WYMD Newsletter - July 2007

1) One Degree Asia (Singapore) July 4 - July 8, 2007
One Degree Asia (ODA) is a leadership festival in Asia that challenges and connects young leaders from diverse fields to be the region’s social changemakers. ODA is where the continent’s young changemakers begin and enrich the dialogue to co-create history. ODA envisions a collaborative community of Asia’s young citizens who are exposed, equipped and empowered as actors on a global stage while deeply connected to the local expressions of our globalised world. The intensive five-day festival is the culmination and starting point of many initiatives across Asia weaving themselves together through the personal relationships forged by like-minded young leaders. ODA is an interactively designed process to facilitate learning and exchange between Asian young people.
Visit the website

2) American-European Summer Academy (Austria) July 16 - August 4, 2007
26 participants will be chosen from North America, the European Union and candidate countries. These are generally graduate students, but applications are also considered from students in their second and third year university studies and young professionals. A wide variety of experts including academics, social scientists and practitioners from Europe and North America will teach in this program. Classes of the first week will deal with the situation in Europe, Canada und the United States, focusing on foreign policy issues. During the second week, lecturers will discuss transatlantic security and economic issues such as for example NATO and commercial relations between North America and Europe. The third week is dedicated to contemporary challenges of transatlantic relations. The entire summer school program is based in the Schloss Hofen education centre which will be home to students for the duration of the program. A limited number of grants is available for students originating from Central and Eastern European countries.
For further details visit the website

3) 14th International Youth Leadership Conference (Czech Republic) July 22 - July 27, 2007
The 14th International Youth Leadership Conference is a week-long youth forum on world politics, international relations and international law. The most recent conferences welcomed 150 students from an average of 50 different countries worldwide, with a strong emphasis on cross-cultural, international youth empowerment, and an open-minded exchange of different perspectives on global issues. Participants play active roles in simulations of important world organizations: UN Security Council Crisis Meeting; International Criminal Court Trial; Model European Parliament Proceeding. The theme of the conference: "A cross-cultural exchange of ideas concerning the future of world leadership." Other conference activities include visits to foreign embassies, Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senate, group debates, banquet dinners, and free time to explore the beautiful streets of Prague.
- here

4) People and Places (Nigeria) July 25, 2007
The Open Forum will focus on: youth restiveness in the Niger-delta. Young people can help heal the country's wounds. The recent happenings in Bayelsaa state in regards to the security of lives and property has been linked to brutality and violence in the state. In one voice, we say no to violence and say yes to peaceful co-existence. The issues to discuss are: eradication of violence in the Niger-delta; creating a peaceful democratic environment to foster peace, progress and unity in the Niger-delta; diplomatic dialogue: to end bloodshed in the Niger-delta. In order to portray the fact that the people of the Niger-delta need to hide their differences, shun violence, militancy and look forward to how they can harness resources by living in unity and harmony. Goals the organizer hopes to achieve by holding this Open Forum for youth in the community: to provide quality and sound information on the reasons why we should all be anti-violent; to create awareness in order to solve the problem of hostage taking in the Niger-delta; to empower the youths for positive change making.
Visit TakingITGlobal for more details

5) Reach Out! Speak Up! Ignite Change Now: Global Youth Assembly 2007 (Canada) July 30 - August 4, 2007
The Assembly will explore global issues facing the world today, and educate participants on becoming effective agents of change in their local and global communities. This is also an exciting opportunity for youth from all over the world to come together and discover their potential as leaders who can make a difference!
Visit TakingITGlobal

6) Awakening Global Action Gathering (Bali) July 31 - August 7, 2007
Are you ready to make a difference in the world? Join us for an experience of a lifetime. Individuals of all ages (18-80+) are invited to participate in an extraordinary gathering designed to offer cutting-edge leadership training, deep listening, shared experiences and collaborative cross-cultural learning that promises to shape the future of participants as committed global citizens. This all-new seven day program provides personal dialogue with world leaders and global change agents. Participants will receive individualized leadership and facilitation training, practicum experiences in remote areas of Bali, specialized small group pods focused on particular social issues and much more. At the end of the time together, participants leave with a toolbox of new insights, growth and clarity in moving ahead with personal initiatives that matter, along with a global network of ongoing team support.
