l a n o i g e R h t 9 3 p y E f o n o i s Ses a i b Ser
Why are we here? Can a butterfly flapping its wings cause a tornado at the other side of the world? Honestly, we don’t know the answer, but we know this for sure: small meetings can change your whole life… and you will never know, when. In December 2016, before Christmas, the National Selection Conference of EYP Greece took place in Thessaloniki. Lea and I met each other there at the CJO Training, having fun and lots of work throughout the session and even though we are completely different personalities, we got along quite well. Okay, “quite well” is not the correct description – we had a click from almost the first moment. The session went by very fast and eventually we reached the point to say goodbye. After getting to know each other so well, we jokingly agreed on meeting again for the next session we will edit together. And who would have guessed – many skype calls and nearly three month later here we are, sleep deprived but happy to have the opportunity to shape the session together as Editors.
But what would Editors be without their Media Team? Lost and sad I would say! We are especially proud of our fantastic Journalists, who put all their energy and dedication into their projects. With their unique ideas they created an unforgettable session atmosphere, including not only you, our Delegates, but all of the Officials as well! Since we have more Media Output than this issue can withstand, all of the projects will be published alongside the photos on the Session page of Regional Session on EYP Serbia. Keep updated, even if the session is coming to an end – the Lollipop Media isn’t completely finished yet!
Lea Bodor and Lukas Ischlstöger, Editors
Interview with misses president 1. Tell us a little bit about your first experience with EYP. Ever since I was in high school, I used to be involved within the conference world (yes even MUNs don’t hate) and at December 2012 I participated in my first EYP session in my hometown Thessaloniki, in Greece. I was amazed by the enthusiasm of the people involved who could play fun silly games during teambuilding and at the same time deliver inspiring speeches on current socioeconomic topics. EYP had won me over! 2. What really made you stay in the organisation? What made me stay and still keeps me in the organisation are the people involved! In no other community have I met such diverse, open minded and motivated individuals. EYPers are dreamers, idealists but still grounded enough to reality; they can dance all night and still be productive in the morning but mainly they accept everyone for who they truly are! Who wouldn't want to be part of such a community? 3. How would your life be different today if you weren’t in EYP? Through EYP I discovered new sides of myself, I became more receptive to the different perspectives of people and learned how to manage a team and understand new dynamics. If I wasn't part of this community, I wouldn't have met my closest friends, travelled all around Europe or have gained that many special experiences! I would have just been a different person. 4. What is your favorite memory from a session? One of my favorite EYP memories was during the International Session in Laax this October, where after our chairs’ training we took little paper lanterns and wrote down things we need to remind ourselves during the session. Then we lighted them up and we kept lighting them in our chairs meetings as small reminders to mind our own needs as well as individuals and as chairpersons that want to learn and grow. It was a very heart-warming moment in a cosy atmosphere!ou truly feel like it!
5. What is your least favorite? I don’t like moments when there is some element of competition involved in the sessions that affects the atmosphere and the behavior of the delegates. Even though some type of sessions have that element as an integral part of their procedure, like nationals and regionals, it is up to the officials’ teams to set the right mindset for the delegates and inspire them to overcome their competitive attitude and truly embrace the vision of this organisation. 6. How can our delegates stay in EYP and choose their path in the organisation? EYP offers a variety of positions to choose to apply for within the different sessions for all preferences and personalities of applicants. The creative souls can opt for the media team world, while the ones fascinated by the potential of group management and dynamics can continue with chairing. People with an innate sense of responsibility like to become organisers while those who truly fall in love with the organisation are active within their national committee’s board as well. And then there are even alumni weekends, trainings and different events that spread the word of our mission and further expand the palette of options. So if you really want to remain involved in EYP just devote some time to it, get passionate about it and simply just try it! 7. Is there someone in EYP who inspired you the most and helped you with becoming a part of the organisation? Do you have an EYP “mom” or “dad”? EYP is full of inspiring people devoted to the values of the organisation that help others find their place inside this community. Personally, I managed to find my closest friends in this wonderful community, people that I truly consider as my family. So I do have indeed an EYP “mom”, a “dad” , a “sister” etc that all hold a special position in my heart. I am also super lucky to share this session’s experience with my EYP “dad”, Nikos the Vice - President, who has always been very supportive and chose to follow me on this presidency journey and be by my side. 8. What are your goals in the future? When it comes to EYP, I usually refrain from planning my next moves or next sessions. I rather prefer surprising myself with a session that could offer a different kind of experience, a session that could challenge me and help me expand my learning horizons or a session that simply has too many good people to resist attending it! Participating in EYP is a dynamic process, with ever changing variables that is adapted to your personal needs and goals at any given moment and you should dive into it whenever you truly feel like it! Anja Andjusic
What does it take to make somebody smile? There are a plenty ways to be kind and they are all super easy. Tickling someone, telling a good joke, showing funny memes etc. But doing something as simple as finding a good trait of that person and telling it to them can have a much greater impact on their future as well, and also on the way they see themselves. It is fascinating how simple it is to brighten someone’s day. The ‘’Wall of kindness’’ is proving exactly that. A person thinking of someone, what they like about them and writing it. It took a minute of their time, a good laugh and a person that is going to be thankful for much longer. Seeing people thinking and being so happy about sharing kindness shows what kind of people join EYP and what it actually is. Bringing people closer by sharing positivity, by cheering up the others and growing while helping others grow.
