VIBES
NOVEMBER 2009
GENERATION EUROPE
GenerationEuropeFoundation
contents //////////////////////
03
EDITO
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GENERATION EUROPE NEWS
Self-regulation?
04
Should the Burqa be banned in Europe?
05
GE in Paris
06
Run GE run!
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GENERATION EUROPE PORTRAIT 08
Yann Verbeke, film-maker
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EU PORTRAIT
Monica Westerén, personal assistant to EC Vice-President Margot Wallström
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10
EU BUBBLES
Social Networking for Social Change
12
The Kingmakers of Lisbon
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Las redes sociales convierten a voluntarios en protagonistas
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QUOTE
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15
KEY FIGURE
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COMPETITIONS’ CORNER
© Generation Europe Foundation 2009 Publisher: GE Vibes is published by Generation Europe Foundation. All rights reserved. We welcome your questions and suggestions on info@generation-europe.eu.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Generation Europe Foundation.
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edito
///////////////////////////////// Dear GE Vibes reader, We’ve postponed the publication of this November issue in the hope to feature the new EU president. For once, EU news is that exciting. And yet, we’ll have to wait for our next issue – in only a couple of weeks now – since it looks like they’ll pull a name out of a hat the night of 18 November.
EDITORIAL
November 2009 - Issue 018 ///
Why is EU news so exciting? We’re reaching the last act of a nine-year long drama. We had it all; the introduction chorus with the Laeken Declaration in 2001, Act I with the Convention of the Future of Europe, Act II with the Constitutional Treaty (once again, not exactly a constitution per se), and the climax of the play with Act III when France and The Netherlands rejected that treaty by referendum. The story unfolded with Act IV and its Lisbon Treaty despite some Irish and Czech rows. End November, 500 million European citizens will flip through the last pages of Act V and find out that not only Goddess Europa eventually got a treaty to better manage a kingdom of 27 semi-gods but also who her first Hermes (her single-voiced messenger) will be. Why did we have nine years of EU drama? Many of the latest EU crises were mainly questions of miscommunication. Remember President Chirac sending each French citizen 400 pages of constitutional treaty or former Irish Commissioner Mc Creevy exclaiming ‘I haven’t read the treaty!’ with the good intention to show his citizens they did not need to read the whole thing but which instead generated an important lack of trust. Why is communication so difficult? This month, GE Vibes will thus zoom in on the new and social media. Politicians have started blogging, some have their Facebook page, and others venture onto Twitter. Do these new tools make it easier for them to get in touch with their constituencies? Or is it another potential trap? With communication at the speed of light and an increasing lack of privacy, is this new media not a double-edged sword? The good thing for us though, is that the public and private sectors can no longer make do without these new technologies. There are therefore plenty of jobs for the young! See how old our interviewees are this month and why not get some inspiration. And of course…you’re welcome to join our fans on the Generation Europe Facebook page! Enjoy the read, Marie-Hélène GE Team
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// Self-regulation? /////////
GENERATION EUROPE NEWS
Alcohol advertising under supervision For the second year in a row Generation Europe Foundation was invited to review the report on self-regulation of the alcohol industry carried out by the European Advertising Standards Alliance, the European Forum for Responsible Drinking and the self-regulatory organisations. Last year, in reviewing the 2008 report on Alcohol Advertising Monitoring, we mentioned the need for future monitoring exercises involving young people, especially in terms of new media and online advertising on social networks, blogs and websites. It is with appreciation then, that this year we learnt that the focus of the monitoring exercise was to be new media. It was the first time that the monitoring of alcohol advertising focused entirely on digital marketing and it was really interesting to compare this year’s results with findings from previous years. Perhaps the most interesting comparison to be made was a slightly surprising one in the sense that even on the internet alcohol advertisers are by and large abiding by self-imposed rules. Whereas the internet is often seen as the Wild West with very limited regulation, the advertisers are applying the same standards of self-regulation as they do in other media. The research, however, did not take into account the more indirect forms of advertising such as viral marketing, online social networks and the power of these media to carry and spread messages. The very nature of these marketing techniques obviously makes it very hard to monitor their reach and success. A short visit to Facebook revealed that alcohol brands enjoyed a large following online with, for instance, Martini Bianco catering to 89,585 fans, Bacardi Breezer to 78,014 and Absolut Vodka commanding a staggering 434,993-stong fan club. In order to get a really good idea of the extent of online self-regulation in alcohol advertising, we recommended that these networks be submitted to some degree of scrutiny as well. It is important to understand that the alcohol companies and brands are not always at the origin of the word-of-mouth “campaigns” and that there is very little that can be done to stop consumers themselves from starting pages, websites and blogs dedicated to their favourite brands… This said, they could protect their brand and prohibit abusive use of their name and logo. In line with Marcin’s point of view – that advertising doesn’t necessarily lead to the consumption of alcohol - it is helpful to understand that youth do not need much encouragement to drink or to smoke - or to try anything new for that matter. Although I was probably the youngest contributor to the discussion held in Stockholm, my outlooks concerning presented booze ads were treated with particular attention. It was nice of the organizers and other participants to demonstrate respect towards young people’s points of view. Everyone was provided with cards of three colors: red, yellow and green, in order to state each time whether he accepts the presented ad or considers it abusive. Despite the fact that the examples were in most cases controversial and aroused different reactions, I had an impression that we all agreed to the matter that alcohol advertising is not the decisive factor that encourages young people to drink. For producers, it is rather a method of competition between brands than a way to win new customers.
