Call for Participants- Balkan Regional Meeting

CDN is more than happy to announce the upcoming Balkan Regional Meeting

During the past few years, we have seen an unprecedented surge of environmental and urban protests, followed by the establishment and surprising success of Green political parties in the Balkans. 

Balkan Regional Meeting (BRM) will tackle the Rise of Green parties in the Balkans and is organised for CDN’s member organisations and other young Green activists from the Balkan region. The regional meeting will be hosted by our MO Youth Movement Revolt and take place in Bosnia and HerzegovinaMay 20-22, when the arrival date is 19th and the departure date is 23rd for the participants.

With the meeting, we aim to discuss the emergence of Green political parties in the Balkans, the grounds and roots on which they were founded, policy priorities and structures, the importance of youth involvement and the role of civil society, as well as will focus on the skills and tools needed to participate in politics and increase influence. 

The programme will be based on the principles of non-formal education and intercultural learning. We strive for an active, inclusive environment for direct communication and sharing of knowledge. The sessions will be balanced between theoretical inputs, work in small groups, workshops, discussions, panels, training and other interactive methods of non-formal learning.

Who should apply? We are looking for 25 young people not older than 30 (by the time of applying, IRPs §8.1) from the Balkans interested and/or part of the Green political project, who would like to contribute to the discussions and share experiences from their local context, and are willing to reproduce and use the gained knowledge on the local level.

Practicalities:

Language: The main language of this activity will be English. But not being comfortable with interacting in English should not prevent you from applying. CDN strives to create an inclusive atmosphere at the events, where participants are encouraged to express themselves and ask for clarifications or translations from peers that speak the same language.

Costs: The cost of travel, PCR tests, lodging (accommodation in multi-bed rooms, vegetarian/vegan food and refreshments) and working materials during the event will be fully covered by CDN.

Take into consideration to choose the most economic and environmentally friendly means of travel (lowest price + travel time + CO2 emissions) and in case the trip would take less than 15 hours only travelling by land (train+bus) is allowed (IRPs §9.1).

Deadline: May 1st, 23:59.   DEADLINE EXTENDED

You will be informed by e-mail approximately 1 week after the deadline. Please add office@cdnee.org to your contacts, so that you do not receive our reply in the spam folder.

In case of having any questions, do not hesitate to write us on office@cdnee.org

Call for Local Actions: Mobilising Youth for Participation

Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe is happy to announce the third step of the annual work plan “We are the future, but we are here NOW!”. The call for local actions is an opportunity for the youth organisations or a group of young people that participated in the previous stage of the project to submit the applications consisting of the Local Action Plans and Budget.

The 3rd part of the project, “Mobilising Youth for Participation” aims to give space to youth to reclaim fight for democracy by raising awareness about importance of civic education and youth participation. Local actions will contribute to the objectives of:

  • Engaging young people in shaping democratic decision making processes in their local communities with direct participation of youth in them and promotion of youth inclusion.
  • Creating a network of activists and organisations for future collaboration and transfer of knowledge.
  • Raising visibility of young people and mobilising them for a common cause of ensuring a better future for all youth by giving voice and agency to them.

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General Assembly 2022 – Report

Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe held its 13th General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia/Hybrid 12-13th of March 2022. The GA was planned to happen in live in Tbilisi, Georgia and practice democracy in physical space once again after long COVID-19 years. However, this was not possible anymore due to the Russian invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine. Taking into account instability in the whole region and consequent risks the Executive Committee had decided to move the event to an online/hybrid format.

The General Assembly once again, decided on the direction the Network should take over the next year by adopting the Activity and Financial Plan, electing the new EC and adding amendments to Internal Rules of Procedure, Political Platform and Strategy Statement 2022-24, Safe Space Policy as well as adopted four resolutions.

Apart from the statutory part, we organised a discussion regarding the current situation in Ukraine and listened to the presentation by Yevheniia Zasiadko, former Executive Committee Member of CDN from Ukraine, about dependence on fossil fuels from Russia and the importance of sanctions and embargo, as well as how can we support. Based on the input and discussion the resolution was developed by the Executive Committee, amendments made by the delegates and finally adopted by the General Assembly.