Suki, sweet as a cookie Aleksa M is soo nice
Helen is the kindest Eli & Laza are the best! Lukas takes the most amazing photos eveer Although the idea behind the project indeed was to write kind things about people you just met and are all of a sudden spending so much time with, do not hesitate to spread the kindness among your friend, family and, simply, people you see everyday. You will see how their behavior changes and how your simple act of kindness (and truth) will put the largest smile on their face. Jovana Dmitrovic
The nature inside
Deciding to do The Nature Inside was quite a challenge for me, since I’ve never done anything like this before. The project required more or less advanced Photoshop skills, which I didn’t possess when I developed the idea of it. However, throughout the process I realised that it is always possible to find an alternative, another way round - as long as you have enough courage and motivation, you’ll always find a solution. Personally, what kept me going was the sincere smile and amazement people showed when they saw the work I had put so much effort into. There’s nothing more inspiring than knowing that I’ve put my whole heart into something which is appreciated by everyone. The idea of The Nature Inside was to show the inherent bond between nature and people, because being in harmony with nature brings peace of mind and contentment. Helen Hailenko
SELFIE EXCHANGE Vuk Vukovic
We challenged you to take selfies with people you may never have met otherwise. We hope that you had fun and broke the ice!
So you said... The aim of this article was to hear opinions about this session both from delegates and officials. Opinions and feelings are completely different among delegates and official because we see the session from different angles. Hope you will enjoy it !
Sergej, 18, Belgrade, AFCO “ I am very keen on politics and I believe that EYP was a starting point for my future because it gave me an insight in how does the EU work and deal with the current issues.”
Tamara, 17, Novi Sad, SEDE “This is my third session and it’s the best one so far. At previous sessions, I was nervous and not well-prepared, but here it’s all different. I just feel happy all the time!” Petar Milanovic, 18, LIBE “What the hell? All that weirdos are my friends now.”
Milan, 17, Belgrade, AFCO “I have never been in such a dynamic environment. It’s amazing! I am very ambitious and I hope that I will get a chance to experience all of the officials roles.” Unknown “Be the chair and not the table!”
Jovana, 18, Belgrade, ORGA “ All of our hard work starts making sense once the delegates arrive. It’s the perfect moment when we can see the whole point of our hard work. It’s not about how much sleep you lose, but what you gain instead.”
Media Team Member “I have never felt more like at home that on this session.” Aleksandra Lasic
Crossword a la Lollipop
1. What is the name of our session President? 2. How many chairpersons do we have? 3. What is the name of the Media Team? 4. What is the name of the park where the teambuilding took place? 5. How many Vice-presidents do we have on the session? 6. What is the name of the male Chairperson from EMPL? 7. What does the D in SEDE stand for? 8. What is one of the main colours of the European Youth Parliament? 9. What is everybody happy for during committee work? 10. What is the name of one of the Head Organisers? 11. What is the surname of the Editor? 12. The next National Selection Conference is going to be in which city? 13. Which teambuilding game requires the greatest knowledge of martial arts? 14. What does GA stand for? 15. How do you say “thank you� in Serbian? 16. What is a famous Serbian dry cookie? Mina Damjanovic 17. Whose birthday is tomorrow?
Dear future EYPers Dear future delegates You have to try it! EYP changes your life, you meet new people and face real actual problems, all things that make you a better person. We suggest to you not just to collaborate in a professional way with your committee mates, but also to know them as friends. If you are afraid not to be prepared enough don’t worry, you will learn everything step by step during the session. Just relax, do your best and have fun! Leave every bad though and anxiety at home and mingle with all the other delegates as much as you can, because EYP will become your second family! Signed by two lovely delegates, Vedrana Kaslica and Marija Đokić Dear chairs to be We know it is important to plan everything but don’t stress about it, be flexible! Many unexpected things can happen during the session, even some problems can occur but YOU will manage to solve them! Just trust your instinct. Of course you have to perfectly know you topic and have a clear schedule but the best way to work with you delegates is…just keep in mind you were a delegate as well! Love, the chairs Matteo Gianeselli (Italy), Giovanni Pierdomenico (Italy) and Aleksa Antić (Serbia) Dear first time journalist Being in the media team is so much fun! You don’t have to be afraid if you don’t have any experience in photography, you will have the chance to learn everything needed and even beyond it from your amazing editors! My advice is to be well organized, to let space to your creativity and…respect the dead lines! Signed, first time journa, Vuk Vuković (Serbia) Dear Editor to be Our job is hard because you have to check not just your deadlines but everybody else’s as well! So fix your ideas before the session and challenge yourself as much as possible. It will be great, you will take part to all the meetings of the officials, you will feel really included in the group and, for sure, you will share unforgettable memories with them. To conclude, collaborate with your partner and specially if she is so cool like mine (Lea) everything it’s going to be fine! Regards, first time editor Lukas Ischlstöger (Austria)