Visit the website

7) International Conference on Youth and Democracy in South Asia (India) August 12 - August 15, 2007
The role of young people is immense and vitally important in any democracy. As India celebrates sixty years of independence on 15th August, the Center for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) in association with like-minded organizations will launch a 3-day international conference on "Youth & Democracy in South Asia". The objective of this program is to bring together, young people, youth activists and academics from different walks of life and deliberate on concerns and issues of democracy in the context of young people. Today there is an urgent need for young people to participate in the processes of development in all South Asian Countries. Although there are youth initiatives everywhere, it is important to bring young people together on a common platform to share their views and ideas about democracy as future leaders. The expected outcome is increased involvement of youth in decision-making roles in the democracies they represent. In a fully functioning democracy youth should become participants and a participant youth should understand the meaning of citizenship, polices and governance and have the acquired skills to voice their concerns and ability to make the system accountable. The Conference will aim to discuss that youth can and must participate not only in issues that concern them but also in the formulation of policies that affect them. Youth from South Asian countries as well as a few Asia Pacific regions will be invited to participate in the conference planned from 12 - 14 August 2007 in Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract submission: Every participant is expected to present a paper on any of a number of topics. Abstract of the same has to be submitted on or before April 30th 2007. The confirmed participants list will be announced on 5th May 2007.
- here

8) International Council on National Youth Policy (ICNYP) International Symposium (India) October 29 - November 2, 2007
'Youth Participation and Empowerment - Getting beyond the Rhetoric and Slogans' Central to the building of strong, healthy and inclusive communities and nations is the active participation of young men and women. So often this participation is adult defined, lead and structured. In reality, it is quite tokenistic in terms of the scope and level of youth responsibility and leadership. ICNYP recognises that across the globe there are many exciting examples of where young people are designing and leading initiatives which are making a difference in terms of community and national life. This International Symposium seeks to bring together such young people with youth policy and program makers to share experiences, ideas and aspirations and to identify what motivates and sustains successful youth designed and lead actions. This Symposium is limited to 125 participants. It seeks a balance of 75% youth activists (15 - 30 years old) and 25% youth policy and program makers (all ages). The focus of the Symposium is listening to the experiences and ideas of young people who 'stepped up' and have made a significant impact on their societies through their actions. The critical outcome of the Symposium is a clear understanding of the type of policy and practice environment that supports and sustains young men and women to design, implement and monitor initiatives that make a real difference at both the community and nation building levels.
More details on the symposium, and the application form: - here

July 2007 Newsletter
WYMD Updates 1) VOICE YOUR IDEAS - World Youth Movement for Democracy Essay Contest international winners announced DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS from the World Movement for Democracy (WMD) 1) Kyrgyzstan: Members of Kyrgyz Human Rights Group Prosecuted HIGHLIGHTED ARTICLES, NEWS AND REPORTS FROM PARTICIPANTS 1) Article: Youth participation - an essential component of a real democracy? (Romania) 2) Report: NAYMOTE - training for peer educators (Liberia) 3) Report: MAAPSI seminar - the role of youth to prevent corruption (Bangladesh) HIGHLIGHTED NEWS FROM INTERNATIONAL PRESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS 1) Iraq: Kurdistan Security Forces Torture Detainees 2) East Timor: Vote count begins in East Timor after 'peaceful' election campaign 3) Thailand: Thai elections could be delayed to 2008: coup chief HIGHLIGHTED FORTHCOMING EVENTS 1) One Degree Asia (Singapore) July 4 - July 8, 2007 2) American-European Summer Academy (Austria) July 16 - August 4, 2007 3) 14th International Youth Leadership Conference (Czech Republic) July 22 - July 27, 2007 4) People and Places (Nigeria) July 25, 2007 5) Reach Out! Speak Up! Ignite Change Now: Global Youth Assembly 2007 (Canada) July 30 - August 4, 2007 6) Awakening Global Action Gathering (Bali) July 31 - August 7, 2007 7) International Conference on Youth and Democracy in South Asia (India) August 12 - August 15 8) International Council on National Youth Policy (ICNYP) International Symposium (India) October 29 - November 2, 2007 OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRANTS, FUNDING AND PARTICIPATION 1) A Grand Idea (United Kingdom) 2) Shoot Nations Photography Competition (International) 3) Human rights research internship (India) 4) Development Gateway Foundation Photo Contest (International)
