

More information
Website: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/structure/comenius_en.html
E-mail: eacea-info@ec.europa.eu


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Peace Child International - Be the Change! Programme
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


Peace Child International has created the ‘Be the Change!’ Programme (BTC!) to support young people to get involved in local community action and development projects. Peace Child encourages young people to BE THE CHANGE they want to see in their communities and to make it possible we created a small scale grant programme for youth-led projects.

If you are below 25 years old and have a project that concentrates on the development of your community at a local level, take a deep look in the requirements for the grant programme and submit your proposal to Peace Child International.

The Be the Change! desk officers will guide and advise you to identify your own local issues, priorities and problems and also help you to provide your own solutions.

So, what kind of projects are we looking for?
- Projects that are genuinely youth-led: it cannot be adults getting young people to front their project so they can get money for it.
- It must benefit the community rather than an individual need: we do not accept applications for school fees or personal trips!
- Projects costing $500 - $1,000 with a detailed budget.
- Have two experienced and committed adults to mentor the project: following the principles of the co-management.
- Have measures of achievement (indicators) by which projects may be evaluated.
- It can be either income-generating (funds to start up a small business and creating jobs) or it can be non-income generating (for health, education, environmental clean-up or community improvement) social programmes which are of genuine and lasting community value.

If you fulfil these requisites make sure to download the application form on our website and send your proposals to the appropriate desk officer at Peace Child International before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation when your proposal has been received.

More information
Website: www.peacechild.org
E-mail: contact@peacechild.org
europe@peacechild.org (for Europe)


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Managing Multiethnic Communities Program - Diversity Management Training Jamboree, June 3 - 7, 2007, Budapest, Hungary
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


The establishment of new political institutions and the reform of public administration are key events in the transition process of post-communist countries. The effective management of multiethnic communities has become relevant at both central and local levels of government. There is now much interest among governments and donors in developing good governance practices to achieve more inclusive, responsive and participatory and accountable governance in multiethnic societies. LGI's Managing Multiethnic Communities Program (MMCP) strives to promote innovative strategies for the public management of multiethnic communities through policy research and development, training and technical assistance, publications, and networking. MMCP thus aims at bridging research with actual policy- and decision-making.

MMCP Trainings and Workshops are designed for policy makers, policy advisors, officials from public, private and voluntary organizations, think-tank staff members and the media to raise their awareness about public policies and the role of central and local governments in a multiethnic environment. The trainings aim at equipping participants with skills and knowledge such that policy-makers can address successfully the needs of multiethnic communities.

Participants learn how political, legal, and administrative concepts relate to the public management of multiethnic communities. Trainings also includes various case study exercises aimed at improving the participants' capacity to turn those concepts into practice through policy decisions. Moreover, participants became familiar with various participatory techniques and policymaking skills, such as conflict and force-field analysis, mediation, negotiation, and participatory planning.

More information
Website: http://lgi.osi.hu/documents.php?id=36


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Open Society Institute - Global Supplementary Grant Program
Application deadline: April 2, 2007 (for students pursuing ph.d. in North America, Asia, Australia), June 4, 2007 (for students pursuing ph.d. in European Union and Middle/near East)


The Network Scholarship Programs Department of the Open Society Institute is pleased to offer supplementary grants to students from selected countries of Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. The purpose of the program is to enable qualified students to pursue doctoral studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences at accredited universities in Western Europe, Middle/Near East, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.

Grants will be awarded on the basis of academic record, merit of the proposed study, applicant’s long-term goals, and financial need. The grants will provide supplemental funding for one year of study with the option to apply for a second year. Reapplication procedures will be outlined in the 2008/2009 application form. Renewal grants are limited to maximum of three years, will compete with the general pool of applicants and are not guaranteed. Only students who have been accepted into a full-time doctoral (Ph.D.) program at an accredited university are eligible to apply.

Grants are provided to help cover costs in one of the following categories:
1. Tuition and fees – not to exceed 50% of tuition and fees per academic year
2. Living expenses – students who have succeeded in funding their tuition, either through scholarships or tuition wavers, are eligible for housing and living funds
3. Other – students who have secured all necessary funds but cannot afford additional expenses, such as travel to/from their host country, books, materials, health insurance, etc., are eligible for additional funds.

Grants will not be provided to cover expenses in all three categories. Only those students with confirmed financial support will receive supplementary grants.

1. Candidates must be nationals of one of the following countries: Albania, Georgia, Montenegro, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Belarus, Macedonia, Tajikistan, Bosnia, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Croatia, Mongolia, Ukraine.
2. Members of the Roma community are encouraged to apply.
3. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the spoken and written language of their host institution.
4. ONLY those students who have already been awarded partial or full tuition, room and board stipends, or other types of financial aid may apply.
Applicants must provide the fullest possible account of their actual financial situation including copies of financial aid requests to the Host University and any other documents confirming additional financial support. False statements will result in immediate disqualification of the application.

More information
Website: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/scholarship/focus_areas/global_supplementary/guidelines


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Central European University, Gender Studies Department - Visiting Scholars in Residence Program
Application deadline: April 21, 2007


Each year, the Gender Studies Department at CEU accepts a number of visiting scholars to be in residence for a semester or a full academic year. The program gives scholars working on gender-related projects the opportunity to work in a lively community of gender scholars, institutional support, and the opportunity to reside in Budapest, a beautiful, multicultural European capital city. The CEU Gender Studies Department provides formal university affiliation which includes access to CEU library facilities, a campus mailing address, a CEU email account, computer and internet access, shared office space, the opportunity to participate in departmental events, and an invitation to present work-in-progress. The department requests that in return, scholars in residence participate in departmental activities and acknowledge the department’s support in any publications that result from this research period.
Central European University does not offer stipends or other financial support for scholars participating in this program. However, the university will help to arrange a visa for non-Hungarian scholars (please note however that the university cannot pay for any fees associated with obtaining the visa). Normally, scholars will be able to live at the CEU conference center for a very reasonable rate. Alternately, the university can provide guidance for securing accommodation elsewhere. This program is especially suitable for scholars with outside grant support or sabbatical support from their home institutions.