The newly elected Executive Committee consists of Selma Levrence (Protest); Edna Sadikovic (Revolt); Onur Elmas (Young Greens of Turkey); Kateryna Andrieieva (Belarus Young Greens); Lusine Kosakyan (Frontline Youth Network) and Pablo Luīze Pastore (Protest).

Moreover, we are happy to welcome Youth Forum URA as the newest Member Organisation as was approved by the General Assembly.

We want to say a big thank you to all delegates, candidates and guests who contributed to another amazing GA which we leave with big plans and EC motivated to pursue. We should also should express our gratitude to Young Greens of Georgia for fruitful cooperation and support in organising the GA as well as an understanding for the last-minute cancellation.

Here are the documents amendment and/or adopted by the General Assembly:

Statutory:

Internal Rules and Procedures

Political Platform

• Strategy Document 2022-2024

• Activity:

Plan

Report

• Financial

  Plan

  Report

Safe Space Policy

Minutes of the 2021 General Assembly

Resolutions: 

ReClaim The Rainbow

The Future of Work

• Cities for All

Geopolitics of Eastern Europe: In Solidarity with Ukraine and Against Russian Aggression

You can can find the Minutes of the 2022 General Assembly to be adopted by the next GA blow:

Balkan Regional Meeting 2022 – Call for PT

During the past few years, we have seen an unprecedented surge of environmental and urban protests, followed by the establishment and surprising success of Green political parties in the Balkans.

Balkan Regional Meeting (BRM) will tackle the Rise of Green parties in the Balkans and is organised for CDN’s member organisations based in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other Green activists from the Balkan region. The regional meeting will be hosted by our MO Youth Movement Revolt and take place in Bosnia and HerzegovinaMay 20-22, when the arrival date for the PT  is 17th and Departure 24.

With the meeting, we aim to discuss the emergence of Green political parties in the Balkans, the grounds and roots on which they were founded, policy priorities and structures, the importance of youth involvement and the role of civil society, as well as will focus on the skills and tools needed to participate in politics and increase influence. 

In order to achieve these objectives, we are looking for motivated members of our Balkan MOs to join the Preparatory Team (PT) and help us prepare for the upcoming event! Hereby, we would like to offer you the opportunity to apply for the PT. Prep-team members should speak English, be available during the preparation period, be responsible for fulfilling their tasks, have good organizational and digital skills, be good team players and committed to the aims of the project and CDN’s values and be familiar with non-formal education methods. Background knowledge on the political landscape, involvement with the mentioned Green parties, peculiarities of the Balkans and previous experience with CDN activities is a benefit but is not necessary.

 

Main responsibilities of the prep-team:

  1. Active participation in the regular online meetings prior to the event (2-3 hour meetings every two weeks);
  2. Preparation of participants for the event and providing them with all the necessary information regarding the program;
  3. Preparation and facilitation of the programme of the event; designing and preparing sessions based on non-formal education methodology, invitation and communication with speakers, experts, trainers and partners in accordance with the project aims;
  4. Taking care of the general well-being of the participants;
  5. Full participation during the entire event and prep team meeting before and after the event in May (18-19, arrival on 17th, )
  6. Supporting the finalisation of the outputs;
  7. Helping with the reporting of the event.

 

Being a prep-team member at the CDN event would offer you:

  • Working in a lively environment;
  • Experience in managing events – preparation, implementation and reporting;
  • Getting familiar with Green values and CDN work;
  • Getting to know local activists and their work, as well as connecting with other MOs in the Balkan region;
  • A possibility to develop your facilitation and group work skills;
  • A lot of work and a lot of fun!

 

Practicalities: 

Accommodation, food, working space and travel costs for the PT will be fully covered. For the selection of travel means the condition is to combine the most economic and environmentally friendly way (lowest price + travel time + CO2 emissions). 

In case you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us: office@cdnee.org.

Deadline: Sunday, March 27th, 23:59.

CDN General Assembly 2022 Online

CDN General Assembly 2022 was planned to happen live next weekend in Tbilisi, Georgia and practice democracy in physical space once again after long COVID-19 years.

 

However, this is not possible anymore due to the Russian invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine. Taking into account instability in the whole region and consequent risks the Executive Committee has decided to move the General Assembly & accompanying events in an online/hybrid format.