WYMD Updates
1) VOICE YOUR IDEAS - World Youth Movement for Democracy International Essay Contest The international winners and runners up of the World Youth Movement for Democracy (WYMD)' s International Essay Contest have been chosen! The essay contest has been a great opportunity for young people to share their perspectives on democracy. Young activists, students, and citizens from around the world submitted essays reflecting on their experiences with the ideals, the realities, and the future of democracy in their communities and countries. You can now view all finalist essays and share in these experiences. Visit the website to find out who won, and read the essays. - here more about the contest
Democracy Alerts/Appeals (from the World Movement for Democracy)
1) Kyrgyzstan: Members of Kyrgyz Human Rights Group Prosecuted On June 15, 2007, the trial of Valentina Gritzenko, Abdumalik Sharipov, and Makhamadzhan Abdujaparoc, members of the human rights organization, "Justice" (Spravedlivost), will resume in Jalalabat, Kyrgyzstan. The human rights activists were accused of libel and insult, acts that are considered criminal under Kyrgyz law. In January 2006, a pregnant woman, Nargiz Turdyeva, contacted the human rights organization for help after being subjected to cruel treatment by a local police investigator. During a routine investigation about a local theft, Ms. Turdyeva was humiliated, insulted, and beaten. "Justice" tried to have the torture allegations investigated, and published the information it had about the case in its bulletin. However, its appeals to examine the police investigator's actions were dismissed. Instead, the investigator initiated a criminal case against Valentina Gritzenko, Abdumalik Sharipov, and Makhamadzhan Abdujaparoc in March 2006. The trial was originally held on June 20, 2006, but was suspended after two days due to the illness of Ms. Turdyeva. The Youth Human Rights Group in Kyrgyzstan is asking that letters of concern be faxed to the officials indicated below. Letters should request that the defendants receive a fair trial, and that the justice system not be misused to punish human rights defenders for carrying out their important work of reporting on torture. For information on who to send letters to, visit: WMD website
Highlighted Contributions from Youth and Democracy Groups
News on projects, issues and experiences; articles and reports; news of events and information on groups and organizations, from people working on youth activism and democracy issues. Please remember, we do not monitor groups, and do not wish to censor material. We hope the information here is truthful, but we also hope that participants reading this information will try to gather as much information as they can about these groups and current affairs. 1) Article: Youth participation - an essential component of a real democracy? (Romania) (Luciana Grosu) "The question is not if, actually, youth participation is essential for a real democracy. The question is whether there is true youth participation and whether youth actions have a real impact upon the decision-makers". This short article discusses the question of how much impact youth actions really have upon decision-making, focussing on YouthWeek, a recent European youth event organized by the European Commission in Brussels. Luciana Grosu considers the possibilities for decisions and ideas made by young people to result in real change brought about by governments and political bodies. She considers problems with government agenda and scope, as well as media influence. Read the full article - here 2) Report: NAYMOTE - training for peer educators (Liberia) The National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections-Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE-PADD) has intensified its public outreach campaigns. Between June 21 and 23, 2007, NAYMOTE-PADD conducted a series of community outreach activities focussing on educating citizens on their constitutional rights, roles and responsibilities, democratic values, and functions of government. Staff and local volunteers took the campaign to school campuses, entertainment centers, market places and streets distributing flyers and posters. The group also conducted a one-day capacity building training workshop at local schools, covering topics such as "Citizens Role and Responsibilities: A Quest for Responsible Citizenship" and "Strategies for Effective Community and School Outreach". More details - here 3) Report: MAAPSI seminar - the role of youth to prevent corruption (Bangladesh) On the 27 June, 2007 Motivation, Awareness and Advocacy Programme on Social Issues (MAAPSI) held a seminar with the participation of young people in Narail district, Bangladesh, to explore the role of youth to prevent corruption. NABBANO - a local NGO was co partner to organize this seminar at its own Auditorium. Before conducting the seminar all participants agreed to adhere to principles of anti-corruption. Recommendations were made during the seminar: The youth group should have a platform to raise their voices against corruption. The youth group can disseminate anti-corruption messages to different levels. The youth group can form study circle to prevent corruption. Read the report - here Visit the MAAPSI website - here Check out WYMD's Resource Page for toolkits, guides, and more articles.