The selection of visiting scholars is competitive and takes place twice a year. Those interested in being considered for this program should consult the application guidelines below. While we will consider people without a Ph.D. who are leaders in their field, doctoral candidates from other universities should consult the Doctoral Support Program under non-degree programs on this website for guidelines on how to visit the department.

Application Guidelines
· A two page letter of intent that describes your research project and the suitability of your affiliation with the Department of Gender Studies at CEU. Project descriptions should include the objectives of the research, its significance, a timeline and the resources required to carry it out. The letter should also include a description of your anticipated funding support while at CEU.
· An annotated curriculum vitae (5 pages maximum) that includes current institutional affiliation (if any), publications, education, and names of references.
· A copy of a publication or writing sample relating to gender (no more than 30 pp.).
· One letter of recommendation.

More information
Website: http://www.gend.ceu.hu/visiting_scholars.php
E-mail: Zimmerma@ceu.hu (Susan Zimmermann)
gender@ceu.hu (please indicate clearly in the subject that it is for the Visiting Scholars Program)


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University of Prishtina - Summer University (PSU) 2007, July 16 - August 3, 2007


Prishtina Summer University (PSU) 2007 will provide 15 academic courses on different fields such as: Law, Economics, Philosophy, Arts, Medicine, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Social Sciences, Physical Education, etc. Successful participants will gain an official Certificate of the International Prishtina Summer University, a certificate that includes ECTS credit. All courses will be taught in English.

Rich social program!
400 students from all over Europe!
Participation in the PSU is for free!
Scholarships available for students from South East Europe!

You can not apply for Prishtina Summer University (PSU) 2007 yet, but you now can pre-register by leaving your name and your e-mail in order to be informed when the application procedure will be open. To pre-register, please go to this link: http://www.stuc.uva.nl/ata/student/registration/prereg.asp?inpSU_id=1. Please note: you can only pre-register through this link, not by e-mail.

More information
Website: www.uni-pr.edu
www.academictraining.org


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The HUMSEC project - Second Conference on Human Security, 'Terrorism & Organised Crime in The Western Balkans: Realities, Risks and Responses' COnference, October 4 – 6, 2007, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


The second conference of the HUMSEC project focuses on the multiple interactions among transnational illegal organizations, state institutions, and the civil society in the Balkan region, and how these influence post-conflict capacity building. Contributions by regional experts, comparativists and theory-oriented social scientists, as well as governmental and non-governmental practitioners are particularly welcome.

Presentations may cover one or more of the following:
Thematic Bloc 1: The Rise and Demise of Transnational Terrorist and Criminal Organizations
Thematic Bloc 2: Conflict and the Transformation of State and Society
Thematic Bloc 3: Strategies of Repoliticization and Reintegration of Conflict Actors

Each presentation at the conference will be in English language and will be expected to take 15-20 minutes, before discussion. Please submit your suggestion for a presentation by using the online form. You may submit one or two proposals. It is unlikely that two presentations would be accepted from the same person or institution, however you may wish to offer alternatives. If wishing to submit two proposals, please make two separate submissions.

More information
Website: www.humsec.eu


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Balkan Human Rights Yearbook
Application deadline: April 15, 2007


Balkan Human Rights Yearbook (BHRY) is annual publication of the Balkan Human Rights Network (BHRN). The Yearbook is a scientific periodical publication that promotes and explores Balkan countries achievements and experiences in the implementation of universally accepted concept of human rights.
The topic of Yearbook 2007 is ‘Millennium Development Goals as a challenge to Human Rights NGOs in the Balkans - Youth Employment’. Research articles from a variety of perspectives, theories, approaches, or methodologies are welcomed. Submissions are encouraged from all BHRN member organizations and regional human rights community, with special consideration given to voices or perspectives from human rights practitioners and young scholars.

Manuscripts considered for review include research reports, opinion pieces, literature reviews, ‘how-to’ papers and book reviews. Research papers should present country profile in relation with the given topic. They should range in length from 8.000 to 10.000 words. Book reviews should be as short as is consistent with a clear presentation of the subject matter. They should range in length from 600 to 1500 words.

More information
E-mail: secretariat@balkan-rights.net


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Asociation for Counsultation and Training - ‘Architecture of Youth Participation’ Seminar, April 21 – 25, 2007, Oradea, Romania
Application deadline: February 25, 2007


Aim of the seminar
To create steps and tools for designing, implementing, and evaluating community engagement campaigning based on the knowledge and experience of community workers and public servants in the public participation projects and community engagement initiatives in Europe.

Objectives of the seminar
- To share experience in community engagement and public participation projects
- To develop activities for designing, implementing, and evaluating community engagement campaigns
- To develop phases of designing process for community engagement campaigns
- To define the structure of the communication platform web site.

Costs
100% of board and loading costs and 50% of travel costs will be reimbursed. There is no participation fee. We don’t cover visa and insurance costs.

Target group
The seminar is designed for community workers and public servants experienced in public participation and community engagement activities from Central an Easter Europe.