 

This means the following:
– Feminists in Environmental Movement Training (7th March, for selected local reporters only) – fully online;
– Working Groups Meeting (8-9th March, for WG members only) – fully online;
– Conference on the Future of Eastern Europe (10-11th March) – postponed;
– General Assembly (12-13th March) – hybrid.

 

HYBRID meaning: Only current EC, Secretariat, Presidency and EC Candidates will travel as planned, however, they will be joining us in Belgrade, Serbia. No delegates/observers/representatives/guests will be present live.

 

Once again, we want to express our solidarity with the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom, democracy and life. Our heart goes to our colleagues, activists and Young Greens who have been at the forefront of fighting for social justice, human rights, climate and environmental protection. Now they are under permanent threat and are facing the Russian military.

 

Therefore, besides the regular decision-making about the current and the future of our network, we will also be discussing and reflecting on the ongoing situation, showing support, sharing our perspectives and building solidarity even in an online format.

 

All the relevant calls and forms you can find available on CDN General Assembly 2022 page as well as the CDN GA website.

 

Hoping for peace and to see you soon online!

 

CDN EC & Secretariat

Call for the Additional Prep Team members of the Work Plan “We are the future, but we are here NOW!”

Cooperation and Development Network (CDN) is announcing an open call for members of preparatory team (prep-team) for the second international activity of the Work Plan “We are the future, but we are here NOW!”  which will take place on 8-12th of June 2022 in Riga, Latvia. More information on the project you can find here. Please, read this information carefully before applying.

If you are young person from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,  Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo*,  Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Turkey or Ukraine and you are interested in the topic of the event, you are more than welcome to apply to volunteer as a member of this preparatory team. Prep-team members should speak English, be available during the preparation periods, be responsible about fulfilling their tasks, have good organisational skills, be good team players and committed to the aims of the project and CDN’s values and be familiar with non-formal education methods. See the preliminary agenda of event to get acquainted with the amount of sessions that will be developed.

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Open call for Participants: International Activity “Why to participate”

Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe is announcing a call for Participants for the international activity “Why to participate”.

The meeting will take place between 11-16th April in Skopje, North Macedonia (10th and 17th are travel dates to and from Skopje).

The project is the first phase of our annual work plan “We are the future, but we are here NOW!” and is going to focus on the providing participants with knowledge of the importance of youth participation.

This activity aims to:

  1. Discover the history and function of nation-states in order to understand the current state of affairs in the Eastern Europe;
  2. Provide a space for participants to understand how their countries function;
  3. Understanding the big diversity of roles of, and connections between each citizen in a democracy;
  4. Discussing diverse ways of affecting the policy-making in the Eastern Europe, by exploring worldwide practices.
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Call for Amendments to CDN Documents

CDN is opening a call for amendments to the statutory and general documents of CDN for the upcoming General Assembly.

To work on the documents, read and make amendments, table resolutions, etc. we will be using our GA website.


All technical instructions are given on our GA website but you can also access them HERE.

Who can submit amendments and resolutions:

According to our IRPs amendments and resolutions can be tabled by: Member and Partner Organisations, as well as Working Groups.

Deadline

According to our IRPs, the amendments can be submitted until the voting on that
certain motion, however, it is highly advised not to use this as a deadline and submit them as early as possible.

We would kindly ask you to table resolutions and amendments by Monday, February 28, 23:59, so that other delegates can timely discuss them with their organisations and EC can adjust the draft agenda accordingly.

Call for Executive Committee Candidates 2022

Dear Young Greens from Eastern Europe,

 

CDN is looking for Executive Committee Candidates for the mandate 2022-23. This is your chance to contribute to the growing Green movement in Eastern Europe.

The presentation of candidates and election of the new Executive Committee will take place at the CDN General Assembly that will take place 12-13th March 2022 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The Executive Committee tasks:

  • Work on the implementation of CDN’s Activity Plan, approved by the General Assembly (including project writing, coordination, implementation and reporting);
  • Maintaining close and continuous communication with CDN Member and Partner
    Organisations and Network Partners;
  • Actively following and supporting the smooth work-flow of the Working Groups;
  • Representing and promoting CDN during its and partners’ activities as well as in the digital
    space;
  • Answering challenges and making decisions throughout the year, between GAs, based on the CDN Strategy and CDN’s best interest;
  • Actively participating in the regular (biweekly) EC meetings (that usually last around 2h).
  • Keeping track of the well-being of CDN’s Office.


