11th 15th February 2010 [FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] Contents Foreword P.3 Contact P.4 What is the EYP? P.5 General Information P. 5 Languages P.6 Communication P.6 Co- operation P.6 Compromising P.6 Making Friends P.6 History P.7 Sessions P.7 Teambuilding P.8 Committee work P.8 Other events P.8 General assembly P.9 This Session P.9 General Information P.9 Theme of the Session P.9 The Interregional Concept P.10 The 2WAYS-Science Parliament P.11 Participants 12 Delegates 12 Chairpersons 12 Press Team 12 Organisers 12 Programme 13 Panthersie für Europa 14 The Session Logo 15 Inspiration 15 Our Partners 15 2 Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. www.graz2010.at
[FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] 11th 15th February 2010 Foreword EYP conferences are firstly and foremost characterized by an overall broad- mindedness. This is something over 20.000 European youths prove capable of on an annual basis, and that is why we are absolutely convinced you too will achieve it here. Upon arrival, delegates will be split into eight committees, being this way put together with others from several delegations. These will be their team mates for the whole session, the ones with whom they will go through Teambuilding, Committee Work and General Assembly. as many before them, we are certain that by the end of the session they too will not only have worked in close cooperation but also established long- lasting friendships. Also, one has to be aware that EYP Sessions are different from other fora; not only in an educational, but also in a social way, as the delegates are not taught by an authority, but guided by friends. This session is our personal concern, because this is the first ever Interregional Youth Forum in the history of EYP. Our innovative concept aims to encourage intercultural dialogue between a variety of regions in Europe and thus to strengthen the cooperation not only between different countries, but also between several regions on a multilateral base. Secondly, this is the first Science Forum, which in the framework of the 2Ways Project aims to awaken young people s interest in new life science. For this reason we are seriously excited about the outcome of this project and hope that there will be more of this kind to follow. Jasmin Wachter, Head Organizer Georg Krenn, Sponsoring HO Raphael Bek, Local HO www.graz2010.at Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. 3
11th 15th February 2010 [FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] Contact Jasmin Wachter, Head Organiser j.wachter@graz2010.at +43 660 1212682 Raphael Bek, Local Head Organizer r.bek@graz2010.at +43 664 5921458 Georg Krenn, Sponsoring Head Organizer g.krenn@graz2010.at +43 664 4454757 4 Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. www.graz2010.at
[FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] 11th 15th February 2010 A cooperation of the European Youth Parliament Austria and the Karl- Franzens- University Graz What ist the EYP? General Information The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a non- governmental organization consisting of national committees and a central office (which is situated in Berlin, Germany). The EYP has ever since 1987 organized conferences for young people from all over Europe and brought together tens of thousands of pupils and students from all corners of Europe. The EYP sees its major goals in promoting democracy, education, language skills and a European idea in Europe s youth and tries to achieve this goal by means of international conferences, regional fora or national events. What makes the EYP so unique is its general approach: rather than teaching the young people, EYP gives them as much freedom as they need to work at an EYP session. The students get to know rather than learn. They discover and find out. EYP is based on several principals: understanding, respecting other people and their opinions, co- operating, compromising and (maybe most important): making new friends. The students get to know rather than learn. They discover and find out. www.graz2010.at Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. 5
11th 15th February 2010 [FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] The students learn how to communicate in foreign languages (and face it, language education in schools cannot rival the experience of truly having to talk to somebody from another country), and they find out, that there is more to English and French (and all the other languages in the world) that they learn at home. Students learn to understand different languages and their accents and are thus better prepared to communicate in a different language, since they only hear standard English or standard French (or Italian, Russian, etc.) in schools. After ten days of communicating in English with Greeks, Finns, Belarusians and Scots, students know, that most people in Europe speak English, but than almost none of them speak as their language tapes in school do. Students at EYP sessions come from all over Europe. And only at the sessions do they discover, that sometimes opinions, which are widespread in their home countries and which seem obvious to them, are not as spread and