Working language: English.

More information
Website: http://www.act.org.ro
E-mail: act@act.org.ro


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International Politics Working Group / AEGEE Zielona - ‘Striving for diversity - Fighting intolerance’ Mediation Training and Conflict Management Seminar, April 15 – 21, 2007, Zielona Góra, Poland
Application deadline: March 1, 2007


In the past years people in Europe had to experience that also in Europe conflicts can escalate and that Human Rights are not equally treated in every country. This seminar aims at bringing together young Europeans with different perspectives on conflicts and to educate them in mediating conflicts in order to strengthen a 'peace network' that crosses religious, ethnic, and geographic boundaries. Thus they shall be able to take an active stand in defending human rights and contributing to a Europe that fulfils the slogan 'united in diversity'.

This overall idea of the seminar leads to several objectives:
· To educate the participants to take over a moderating role in the solution process of ethnic, cultural and/or religious conflicts
· To provide participants with a greater conceptual understanding of conflict, violence and peace, and the forces of conflict dynamics
· To increase the capacity of youth organisations to engage with issues of global solidarity and the peaceful transformation of conflicts
· To promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue among young people, from various perspectives, and to address the role of history/tradition, culture and religion in young people’s lives
· To provide a range of practical skills-based training in the handling of conflict situations
· To develop young people’s personal skills, knowledge and attitudes to deal with culture, tradition and religious diversity
· To empower young people to productive cooperation in the field of conflict prevention, conflict management and fostering peaceful dialogue
· To support networking and co-operation among youth organisations and other institutions and individuals (trainers, multipliers, youth leaders) active in the field of human rights education.
· To promote values of mutual respect and understanding between different cultures, fight against racism and xenophobia through processes of intercultural learning amongst young people.

The methodology used will be a combination of lectures, discussions, case work and communication tools of YnterAct such as improvisation theatre, intercultural communication or lateral thinking. In order to guarantee a high-quality seminar it will be conducted by different trainers experienced in this field as well as external lectures such as university professors, psychologists and politicians to provide thematic input in the issues discussed.

For participants from Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, former Yugoslav Republic of, Montenegro, Serbia, including Kosovo, Georgia, Moldova, Russian Federation, Ukraine.

Costs: Fee is EUR 50 for EU and EUR 40 for non-EU participants (the reduction is meant to be a contribution to the visa costs of participants).

More information
Website: http://www.mt.u2.pl/
E-mail: ipwgmediation@googlemail.com


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European Coalition for Community Living - User Involvement Seminar, April 20 – 21, 2007, Zagreb, Croatia
Application deadline: March 1, 2007


The User Involvement seminar is aimed at representatives of disability organisations, service providers, selfadvocates, professionals, local and national government representatives and academics.

The User Involvement seminar aims to contribute to the promotion and development of quality community-based services for people with disabilities by exploring the following questions:
• What are the good practices in the involvement of users of services in their development, delivery and
quality evaluation?
• What are the challenges to user involvement and how to overcome them?
• What are the current policies on the European and national levels?
• What is the current situation with the provision of community-based services for people with disabilities?
• How can we ensure that community-based services for people with disabilities are truly user-led?

The User Involvement seminar is organised by the European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL), in cooperation with the Association for Promoting Inclusion, Croatia. ECCL is a cross disability initiative which works towards the social inclusion of people with disabilities by promoting the provision of comprehensive, quality community-based services as an alternative to institutionalisation. It was founded by Autism Europe, the Center for Policy Studies of the Central European University, the European Disability Forum, the European Network of Independent Living, Inclusion Europe, Mental Health Europe and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative. Conclusions and recommendations of the User Involvement seminar will be promoted and implemented by members of ECCL.

(source: http://www.osmhi.org/)

More information
Website: www.community-living.info
E-mail: coordinator@communityliving (Ines Bulic, ECCL Coordinator)


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Jagiellonian University – ‘Responsibility, Lobbying and Corruption: The role of large enterprises in democracy and society’ Scientific conference, June 15 – 16, 2007, Krakow, Poland
Application deadline: March 15, 2007


The conference aims at addressing the issue of how large multinationals cope with their ‘non-market environment’ in Europe, with special emphasis on the New Member States of the European Union. One of the possible outcomes of the conference could be the drafting of an interdisciplinary research agenda on the ‘public or political role of enterprises in modern democracies’.

Large, multinational enterprises play a critical role in the world economy as innovators, marketers, employers, standard setters, international investors, tax payers, generators of financial returns and organisers of work for millions of other, smaller entities across the world etc. Through all their intense interactions with the so called ‘non-market environment’ (public bodies and social actors), the very large enterprises contribute greatly to shape this environment. Operating with a longer perspective, endowed with larger financial resources and intellectual skills than their smaller counterparts, the very large enterprises are highly sensitive to the outcomes of almost any legislative processes as they are concerned to how existing legal norms are put in practice. Responding to the law and more broadly to social concerns and expectations, influencing the law and – when necessary - looking for ways to accommodate the law, are the three main options open! to business in contemporary society.

We invite academics and practitioners to submit the proposals in one of the two perspectives:
● the analytical perspective
● the actors’ perspectives (enterprises, their associations, public bodies and civil society)
● with reference to the situation in the European Union and more specially in New Member States.