Dear new organisers First rule: be patient. It could seem impossible sometimes but you have to keep your mind clear in order to succeed. Even when it’s late (and you will be late almost all the time) don’t worry, everything it’s going to work because you are not alone, you are part of a team. The second thing I would say, in fact, is that teamwork is crucial both for serious and funny moments. Third thing: don’t drink and lack sleep, choose one (it should have sounded like “don’t drink and drive” and be funny so… please laugh! Hahaha) You will be tired but very proud of your job because you actively contributed in every moment of the session. Love, first time orga, Aleksa Martinović Dear future HO You will feel like the session is your baby. It will be hard to let people help you because you will want to control everything personally but you have to trust them. Be prepared to change your plans, but remember: things being different doesn’t mean being less amazing, sometimes they become even better! Consider also that you will forget what does “sleeping” mean, but it really worth it! No pain, no gain right?! And the gain is great! Good luck, first time HO, Tamara Vasić (Serbia) Dear fist time VP All you have to do is support the chairs, they really need us! Be their mentor without interfering with their job. Be there for them, always, and most important thing : give them COFFEE and HUGS! Love, VP Nikos Koukovinos (Greece) Dear future President brace yourself to emerge in a unique experience which like a roller coaster will take you from soaring heights of excitement to the steep slopes of nervousness. Here are some tips for you to have a smooth ride: 1) Plan ahead for every moment of the session and try to predict every little detail to get hyped and then during the session get rid of that plan completely to feel the adrenaline of last minute improvisation 2) Choose the people around you wisely; you need people that are understanding, genuinely nice and have the willingness to learn new things and develop. You also need people with a great sense of humor, an endless supply of energy and positivity and great looks to make everyone be jealous of your awesome team! 3) Be patient and understanding yourself! Keep always a smile in your face and try to inspire people to have the same attitude as well! 4) Bring lots of medication in case you lose your voice (just saying) but even if you do so trust me there are still ways to lead your team But most of all enjoy this experience, be open to meet new people and taste the local food (yum yum)! Lots of love from the current muted presi, Anastasia Ntracha (Greece) Daniela Cappuccio
by Vuk Vukovic
The Irreplaceable Duo Sounds cliché but without them two, this session wouldn’t have been the same. Yes, it would have had still happened, under somebody else’s leadership, but what made this session unforgettable for us is them… the fantastic duo taking control behind the scene, head organizers of the session – Tamara and Moma! Quickly they became very dear to me, before ever even meeting them. Wanting to present what impact they had on others I decided to ask some people who they worked closely with what they thought about them…
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much" This is the quote that can describe Tamara and Moma pretty well. Being in their team only leads to saying them thank you. Thank you for being great organizers, teachers and friends. Even though you are, by many reasons, totally different you made an unbreakable team. Your sessons made a lot of new friendships, memories and stories to tell and you should be proud of it! Like we are proud of you. - Andjela (organiser) I can say that Moma and Tamara were like mom and dad to me – sometimes I was taking money from one of them, other times from the other one. Tamara was more laid back, often she’s say – “Take a break, man”, “No I didn’t lose my phone, I just don’t know where it is…. Yes, again…”, Moma was more hastily – “I need two people to do this” “Why two?” “So the one person wouldn’t be alone” or “We need 10kg of ćevapi, we’ll figure salad part out later”… -- Nikola (organiser)
Tamara and Moma - what a lovely pair of head-organisers!! Not only that they and their lovely orga-team took great care of all participants, also before and especially after the session they made everything possible so that the ones staying for a bit longer would feel as welcome as possible and even getting to know Belgrade. Tamara, thanks for being the first and second last I met in Belgrade. Thanks to all the answers to my curious questions and that you always took care, what also the smallest of the official's team might need. Your dedication to the session was amazing. And thank you for the unexpected and kind words during your speech. Moma, thanks for your openness and that you let me be a small part of your development during the session. I have not been disappointed by the "badness" of your jokes (kiddin'...). You also put so much heart in the session what could easily be perceived by us. Great that you also found some time to have dinner with me. (and thanks for the ice-cream :)) Keep on doing all your stuff. Looking forward to an IS in Belgrade. -Pia (head of Jury) What else is there so say about them? The difference is evident, they are very different personalities, but that is exactly what led us to the greatness that was this session. Complementing each other in fields of organisation, communication, task distribution and even humor is what made everyone feel involved, confident in our parts of the work and appreciated. We were all free to contribute to the session the way we imagined and wanted, and we were supported by The Incredible Duo every step of that way. And we owe them a big THANKS. It would only be fair if i said a few words myself.... Tamara, thank you for becoming my friend, taking time to help me even when you had tasks of your own. You are a silly, enthusiastic and incredibly capable person, ready to tackle any issue or challenge. Momo, thank you for giving me hugs at 2, 3, 5 in the morning, saving me from the verge of an emotional meltdown. Your jokes don't always suck and you're an unbelievably interesting person (i know readers, i was shocked too). With love, all paticipants of the session.
written by Lea Bodor