obvious in other countries. And this is what makes EYP interesting. The students learn, that in order to work together, they have to step aside at some points and learn how to compromise, whether it is when dealing with nuclear power, debating whale- hunting over- fishing with their fellow delegates. To co-operate means to be able to work with people. EYP promotes the ability in young people to become part of a group aiming at the same goal. Students learn how to put their differences aside for the benefit of others, of all and of the group and the project they are working on (whether it is writing a resolution, finishing a newspaper or preparing for a presentation). Probably the most important part of EYP is making friends, making new friends from all over Europe. After EYP, the map of Europe (or sometimes even the world) is not only a geographical object. It is an address book of new friends made in a foreign city. Communication means more than languages. To communicate properly means to learn how to listen, to take on an argument, to present statements and to debate. Students at an EYP session learn, that interrupting people makes work harder, and that the best way to finish a job is to stick to a strict debating culture, which is not based upon raising hands and authority, but upon shared values, equality and co- operation. 6 Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. www.graz2010.at
[FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] 11th 15th February 2010 History Sessions Over the years, the selection process in EYP countries has changed, and more and more countries organize selection conferences to select their representatives to EYP sessions. Whereas in the first years of EYP, teachers played the central role in national committees, nowadays students (former delegates) are leading many national committees. In its 23 years of existence the EYP has proven its three main ingredients to be the guarantee of its success. Most of the time at a session is spent in committees where students with similar interests but from different countries are gathered. The first days are dedicated to teambuilding activities, the next to committee work and the last to General Assembly. www.graz2010.at Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. 7
11th 15th February 2010 [FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] Teambuilding Of the three main components teambuilding is always the first to take place. With delegates coming from different countries and cultural backgrounds and meeting for the first time, these activities aim at breaking the natural barriers that may exist, bringing them closer building a team. On the first days of an EYP session between five and twenty students from all over Europe get together and form a committee. These people who originate from totally different cultural backgrounds have usually never met before. As they will have to work together very closely during the week, special importance is laid on teambuilding. Under the auspices of international chairpersons, tensions are reduced, problem- solving and communication skills are trained and the basis is laid for a deep trust in the other members of the committee. Committee Work Committee Work is the centerpiece of the European Youth Parliament. In groups, the topics will be discussed and a resolution written. To guide along and moderate this, the delegates can count on a chairperson an experienced EYP alumnus who ensures that everybody s thoughts are heard and that the resolution reflects the common ideas of the group. Decisions are unanimous and compromise often takes place. As an extra at our session, experts will give delegates an input about their topic in a briefing. Other Events Apart from the official parts, two events take place, which might not seem essential at first, but which are very important: EuroVillage and Delegation Presentations EuroVillage is a presentation of every country participating in a session. Each delegation presents its country with information material and - what s more - drinks, food and song. During the Delegation Presentation each delegation presents themselves in a sketch, dance, computer presentation or any other entertaining way you can imagine. 8 Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. www.graz2010.at
[FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] 11th 15th February 2010 General Assembly After spending most of their time gathered in committees, the delegates will now be reunited in a plenary session during what we call general assembly the committees will each present their motion for a resolution. These will be attacked, defended and debated and in the end voted on. Passing resolutions are then submitted to the European Commission, to national governments and other competent authorities. The General Assembly unites all the participants of a session, usually in the national or regional parliament buildings. The committees present their motions for resolutions, which then are debated on. The delegates get acquainted with parliamentary procedures and can practice their debating skills. Although certain resolutions have been discussed by the European Parliament, the goal of EYP is not so much political influence