Proposals should address one of the four subject areas:
1. Private interests in the political philosophy of democracy
The purpose of this session is to discuss the often diverging notion of ‘representation’ which is the key dimension in any parliamentary democracy. The question asked is whether and how the contemporary democratic institutions bridge the gap between the interests of the particular groups and the common good. The purpose of this session is to look at the thoughts of the founding fathers of democracy and also at the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary constitutions, with special emphasis on the constitutions of the ‘new member countries of the EU’.
2. How enterprises make their voices heard?
The role of this session is to address the effective interaction of parliamentary democracies and business interests on both sides of the Atlantic with special attention to the European legislative process and its consequences for national legislations. It also looks (a) at the exploding lobbying activities at the level of European Institutions and its consequences; (b) at the way the 'lobbying function' is related to the operational or strategic enterprise management; (c) at the role of employers and industry associations in lobbing; (d) at the special case of self-regulated industries; (e) at the state of the art in research, adequate research methods and required data.
3. How enterprises survive in a corruption-prone environment?
When the letter of the law, or the way it is applied to the corporate world are notbusiness friendly, some enterprises may be induced or compelled to accommodate to such situations. Direct or indirect corruption belongs to some of the best known tools. The purpose of this session is to look at corruption in a dynamic way: (a) is corruption a syndrome of a dysfunctional or weak state or of missing political culture?; (b) how multinational enterprises acting on multiple markets can develop governance mechanisms that help them to limit corruption?; (c) does corruption put reputation at risk, does it foster results?; (d) the state of academic research in corporate corruption.
4. Beyond legal constraints - are the corporations really responsive to social concerns?
Many corporations do more than what is required by law in fields that are not directly related to their competitive advantages – such as customers, employees or suppliers. They are active in environmental protection, in charities unrelated to their activities, in supporting research institutions or international organisations. The purpose of this session is to see (a) if contemporary corporations are structurally capable of ‘altruistic’ activities; (b) if the distinction between ‘altruistic’ and ‘selfish’ activities
related to corporate social responsibility does make sense; (c) if the social role of the multinational is changing.

Registration fees: 100 EUR. Accommodation: 200 EUR (2 nights and meals).

More information
Website: http://lgi.osi.hu/cimg/0/0/7/5/9/Krakow_call.pdf
E-mail: office@obsfin.ch


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University of Ljubljana - First International Symposium on the Development of Public Administration in Southeast Europe, June 14 - 15, 2007, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Application deadline: March 15, 2007


In the last fifty years administrative systems in the countries of Southeast Europe were developed under specific conditions and circumstances. Since World War II until the early 90's of the last century the systems were developed under the conditions of communist single-party regimes. The relationships between the state and public administration in these regimes were conditioned by the absence of democratic principles, openness, lack of responsibility, etc. In a few decades special administrative systems were developed in the region of Southeast Europe which in many aspects differed from the administrative systems of Western European countries. The times of transition, radical political and economic reforms, even tragic wars, which followed in the major part of ex-Yugoslavia, creation of the new states, marked the specific development of administrative science in the region. Although many countries in the! region still strive towards the EU membership, administrative systems in most of them are too slow in building their capacities for servicing modern societies and countries. During the 90’s of last century the scientific and professional cooperation, the exchange of experience and good practices among institutions and individuals in the region, was almost brought to a standstill due to the above mentioned factors. At present the cooperation between the countries in the region is much scarcer than expected in spite of the rich administrative, historical, cultural and ethnic relationships from the past.

The central goal of the Symposium is to reinitiate and speed up the network building and to strengthen scientific and professional cooperation in the area of public administration development in the Southeast Europe. In this way we would like to actively contribute to faster development of administrative discipline, science and in particular administrative capacity in the region. We are convinced that the Symposium can also contribute to faster implementation of the main EU goals to integrate the region in its structures.

Our aim is to attract academics and researchers from universities and scientific institutions as well as practice experts from national and international institutions concerned with the development in the field. Programme committee will give the highest priority to the papers and presentations which will focus on an in-depth insight into specific problems, situations and solutions characteristic for the region.

The Symposium will try to cover three thematically closely related areas:
· Theoretical and systemic development of public administration
· Education and in-service training for public administration staff
· Current R&D projects and programs of cooperation in the region.

More information
Website: www.fu.uni-lj.si/SSPA2007


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CEU Political Science Journal. The Graduate Student Review, Vol. 2, No. 2, April 2007
Application deadline: March 15, 2007


The CEU Political Science Journal is an online and printed periodical that emerged in the academic community of Central European University, Budapest. Its main goal is to promote research of young scholars from Central and Eastern Europe, but valuable contributions from all over the world are welcomed.

The Journal accepts now submissions for its second issue of volume two (2007). The theme of this issue is ‘Nationalism and International Relations after the Collapse of Communism’. Given the increasing interdependence generated both by globalization and the EU integration, nationalism and its political manifestations does not have only national implications but also cross-national and international. The events that followed the extreme-right parties parliamentary success in Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands is only an example of the implications that go beyond nation borders of nationalism.

This theme is broadly conceived so that a variety of approaches and subjects fit in. Papers may approach the new challenges for the EU 27, recent developments in the international system, or national and international organizations facing nationalism. Contributions on the largely unexplored relationship between ultra-nationalism/right-wing extremism and international relations are particularly welcome.

The Journal contains a special ‘Work in Progress’ section presenting research still to be finished and PhD research proposals. A section on book reviews introduces relevant books in political science and related fields.

More information
Website: www.personal.ceu.hu/PolSciJournal
E-mail: ceu_polsci@yahoo.com


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The World Bank and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway - Essay Competition
Application deadline: March 15, 2007


Today is your world! You are making a difference. Tell us how corruption affects your daily life as youth and what you can do to overcome it. Participate now and have your voice heard! The World Bank and its partners invite you to participate in the International Essay Competition 2007 to share your experience and ideas on fighting corruption.