The candidate for the Executive Committee should:

  • Be motivated to advance the Green movement in Eastern Europe;
  • Be dedicated to the goals of CDN, subscribe its political platform and the Green Ideas;
  • Be comfortable working in an international environment and have good communication and organisational skills;
  • Be willing and available for active online engagement throughout the 1 year mandate;
  • Be prepared for frequent travelling (if Covid-restrictions allow), participating in the live EC meetings, CDN activities and likely several other occasions;
  • Be regularly available on the e-mail for the ongoing discussions, work and decision making, together with regular online conferences;
  • Have a good command of English (written and spoken);
  • Have the interest to follow political developments in Eastern Europe and react to them with available tools such as producing statements, organising and supporting campaigns, assisting member and partner organisations, communicating with other Green stakeholders, etc.


More details about the responsibilities of CDN EC members and the election procedure can be found in the CDN Statutes and Internal Rules of Procedures. If elected, candidates are asked to stay for the transfer meeting with the current EC and the first EC meeting. Departure day for EC Candidates is the 17th of March. CDN will cover the costs of accommodation for all Candidates, no matter if they are elected or not.


The candidate should submit:

  • Filled Application form (access here);
  • Candidate’s CV;
  • Photo (Optional);
  • Introduction to your candidacy;
  • Official letter of support from a Candidate’s organisation or any CDN Member or Partner organisation*


*Only CDN Member and Partner organisations can nominate a candidate for the Executive Committee.

 

Applications can be submitted HERE.


All technical instructions are given on our GA website but you can also access them HERE.


DEADLINE
for submitting candidacies is February 25, 23:59 CET. However, the earlier you apply the more chance delegates will have to see your candidacy on cdn.discuss.green.

NOTE: In addition to the candidacy related documents, each Executive Committee candidate needs to fill in the REGISTRATION FORM for GA attendees as well.

In case of any questions do not hesitate to write to office@cdnee.org.

Call for new Member/Partner/Observer Organisations

Dear young Greens and activists,

We would like to announce a call for the new Member, Partner and Observer Organisations which are going to be decided upon by the upcoming General Assembly in Georgia from 12-13th of March 2022.

According to CDN Statutes, an organisation of young people with Green values, based in a country that hadn’t been a member of the European Union prior to the 1st January 2007 can apply to be a Member Organisation of CDN. Organisations not fitting in the prior criteria can apply as Partner or Observer Organisations (see CDN Statutes and IRPs for more information on the profile of MOs, POs and OOs).

More information about CDN, our principles, our documents, work in the past and our plans can be found on the CDN website. Linked you can find CDN Statutes, Internal Rules and Procedures and Political Platform.

In order to apply, the organisation must submit:

  • Filled in the Application form (access here)
  • Logo of the organisation in JPG/PNG format
  • Statutes of the organisation in English
  • Copy of legal act of registration of the organisation (if applicable)


Also, if there are any other relevant documents (political platform, manifesto, statements, resolutions) in English that your organisation works accordingly to, it should be submitted as well.

Applications can be submitted HERE.

All technical instructions are given on our GA website but you can also access them HERE.

DEADLINE for applying is February 25, 23:59 CET. However, we recommend you to apply earlier as delegates will have more time to see your application.

Each candidate organisation’s application will be reviewed by EC and a recommendation for the delegates will be written and presented during the GA.

Each Candidate Organisation will be given a chance to present their candidacy at the General Assembly. If the Candidate Organisation doesn’t have a representative at the GA, another way for the presentation of the candidacy will be ensured.

Unfortunately, CDN will not be able to cover the costs of the Candidate Organisation’s representatives at the GA. CDN can book the accommodation and meals for representative(s) for the price of 35 EUR per day per person. For this arrangement, please get in touch with office.assistant@cdnee.org latest by the 25th of February.

Regardless of the date the applications are submitted, each Candidate Organisation’s representative needs to fill in this FORM in order to register for attending the GA in person.

In case of any questions don’t hesitate to write to office@cdnee.org