as an educational experience for the individual participant. This Session General Information The First Interregional Youth Forum in Graz will host over sixty international delegates and approximately forty officials from all corners of Europe. This five day event is the unique opportunity for European students to get in touch with their peers from many different countries and share their opinions, debate on current topics in a welcoming environment. Theme of the Session The theme of the forum will be science and society and five of the topics will be related to it. This choice aims at raising awareness to not only the many technological breakthroughs of today, but also the problems that accompany them. It is almost common- place to say that our generation currently faces many new challenges, and it s only obvious that those will continue to increase both in number and complexity within the near future. www.graz2010.at Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. 9
11th 15th February 2010 [FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] The Interregional Concept This first time project is a forum, where the delegates not only represent their home- countries but especially reflect a certain region within it. This forum focuses on international relations on a narrower, though not less important base. We aim to make young individuals aware of their own customs and traditions within their home country and to spread awareness of the many different cultures within the boundaries of Europe. Not only do we intend to awaken young people s interest in different nations, we want to depict that each country has an utter variety of faces and each facet of it gives a different image. This new attempt of a session creates the prerequisites for a better interaction between local authorities of different nations to enable a new form of working together and to create a platform on which representatives of regions with similar economical, ecological or any other factor can share their experience and establish a network on a new level: the inter- regional level. What is the difference between an International Youth Forum and Interregional Youth Forum? The inter- regional youth forum focuses rather on regional identity than national culture. Therefore there will be some important differences concerning EuroVillage and Delegation Presentations at our session. Delegation/Region Presentations A country has many different facets, but we want to see the what your region can offer. Introduce us to YOUR cultures, traditions and daily life. Euro-Village In EuroVillage one usually brings national dishes. We want you, our delegates to concentrate more on regional specialties. So if there is a special Christmas cake or other traditional plate within your region: bring them! Or if there is a certain food process where you live, for example cheese making, then cheese up the session! 10 Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. www.graz2010.at
[FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] 11th 15th February 2010 A cooperation of the European Youth Parliament Austria and the Karl- Franzens- University Graz The 2WAYS- Science Parliament The project "2WAYS - Communicating Life This Science Research" is about developing furthermost target is to awaken a general science dialogue interest in new life science in a non- through presentations of new life science scientific audience. It is part of the Forum and Science Parliaments. 2WAYS is funded on Science and Society organized by the EYP by the European Commission and is and the Karl- Franzens- University Graz. The coordinated by the European Science Event Association (EUSCEA). results of this parliament will form the basis communication and Parliament s for a "2WAYS- Final Session" held in Brussels in December 2010. 2WAYS- Science 30 members of the EUSCEA have formed pairs to work on one specific project each. For example, the project "Live and let die - Why do cells die during the ageing process?" is the 2WAYS contribution of the Karl- Franzens- University Graz (Offenes Labor Graz, JuniorUni and the scientific group of Prof. Frank Madeo) and its German partner, the Eberhard- Karls- University of Tübingen and will be part of the 2WAYS- Science Parliament Graz 2010. www.graz2010.at Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. UNI Graz 11
11th 15th February 2010 [FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] Participants Delegates As mentioned before, the session will gather over sixty delegates. Half of them are coming from Austria (half of those from Graz), the other half will come from many European countries. All delegates are either high school or university students. Despite these obvious differences, they all have two things in common: European citizenship and a passion for the scientific and social, but also the environmental, political and economic state of Europe. Organisers Without the organizers, there would, of course, be no session- they are the ones who have been making preparations for months, to ensure that the five days of the session go as smoothly as possible for all the participants. The team of organizers is lead by two Head Organizers. Chairpersons The chairpersons play a very