Answer both topic questions:
1) How does corruption affect your life?
2) What can you do to fight the corruption that you face?

If you have been personally involved in concrete initiatives, write specifically about your experience: How did you recognize corruption? Who have you worked with? Who have you helped? What have you accomplished? In what way would you consider this work to be innovative? How have you measured the results of your work? How would you improve your impact? How can other youth replicate your experience?
If you don’t have practical experience, write specifically about your ideas:
How would you work to fight the corruption that you face?

Who can participate
Are you:
• A young person between 18 and 25 years of age (born in the years 1982 – 1989) from any country of the world?
• Interested in global issues?
• Attending school or working?

If you answer ‘YES' to all of the questions, then you can participate in the Essay Competition!! The competition is open to students and non-students alike, able to submit their essay in either English, French or Spanish.

Length and format
How long should your essay be?
Your essay may not be longer than 10 pages (4000 words maximum), 1.5 line-spaced.
You are also required to provide an abstract of no more than one page. An abstract is a short summary in which you explain the aim, the methodology, the reasoning and the main conclusions of your paper.
The abstract will be used by the jury to make a pre-selection.

You may submit your paper and abstract in English, French or Spanish.

More information
Website: http://www.essaycompetition.org/


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PRO POLIS Review, Year 2, No. 2
Application deadline: March 25, 2007


Edited and published by Pro Polis Student Association, The Faculty of Political and Communication Sciences, University of Oradea.

The Pro Polis Review, now to its second number, is a periodic academic publication which aims to promote valuable works of undergraduate, MA and PhD students in the fields of Political Science, International Relations, European Studies, Communication, Public Administration and related fields. Having as a main goal the promotion of young researchers, the review proposes a bilingual structure - Romanian and English.

The second issue of the review is general, with no specific topic, thus encouraging contributions from a wide variety of research fields. At the same time, in order to attract diverse contributions, the review proposes three categories: academic papers, essays and reviews. The requirements are differentiated below for each type: academic papers, essays, book reviews.

More information
E-mail: revpolis@yahoo.com


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Journal of Civil Society, 18th volume 'Trade Unions'
Application deadline: March 30, 2007


We accept papers covering the subjects ‘trade unions and non-governmental organizations, trade unions and civil rights, trade unions and economy, history of trade unions, trade unions and politics, trade unions and syndicates, trade unions and syndicates, trade unions and welfare state etc.’. We expect papers that conform to the Writing Format of the journal in length of 3000-4000 words.

The Journal of Civil Society is a quarterly published, peer reviewed and indexed by well known international citation indexes such as Sociological Abstracts, Sociological Information and World Wide Political Science Index. Our main purpose is to convey the cultural and scientific knowledge on the philosophy of civil society, NGO management, culture and related topics to interested people all around the World and Turkey and establish and maintain a link between them. The journal is published issue based. Articles and research papers providing new techniques, ideas and solutions based on practical
methods are preferred.

More information
Website: www.siviltoplum.com.tr
E-mail: editor@siviltoplum.com.tr


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International Summer School Seggau ‘European Culture(s) - The Challenge of Diversity and Unity’, June 30 - July 14, Austria
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


For two weeks, internationally renowned experts will be at the students disposal in order to disseminate specialised knowledge and stimulate discussions in workshops, lectures and seminars. In this international environment, students will be trained to understand and discuss dimensions of Europe beyond the European Union.

The academic background of the project will be dealt with in sex seminar modules:
(1) Uniform Law and the Protection of the Diversity of Legal Cultures in Europe
(2) Towards a Common European History
(3) Entrepreneurship and Economy - Models and Concepts in European History and Presence
(4) Cultural Science: Modernization, Culture and Identity
(5) Intercultural Competence
(6) Media Shaping and Reflecting European Cultures
Moreover, talks, lectures and excursion to Graz as well as a cultural programme will be offered.

There are places available for eighty students from all over Europe. Students from the Eastern and South Eastern European region are especially invited to apply.

The International Summer School Seggau is funded through grants given by sponsors and donators from all over Europe. For that reason it is possible to reduce the tuition fee for students to the amount of EUR 300 (reduced fee EUR 150). This tuition fee includes the Summer School programme, meals, housing and a printed report. Travel arrangements have to be made and paid for individually.

Accreditation: As the Summer School is based on the ECTS system, the recognition as a regular part of participants' studies at their home universities should be facilitated. In order to obtain a certificate, students must actively participate in one seminar module and all lectures (recommendation: 2 ECTS). It is also possible for students to write a scholarly seminar paper (recommendation: 4 ECTS). This paper will be evaluated by the academic coordinators to ensure an appropriate level.

More information
Website: http://international.uni-graz.at/seggausummerschool


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Balkan Human Rights Network - Human Rights School for Future Decision Makers, May 27 – June 10, 2007, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Application deadline: March 31, 2007


Topics: Introduction to Human Rights, Terrorism and Security, Humanitarian Law and Crimes Against Humanity, Rights of Vulnerable Groups, EU and Human Rights, Information and Communication, Science and Technology, European Court of Human Rights, Individual Rights, Religious Freedoms and Rights.