Highlighted News from the International Press and Human Rights Groups
1) Iraq: Kurdistan Security Forces Torture Detainees (Human Rights Watch ) July 3, 2007 Human Rights Watch urges the Kurdistan Regional Government to end torture and ill-treatment of detainees in the custody of the security services. According to the report "Caught in the Whirlwind: Torture and Denial of Due Process by the Kurdistan Security Forces," Kurdistan security forces are implicated in the widespread and systematic mistreatment and violations of due process rights of detainees at detention facilities. Human Rights Watch raised its concerns with leaders of the Kurdistan government, including President Mas'ud Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government, who created a government committee to carry out inspection visits to several detention facilities in early October 2006. According to Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director for Human Rights Watch, "Kurdistan security forces routinely subject detainees to torture and other mistreatment". The Kurdish authorities have taken serious steps to improve conditions at detention facilities, however, "they must do more to end the practice of torture". The two main parties in the region are the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Both have their own security forces operating outside the control of the regional government, which maintain their own detention facilities, and have held hundreds of detainees, particularly those arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses. During interviews with Human Rights Watch, detainees gave reports of beatings, being kept in stress positions for prolonged periods and of being kept blindfolded and handcuffed for days at a time. It was also found that hundreds of detainees are being held in legal limbo without basic due-process rights, including the right to challenge their detention. Read more Read the Human Rights Watch report 2) East Timor: Vote count begins in East Timor after 'peaceful' election campaign (The Independent) July 2, 2007 East Timor waits with baited breath for the results of the first parliamentary election to take place since independence from Indonesia in 2002. So far only a fraction of votes from Saturday's election have been counted, however a close contest between Fretilin, which has ruled East Timor since independence in 2002, and a new party set up by Xanana Gusmao, the former resistance fighter and president is expected. The elections are being seen as a test of how far East Timor has travelled along the path of nationhood since gaining independence. Both the polling day itself, as well as campaigning were relatively peaceful, with voting overseen by 500 foreign observers. Presidential elections in May saw Jose Ramos-Horta, the former prime minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate become head of the administration. Mr Gusmao, the former president, will have a more hands-on political role as prime minister if his party - the National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor - wins a majority of seats in parliament. The Freitlin leader, Mari Alkatiri, who was ousted as prime minister after a spate of gang violence in the capital, Dili, last year is the main rival. East Timor's half-million voters long not only for peace, but to see an end to the intense economic hardship that has become a way of life in Asia's poorest country. Nearly half of adults in the former Indonesian province are unemployed, and the average wage is less than a dollar a day. Read the report 3) Thailand: Thai elections could be delayed to 2008: coup chief (Reuters) July 1, 2007 It is feared Thailand's post-coup national election could be pushed back until early 2008 following reports by legal experts that a new constitution and other laws will not be finished as planned. Army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who ousted Thaksin Shinawatra's government in the non-violent coup last year, told reporters he would meet Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to discuss the possible postponing of the elections. Elections were originally set for the end of 2007. Experts believe there is a possibility that the charter being drawn up to replace the 1997 "People's Constitution" torn up in last September's military coup would be rejected in a plebiscite set for August 19. Thaksin, who is currently living in exile, and his disbanded Thai Rak Thai party are expected to campaign fiercely against the People's Constitution. Read the full report
Highlighted Forthcoming Events
1) One Degree Asia (Singapore) July 4 - July 8, 2007 One Degree Asia (ODA) is a leadership festival in Asia that challenges and connects young leaders from diverse fields to be the region’s social changemakers. ODA is where the continent’s young changemakers begin and enrich the dialogue to co-create history. ODA envisions a collaborative community of Asia’s young citizens who are exposed, equipped and empowered as actors on a global stage while deeply connected to the local expressions of our globalised world. The intensive five-day festival is the culmination and starting point of many initiatives across Asia weaving themselves together through the personal relationships forged by like-minded young leaders. ODA is an interactively designed process to facilitate learning and exchange between Asian young people. Visit the website 2) American-European Summer Academy (Austria) July 16 - August 4, 2007 26 participants will be chosen from North America, the European Union and candidate countries. These are generally graduate students, but applications are also considered from students in their second and third year university studies and young professionals. A wide variety of experts including academics, social scientists and practitioners from Europe and North America will teach in this program. Classes of the first week will deal with the situation in Europe, Canada und the United States, focusing on foreign policy issues. During the second week, lecturers will discuss transatlantic security and economic issues such as