important role in the session. They are there to guide the delegates, one chairperson leading each of the Committees, through Teambuilding and Committee Work to the General Assembly. Being experienced EYPers, they are in a good position to emphasize with the delegates, helping them along but not being too obtrusive - for example, they do not contribute their own ideas to Committee. Work, but rather encourage and motivate the delegates to come up with and develop their own ideas. The team of chairpersons is in turn chaired by the board consisting of a President and two Vice- Presidents. The Press Team The press team will consist of two editors, eight journalists (one per committee) and one audiovisual unit. The team will publish a session newspaper and several session videos, thus ensuring the participants memories to forever be preserved. 12 Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. www.graz2010.at
[FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] 11th 15th February 2010 Programme Wednesday, 10 th February 2010 until 17:00 Arrival Officials 18:00 19:00 Teambuilding Officials 19:00-20:30 Officials Laboratory work and briefings 20:30 22:00 Officials Dinner Thursday, 11 th February 2010 8:00 9:00 Breakfast 9:00 12:00 Teambuilding Officials & Arrival Delegates 12:30 13:30 Lunch 13:30 18:00 Teambuilding 18:30 19:30 EuroVillage Preparation, EuroVillage 19:30 21:00 Delegation Presentations 21:00-22:00 Euroconcert Friday, 12 th February 2010 8:00 9:00 Breakfast 9:30 12:00 Teambuilding 12:00 13:00 Lunch 13:30 15:30 Opening Ceremony 16:00 18:00 Committee Work & Briefings 18:00 19:00 Dinner 19:30 21:00 Laboratory work/graz tour Saturday, 13 th February 2010 8:00 9:00 Breakfast 9:30 12:00 Committee Work 12:00 13:00 Lunch 13:30 15:00 Committee Work 15:00 15:30 Coffee Break 15:30 17:00 Committee Work 18:00-19:00 Dinner 19:30 21:00 Laboratory work/graz tour Sunday, 14 th February 2010 8:00 9:00 Breakfast 9:30 12:00 Committee Work 12:00 13:00 Lunch 13:00 14:15 Resolution Phrasing 14:30 18:00 Graz Time 18:00 21:00 Committee Dinner 21:30 24:00 Theme Party Monday, 15 th February 2010 7:00 8:00 Breakfast 8:00 9:00 Transfer to GA Venue 9:00 12:00 General Assembly 12:00 13:00 Lunch 13:00 14:30 General Assembly, 14:30 16:30 General Assembly 17:00 18:00 Closing Ceremony 18:00 Departure www.graz2010.at Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. 13
11th 15th February 2010 [FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] Panthersie für Europa Panthersie für Europa is a specific two- year initiative funded by the Styrian youth department (www.jugendreferat.at). Its aim is to make a sustainable contribution to turn Europe into an active and visible experience for young people within Styria and beyond. The next general event that will provide a thorough overview of what has happened within Panthersie für Europa so far and how YOU can get involved, will take place on Thursday, the 4th of March from 3 until 6 pm in Graz (Großer Saal der Landesbuchhaltung, Burggasse).c The two main pillars of Panthersie für Europa are: Cash and Coaching for your ideas! Young people with vibrant and innovative ideas around the topic Youth and Europe can turn to the team of Panthersie für Europa and receive ongoing support with turning their ideas into reality. During the year 2009 fifteen projects were implemented in Styria under the umbrella of Panthersie für Europa. Many of them were also financed by the EU programme Youth in action. For this running year applications are still very welcome! Activities and networking events Alongside the above mentioned youth projects, the project team itself is busy with implementing activities all around Styria in order to raise awareness for developing perspectives beyond regional or national boarders. These activities are for example: The FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ is a perfect example of how young people can turn their ideas to life! We are happy to support the project and wish all of you an unforgettable time in Styria! www.panthersie- fuer- europa.at Contact Mag.a (FH) Christina Unterberger +43 650 7819373 tina@panthersie- fuer- europa.at More information about how to get funding and support: www.panthersie- fuer- europa.at >> Cash & Coaching More information about which projects have already taken place: www.panthersie- fuer- europa.at >> Jugendprojekte More information about our activities: www.panthersie- fuer- europa.at >> Aktivitäten workshops, competitions, regional events or permanent breakfasts. 14 Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. www.graz2010.at
[FIRST INTERREGIONAL YOUTH FORUM IN GRAZ] 11th 15th February 2010 A cooperation of the European Youth Parliament Austria and the Karl- Franzens- University Graz The Session Logo Inspiration Obviously the Logo was inspired by the famous Kunsthaus - House of Arts in English - in Graz. The Friendly Alien is not only part of the vivid cultural life in Graz but surely looks quite interesting and its amoeba- like shape reminds us of science and of some EYP game. This Event is supported by As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John Fitzgerald Kennedy www.graz2010.at Fehler! Kein Text mit angegebener Formatvorlage im Dokument. 15