Application Requirements:
- Successful postgraduate or final year students of law, international relations, political sciences, economics, or young parliamentarians, government officials and officials of political parties, as well as young persons involved in the work of NGOs and media are encouraged to submit their applications.
- Eligible candidates must be coming from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
- The number of participants is limited to 30 (4 participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina).
- The age limit of candidates is 30 years.
- Since the language of the School is English, applicants should demonstrate a strong command of English and be able to follow lectures and participate actively in discussions.
- The Balkan Human Rights Network will ensure equal gender and geographic distribution of participants.

Costs:
The Balkan Human Rights Network will cover costs of transportation up to 50 EUR, as well as meals and housing.

More information
Website: www.balkan-rights.net
E-mail: secretariat@balkan-rights.net


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Global Entrepreneurship Conference, May 25 – 27, 2007, Belgrade, Serbia
Application deadline: April 10, 2007 (for abstracts)


This event will offer you the opportunity to: expand your knowledge of entrepreneurship, share your concrete business ideas with fellow participants and benefit from their feedback while making important international contacts, publicize your research, stay up-to-date in this explosive field, learn how to reconcile the commitment to social mission with financial returns, advertise current favourable entrepreneurial conditions, advertise your company and attract new customers, make new international contacts and learn about new lucrative markets and opportunities and attract new investments and network with some of the most entrepreneurial minds from around the world, creating a global network of entrepreneurial and innovative leaders for life.

GEC 2007 is an intensive three-day program consists of three components: panel sessions dedicated to global and regional entrepreneurial opportunities, presentations of submitted papers and mediated open discussions. In your papers and presentations, we encourage you to incorporate your own entrepreneurial experiences as much as possible. We especially welcome papers/ presentations in which you share your own concrete business ideas, whether or not they have been tested out yet. Discussions will generally take place at the end of the day and will allow participants to provide feedback on the day's presentations. In addition, daily discussions will cover key entrepreneurial concepts, both from the theoretical and the practical perspectives. These include but are not limited to: the business plan, financing, assembling the team, entrepreneurial marketing, starting form scratch, intrapreneurship, social entrepreneurship, regional and global entrepreneurial trends and opportunit! ies, etc.

We welcome participants of all ages, but especially students and young professionals, who have most to gain from our programs in terms of human capital development and professional counseling and support. We encourage our participants to implement their newly acquired skills in practice and to share their knowledge with their colleagues and community members, thus acting as agents of positive change. The purpose behind the Conference is to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and develop the entrepreneurial mindset; thus, we welcome a range of participants—from those with limited or no experience in the field to accomplished entrepreneurs and leaders: Students, Scholars, NGO, government Agencies’ and corporate representatives, aspiring and accomplished leaders

Registration fee:
Delegate: 220 EUR, Students Fee: 120 EUR (by March 1, 2007). A non refundable 100 EUR deposit is required to secure your spot in the Conference and is due two weeks after you have been officially invited to join the Conference. This amount will be credited toward the Conference fee. Registration fee covers: admission to all the sessions, presentations of submitted papers, discussions, all lunches and coffee breaks during the Conference, a networking dinner, closing cocktail, conference materials and certificate issued by Tomorrow People Organization. This price does not include airfare and accommodation. Accommodation will be provided on request and is to be paid separately. Due to our non for profit nature and very limited funds, we are not able to provide financial support that would cover Conference fee, accommodation or travel expenses to any of our participants. However, we encourage participants to search for funding from outside organizations and we can provide a lett! er of support for them.

If interested in presenting a paper/ research at the Conference, you can submit your abstract along with the application form by April 10, 2007. Full papers are due April 20, 2007 in electronic version.

More information
Website: http://www.tomorrowpeople.org/GEC/conference.htm
E-mail: vmladjenovic@tomorrowpeople.org (Vladimir Mladjenovic, Executive Director)
ijovanovic@tomorrowpeople.org (Ivana Jovanovic, Operations Director)


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Visegrad Summer School, July 8 – 21, 2007
Application deadline: April 30, 2007


The aim of the Visegrad Summer School is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and to create an alternative learning environment for young people from Central and Eastern Europe. The program is an opportunity for the participants to get acquainted with and discuss current social and security, economic, political and cultural issues. It is also an opportunity to learn about each other and start an international co-operation between the peoples and the countries.

A group of 50 students, graduates, PhD researchers, young journalists and teachers from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova and other Central and East European countries deepen their knowledge and exchange ideas about the constantly changing political, social and economic situation on the continent, form international friendships and meet outstanding European experts.

The programme of the sixth edition of the Visegrad Summer School includes debates on: experiences that result from ‘being European’, democratic transition of East European countries, problems of global security, regional partnerships and areas of cooperation. The historical and cultural context of Central Europe serves as a starting point for discussions on economics, politics, social issues as well as mass media, art and culture.

Intellectuals, scientists, politicians, representatives of business and non-governmental organisations, journalists and artists conduct seminars and workshops, hold lectures and lead debates. Students are encouraged to present their country's culture, heritage and traditions which helps to increase the knowledge of other participants about different countries. They organize themselves into working groups in order to develop their own projects aimed at furthering collaboration between them and their countries. Study visits and social events enrich the program with unforgettable experiences and ensure memorable moments for the students. All the activities are designed to enhance an atmosphere of integration, dialogue and co-operation between participants from different European countries.

The Visegrad Summer School is one of the most respected forms of education and co-operation for young people in Central and Eastern Europe. As former editions have shown, independent and innovative projects developed by students during the program prove the Visegrad Summer School to be a successful forum creating new platform of co-operation and enhanced dialogue between students, young researchers and NGOs from V4+ countries.

Costs:
The organizers provide: all lectures, workshops and materials, accommodation and board, special events and local transportation in Krakow. Participants cover: travel costs to and from Krakow, their own insurance and registration fee of 30 EURO. Students from other EU countries and the USA are eligible to apply providing they cover the costs of their stay.