for example NATO and commercial relations between North America and Europe. The third week is dedicated to contemporary challenges of transatlantic relations. The entire summer school program is based in the Schloss Hofen education centre which will be home to students for the duration of the program. A limited number of grants is available for students originating from Central and Eastern European countries. For further details visit the website 3) 14th International Youth Leadership Conference (Czech Republic) July 22 - July 27, 2007 The 14th International Youth Leadership Conference is a week-long youth forum on world politics, international relations and international law. The most recent conferences welcomed 150 students from an average of 50 different countries worldwide, with a strong emphasis on cross-cultural, international youth empowerment, and an open-minded exchange of different perspectives on global issues. Participants play active roles in simulations of important world organizations: UN Security Council Crisis Meeting; International Criminal Court Trial; Model European Parliament Proceeding. The theme of the conference: "A cross-cultural exchange of ideas concerning the future of world leadership." Other conference activities include visits to foreign embassies, Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senate, group debates, banquet dinners, and free time to explore the beautiful streets of Prague. - here 4) People and Places (Nigeria) July 25, 2007 The Open Forum will focus on: youth restiveness in the Niger-delta. Young people can help heal the country's wounds. The recent happenings in Bayelsaa state in regards to the security of lives and property has been linked to brutality and violence in the state. In one voice, we say no to violence and say yes to peaceful co-existence. The issues to discuss are: eradication of violence in the Niger-delta; creating a peaceful democratic environment to foster peace, progress and unity in the Niger-delta; diplomatic dialogue: to end bloodshed in the Niger-delta. In order to portray the fact that the people of the Niger-delta need to hide their differences, shun violence, militancy and look forward to how they can harness resources by living in unity and harmony. Goals the organizer hopes to achieve by holding this Open Forum for youth in the community: to provide quality and sound information on the reasons why we should all be anti-violent; to create awareness in order to solve the problem of hostage taking in the Niger-delta; to empower the youths for positive change making. Visit TakingITGlobal for more details 5) Reach Out! Speak Up! Ignite Change Now: Global Youth Assembly 2007 (Canada) July 30 - August 4, 2007 The Assembly will explore global issues facing the world today, and educate participants on becoming effective agents of change in their local and global communities. This is also an exciting opportunity for youth from all over the world to come together and discover their potential as leaders who can make a difference! Visit TakingITGlobal 6) Awakening Global Action Gathering (Bali) July 31 - August 7, 2007 Are you ready to make a difference in the world? Join us for an experience of a lifetime. Individuals of all ages (18-80+) are invited to participate in an extraordinary gathering designed to offer cutting-edge leadership training, deep listening, shared experiences and collaborative cross-cultural learning that promises to shape the future of participants as committed global citizens. This all-new seven day program provides personal dialogue with world leaders and global change agents. Participants will receive individualized leadership and facilitation training, practicum experiences in remote areas of Bali, specialized small group pods focused on particular social issues and much more. At the end of the time together, participants leave with a toolbox of new insights, growth and clarity in moving ahead with personal initiatives that matter, along with a global network of ongoing team support. Visit the website 7) International Conference on Youth and Democracy in South Asia (India) August 12 - August 15, 2007 The role of young people is immense and vitally important in any democracy. As India celebrates sixty years of independence on 15th August, the Center for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) in association with like-minded organizations will launch a 3-day international conference on "Youth & Democracy in South Asia". The objective of this program is to bring together, young people, youth activists and academics from different walks of life and deliberate on concerns and issues of democracy in the context of young people. Today there is an urgent need for young people to participate in the processes of development in all South Asian Countries. Although there are youth initiatives everywhere, it is important to bring young people together on a common platform to share their views and ideas about democracy as future leaders. The expected outcome is increased involvement of youth in decision-making roles in the democracies they represent. In a fully functioning democracy youth should become participants and a participant youth should understand the meaning of citizenship, polices and governance and have the acquired skills to voice their concerns and ability to make the system accountable. The Conference will aim to discuss that youth can and must participate not only in issues that concern them but also in the formulation of policies that affect them. Youth from South Asian countries as well as a few Asia Pacific regions will be invited to participate in the conference planned from 12 - 14 August 2007 in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Abstract submission: Every participant is expected to present a paper on any of a number of topics. Abstract of the same has to be submitted on or before April 30th 2007. The confirmed participants list will be announced on 5th May 2007. - here 8) International Council on National Youth Policy (ICNYP) International Symposium (India) October 29 - November 2, 2007 'Youth Participation