Enrolment:
We are looking for active, open-minded and creative people. The working language of the School is English so good communication skills in English are essential.
Each candidate should provide a:
* letter of motivation explaining how he/she would benefit from the School
* completed application form
* detailed CV
* testimonial or references.

More information:
E-mail: summerschool@villa.org.pl
dominika@villa.org.pl (Dominika Kasprowicz, project coordinator)


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Anthropology of East Europe Review on Roma and Gadje
Application deadline: May 15, 2007


We are seeking papers that consider the ways Romani individuals and communities negotiate, resist and reproduce the places Roma occupy in the social and political contexts of non-Romani spheres, as well as sociological analyses of the lifeworlds and counterpublics of Roma.

As a liberal order consolidates throughout the Eastern European region, Roma everywhere are taken up either as (to borrow a term from Saidiya Hartman) the ‘imaginative surface’ of the woes of postsocialism or as a romanticized remnant of a bygone past. Roma seem to exist in the shadow of culture - timeless, errant and enchantingly Other - while the social worlds they inhabit are circumscribed by their intensifying economic and spatial marginalization and the continued pathologization of their behavior as inadaptable and often criminal. The historical roots of such stereotyping run deep and resonate powerfully
in our particular moment: the Zigeuner/Tigani/Cikán/Cigany Other continues to function within discussions of transnational European identities, even as these discourses claim a complete break with the ethnonational identities of the past. Gadje, in turn, are rarely, if ever, explicitly implicated in the public figurations of difference through which Romani and Gadje identities are mutually constituted and that set the terms of much of the scholarly and activist engagement with Romani lives.

We seek contributions that situate their analysis within this specular constitution of otherness in specific historical, political and social milieux. How are individual Roma and Gadje interpolated by the dynamic and shifting boundaries that inform the dialectics of identity? What are the micro-physics of the negotiations along this border, and how do they sustain the production of difference? How are the ambiguities and indeterminacies encountered along these borders stabilized and made commensurate in acts of recognition (or rejection) of otherness? And how does the figuration of Zigeuner/Tigani/Cikán/Cigany difference symbolically secure the emergent political orders in the eastward progression of ‘Europeanization?’

Contributions might address visual culture, the entanglements of power and visibility, and the spectacularization of Zigeuner/Tigani/ Cikán/ Cigany difference, or the processes of subjectivization, the implications of the pervasiveness of the Zigeuner/Tigani/Cikán/Cigany Other for the Romani self, its embodiments, its practices of self-knowledge and self-care, or the poetics and aesthetics of Romani resistance and dissimulation and attendant issues of performativity. Interdisciplinary contributions reflecting sustained ethnographic or archival engagement with Romani communities in Eastern Europe are
particularly welcome. Yasar Abu Ghosh, Krista Hegburg, and Shannon Woodcock, the guest editors, would especially like to encourage activists, scholars from the region, and junior scholars, including post-fieldwork graduate students, to contribute to this volume.

Papers should not exceed 10,000 words and must be submitted by May 15 for consideration for fall publication. A limited number of contributions may be translated; please contact the editors in advance of submission for further information.

More information
Website: http://www.columbia.edu/~kmh55/cfp.html
E-mail: kmh55@columbia.edu (Krista Hegburg)


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‘Evaluating Intervention: Local perspectives on democracy-building in the Post-Yugoslav countries and territories’, An Open Essay Competition
Application deadline: May 17, 2007


With funding from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Muabet project at the Watson Institute for International Studies is organizing an open essay competition to highlight the value of locally-grounded perspectives on international democracy-building efforts in the former Yugoslavia. We invite students, scholars, professionals, activists and practitioners in the region to submit essays which analyze the social, cultural, political or economic dimensions of international involvement in transition. We are particularly interested in essays which communicate the experience of working with or within international organizations, either in the non-governmental or the governmental sector, and which build on that empirical base to offer analytical perspectives on progress made over recent years. The best essays will be published in English.

The current situation in the Western Balkans poses a simple question: does foreign democracy assistance work? Many international evaluations deem this assistance as successful, based on indicators such as increased civic participation, reduced incidence of inter-ethnic violence, socio-economic progress, and increased capacity in civil society. Yet others argue that these projects are failing, citing the decline of reformist parties and the return to prominence of nationalists in Serbia; widespread rioting in Kosovo in March 2004, lingering dissension over Macedonia’s constitutional changes after 2001, and discussions of a new ‘European Raj’ in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This contrast highlights the contested definition of democratization, as well as the difficulties in evaluating outcomes of external democracy assistance efforts.

In policy and scholarly circles, then, the verdict is unclear, and the debate more notable for partisan polemics than careful analysis. Between the rhetorical extremes which see in the Balkans either triumphant success or abject failure, and which draw sweeping policy prescriptions from these conclusions, the on-the-ground realities—as witnessed and experienced, in particular, by citizens of the states and territories whose futures are under discussion—are often ignored or marginalized. The essay competition, with the theme ‘Evaluating Intervention: Local perspectives on democracy-building in the Post-Yugoslav countries and territories’, aims to address this issue.

Essays should be 6,000 to 7,000 words in length, and can be submitted in English, or any of the languages of the region. We encourage submission in electronic format, but will also accept hard copies. We will accept co-authored essays. As part of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund focus on ‘pivotal places’, we primarily welcome papers addressing issues around democratic transition in Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.

As noted above, we are especially interested in papers that are grounded in experience of the interaction between individuals and organizations involved in democratic transition. Among the potential questions that papers might address, which we think are important in understanding the impacts, intended and unintended, of international democracy assistance are the following:
· How does the presence of international organizations affect civil society? For example, do the employment opportunities offered by IOs increase individuals’ skill-sets, with long-term benefits for the society, or do they weaken local Non Governmental Organizations, by hiring away their staff?
· How much do international organizations know about the specific cultural contexts in which they are working? How do they acquire such knowledge, and what factors inhibit their learning?
· How do local understandings of democracy differ from those envisioned by international donors and staffers? How do those local understandings shape the ultimate impact of democracy assistance programs?
· How do the internal organization and policies of International Organizations influence professional relationships between international and local staff? In particular, do the internal practices of IOs encourage or discourage collaborative professional relationships among international and local staff?
· When local staff of an IO or local counterpart offer critical feedback on designing, implementing, and evaluating democracy promotion projects, are international staff receptive in listening and incorporating those ideas? Under what conditions and in what phases of the democracy promotion process do international staff seem the most receptive to local input?
These are only suggestions, and we also welcome broader analyses of international engagement in the region.

All essays submitted will be read and adjudged by an international panel of readers who have long experience either on the topic, the region or both. On the basis of their evaluation, the best 10 essays submitted will be published in English in either a special issue of a journal or an edited volume. Successful authors will also receive financial and technical assistance for revision, translation and editing and, if funds allow, will be invited to an international workshop to present and discuss their work.

More information
Website: http://watsoninstitute.org/muabet/2006/contest.html


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EMS Expert Search is looking for new experts


EMS Expert Search specializes in recruitment for the international donor funded field. We help international organisations, consultancy firms and NGO's recruit for projects world wide in a wide range of sectors. We recruit both local and international candidates.

The fields that we are most involved in include: Rural Development and Food Security, Environment, Culture, Governance and Home Affairs, Health, Education, Employment and Social, Support to Industry/Commerce/Services, Macro economy, Public Finances and Regulatory Aspects, Humanitarian Aid, Crisis Management & Post-Crisis assistance, Monitoring and Evaluation.

We have worked directly or indirectly for: EuropeAid, AusAID, DFID, DGIS, WorldBank, EBRD, ADB, AfDB, UNDP and others.

More information
Website: www.europeansolutions.nl
E-mail: employment@europeansolutions.nl
info@europeansolutions.nl


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European Documentary Portal - Stories about documentary films in production


The European Documentary Portal would be interested to publish stories about documentary films in production on various South Eastern European social, political and human rights issues. If you hear of any such films in production, or if your organisation is planning documentaries related to these subjects, please get in touch - we can help you publicise the final product.

Also, we are building a page to connect academics/ NGOs/ and international organisations with documentary filmmakers - so if you are looking for a freelance filmmaker to work with you, please let us know (www.documentaryportal.com/collaboration).

More information
Website: www.documentaryportal.com
E-mail: szilagyi@pobox.com (Zsofia Szilagyi, Editor)


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Albanian Journal of Politics (AJP), Volume II 2006


The Albanian Journal of Politics (AJP) is a peer reviewed academic publication of the Albanian Political Science Association (ALPSA). The purpose of the Journal is to provide a publication venue and an academic forum for the study of Albanian politics and society. The editors are continuously looking for new submissions and book reviews.

More information
Website http://ajp.alpsa.org


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http://www.britishcouncil.org/serbia-society-politics-media.htm Politics & Media


The project aim is to address growing mistrust between politicians, media and citizens and to examine the influence of political spin vs. political reporting on citizens' perceptions of politics in nine participating countries (UK, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan).

Join Politics & Media Blog
Politics & Media blog http://www.politics-media.blogspot.com has been designed to stimulate debate about the role that media and politicians can play in strengthening democratic dialogue. All visitors can post their comments and share their views with the rest of the Politics & Media online community which includes experts from UK and other participating countries. Working language is English.

Who can participate?
We invite all people who are interested in contributing to the discussion about Politics and Media to visit the blog. We will encourage lively and informative discussion. Please have in mind that submitted comments will be moderated before the publishing, and we reserve the right not to publish comments which are not contributing to the topic of the discussion.


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http://www.minorityrights.org/TrainingManuals/TrainingManual.asp?ID=39 Europe


Minority Rights Group - Minority Rights Advocacy in the European Union: A Guide for NGOs in South-East


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http://www.migpolgroup.com/


Migration Policy Group e-news highlights activities, resources and events that contribute to policy development on migration and anti-discrimination.


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http://www.stabilitypact.org/wt1/BHCscholarships.asp


Stability Pact Launches Comprehensive Database on Postgraduate Scholarships for SEE

One of the most comprehensive databases on scholarships and grant opportunities for students in South Eastern Europe was launched by the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe as part of its priority work in the area of Building and Fostering Human Capital.

The database offers information for graduate students from South Eastern Europe on available scholarships and grants in the European Union Member States and beyond. While the database was compiled by the Stability Pact, the aim of this project is to transfer it into an established regionally-owned, constantly updated information service as soon as possible.

This pilot project is part of a wider effort of the Stability Pact's core objective of Fostering and Building Human Capital one of the principal aims being the enhancement of brain circulation between South Eastern Europe and the European Union.


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Euroregional Center for Democracy

Semenic Nr. 10
300035, Timisoara
Romania

Tel: + 4 0256 221 471
Fax: + 4 0256 436 633


http://www.regionalnet.org


Editor:
Camelia Cocioba

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