and Empowerment - Getting beyond the Rhetoric and Slogans' Central to the building of strong, healthy and inclusive communities and nations is the active participation of young men and women. So often this participation is adult defined, lead and structured. In reality, it is quite tokenistic in terms of the scope and level of youth responsibility and leadership. ICNYP recognises that across the globe there are many exciting examples of where young people are designing and leading initiatives which are making a difference in terms of community and national life. This International Symposium seeks to bring together such young people with youth policy and program makers to share experiences, ideas and aspirations and to identify what motivates and sustains successful youth designed and lead actions. This Symposium is limited to 125 participants. It seeks a balance of 75% youth activists (15 - 30 years old) and 25% youth policy and program makers (all ages). The focus of the Symposium is listening to the experiences and ideas of young people who 'stepped up' and have made a significant impact on their societies through their actions. The critical outcome of the Symposium is a clear understanding of the type of policy and practice environment that supports and sustains young men and women to design, implement and monitor initiatives that make a real difference at both the community and nation building levels. More details on the symposium, and the application form: - here
Opportunities for Grants, Funding and Participation
1) A Grand Idea (United Kingdom) Submit your grand idea (and your 5 easy steps to turn it into a reality) to win £1000, with no strings attached. Your idea can be about ANYTHING - the environment, business, social good or just for fun. Several high-profile musicians, authors, athletes and entrepreneurs have already signed up! (they're all found on the website) Grand Idea to Make Your Mark is a national competition aimed at encouraging young people to have ideas and make them happen. The competition is run by the Make Your Mark Campaign in partnership with MTV and Fopp. (Open to 16-25 year olds inclusive) 2) Shoot Nations Photography Competition (International) Use the power of photography to capture the world through your eyes. Join young people from all religions, cultures and countries and use photography to share your passions and frustrations with us and the rest of the world. Shoot Nations is a free global youth photography competition to get young people to document what matters to them, what's right and what's wrong in their world and how to make a difference. Take a look at the decisions that affect your life and express what you think about power and participation. There are fabulous prizes to be won and the results will be presented to the United Nations, the highest level of global government. Your photos and drawings could be exhibited in selected major cities around the world to celebrate International Youth Day on Sunday 12th August 2007. Shoot Nations is open to all young people - YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHER - prizes are awarded for photographs that capture something special and stand out from the rest... In 2006 thirty countries took part - join up today, tell your friends, let us make Shoot Nations 2007 the biggest youth photography project yet. 3) Human rights research internship (India) FFDA seeks an intern for the period of at least three to six months who will be given practical opportunities and training on documenting, researching and reporting violations of human rights in South Asia. The candidate should possess strong documenting, researching, writing and reporting skills and be able to work well both independently and in teams. This position is unpaid, and any interested person can mail their CVs describing why their suitability for the internship. As this is a cross-cultural centre, internship holders are requested to respect each other's culture, ideology and opinion. Our internships are voluntary (unpaid): interns must arrange their own funding for the costs associated with their internships (travel, accommodation, living expenses). It costs USD 250 per month. Position open until filled 4) Development Gateway Foundation Photo Contest (International) The Development Gateway Foundation photo competition is open to ALL photographers at least 18 years of age. We are looking for compelling photographs of socio-economic development in developing countries. Four types of photographs will be accepted. 1) The images may show information and communications technologies helping ordinary people. 2) The images may show people making something, selling wares, working in a field, constructing a building or type of infrastructure, or acquiring knowledge. 3) The images could be abstract images representing hope, the future, or capacity building. 4) The photographs may also include images of original artwork from a developing country. Please do not include photographs of groups of people posing. Each entry must include a written statement explaining how that image is representative of development. Images will be judged on technical excellence, composition, overall impact, and artistic merit. The top 10 photographs will be posted on the Development Gateway Foundation Web site. All visitors to the site will be able to vote once. The voting will begin at 12:01 a.m. on October 1 and end at 11:59 on October 8. The winner will be announced on October 9. Prize: $500.00. See the website for more details. Deadline for submitting entries is September 21, 2007
Your voice
Contribute to WYMD's Newsletter! We would love to hear more from WYMD members, and develop this newsletter as a forum for you to share stories, experiences, news of events etc. So please, if you have any stories to share, know of any events that might be of interest (international or national), or just want to share an experience of activism or participation, please send us an update so we can share this information with the other members! Please send any news, articles etc to wymd[at]youthlink.org or using our online feedback form