Marcin Senderski GE Ambassador in Poland
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GenerationEuropeFoundation
In October we asked our website visitors whether the burqa should be banned in Europe. The burqa is usually understood to be the woman’s loose body-covering (jilbab), plus the head-covering (hijab), plus the face-veil (Niqab), leaving only an opening for the eyes. 50% of you voted that the burqa should not be banned and that notions such as personal choice and freedom would be harmed if governments were to start dictating what can or cannot be worn by the general population. Nearly 1/3 of respondents though, believe that the burqa constitutes a violation of women’s rights and should therefore be banned. Taking this logic one step further – but giving the opposite answer – an additional 11% of you believe that women should have the right to wear the burqa in public because otherwise these same women would be forced to stay home. 1 in 10 of the respondents believes that there is no place for the burqa in Europe because it does not fit in with European culture the way, for instance, lederhosen do…
Should the Burqa be banned in Europe?
+ GENERATION EUROPE NEWS
// Should the Burqa be banned in Europe? /////
11% - No. Banning it would force some women to stay home. 10% - Yes. It is not part of European culture. 29% - Yes. It is a violation of women’s rights. 50% - No. It is a matter of personal choice and freedom.
GenerationEuropeFoundation
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// GE in Paris //////////////
GENERATION EUROPE NEWS
Businesses & schools: a love-hate relationship? On 9 November, no less than seven members of the GE team embarked on the morning Thalys to Paris for a conference at the Palais du Luxembourg. Together with its sister association Génération Europe France, Generation Europe Foundation launched – or rather re-opened the Pandora’s Box – the debate on the role of business in education. Gathering a numerous audience in as symbolic a venue as the French Senate, GE wished to promote an exchange of views and good practice among actors of the private and public sectors and of educational structures. It also aimed to use the debate with the audience as a fertile ground for future recommendations towards a better cooperation between schools and businesses, which – each to its own extent – have their share of responsibility in the mission of education. What role is there for enterprises in the education sector indeed? Once again figures show worrying tendencies. One of the participants for instance confided that when students were asked how many professions they knew, surveys showed an average result of 24, whereas there are about 10,000 professions possible. Numerous participants came together to argue that students should not have to wait for an internship to experience entrepreneurship and that creating and running a business should be topics addressed at school. More particularly in times of crisis, creating its own business is indeed an alternative to unemployment. Interestingly, another voice from the floor argued that senior employees in companies should take off their time as tutors for some of the younger recruits. This somewhat recalls the Anglo-Saxon structure where newly appointed staff is appointed a mentor. This stirred up the debate as others were of the opinion that senior staff are often those who need mentoring from young people, especially with the rise of webbased tools. In brief, the debate was really animated and GE was honoured to challenge views with highly distinguished panelists together with European Commission Vice-President Jacques Barrot, himself former French minister for labour and social affairs. Following this very positive experience, Generation Europe Foundation is looking forward to setting up similar debates in other EU capitals. Where next? We’ll keep you posted in GE Vibes! Orateurs: Catie THORBURN, Présidente de Generation Europe Foundation - Guy GUERMEUR, Président de Génération Europe France - Jérôme MONOD, Ancien Conseiller du Président Jacques Chirac, Président d’Honneur de GdF SUEZ, Président d’Honneur de la Fondation pour l’Innovation politique - Paul-Henri du LIMBERT, Directeur adjoint de la rédaction du Figaro (politique, société, sciences) - Bernard FALCK, Directeur de l’éducation et de la formation - MEDEF (Mouvement des Entreprises de France) - Henri MALOSSE, Président du Groupe des employeurs du Comité économique et social européen - Roger SERRE, Directeur général-délégué du groupe IGS - Patrick HETZEL, Directeur général pour l’enseignement supérieur et l’insertion professionnelle, ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche.
Topic of the Month With Copenhagen just around the corner we hope to identify what you believe is at stake… More specifically we’re looking at the role of developing countries in the climate change debate. The upcoming summit on climate change in Copenhagen aims to reach a binding commitment by all parties concerned to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a global level. It is understood that a problem of global dimensions demands global solutions… Nevertheless, the prevalent pre-summit debates and discussions seem increasingly focused on “who” should be shouldering the main share of the burden… Waste of time? Visit the Generation Europe website and give us your view!
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GenerationEuropeFoundation
On 26 October, they were two GE friends running the Dublin marathon. Anyone interested to join in next time? I ran my second marathon in Dublin, last October, and it was (once again) a fantastic experience! I’d like to invite everybody to run such races because it is a really fun and enriching experience (despite some pain, that disappears miraculously as soon as your enter the 42,195th meter the finish line). I managed to run the marathon in 3 hours 43 minutes whilst, all along the race, chatting with my friends, but also with women and men, young and old people: we shared feelings and emotions, laughing and encouragements with a unique intensity! I started running marathons six months ago, in Paris, though I’ve been jogging regularly over the last three years. In Paris I felt I was living an unforgettable moment, and therefore I decided to do a second marathon within six months. I decided to go for Dublin because all my friends were going and for many of us Dublin was a beautiful capital city to discover.
I have been talking about running the Dublin City Marathon for a good few years. I was born on the day of the first one and this year marked the 30th anniversary of the event, so it was as good a year as any.
+ GENERATION EUROPE NEWS
// Run GE run! /////////////
It could not have gone any better on the day, the sun was shining and I had plenty of support from family and friends. The last ten kilometres were punishing, however I don’t think I ‘hit the wall’ and it felt like I had a bit to spare at the finish line. My time was 3 hours 24 minutes and I came 1,001th out of 10,446 finishers. More importantly I managed to raise over 1,000 Euro for Debra Ireland, a patient organisation which advocates on behalf of Irish Epidermolysis Bullosa patients (www.debraireland.org). The whole experience was very positive and I hope to run other marathons in the future (without turning into a fanatic!). In the meantime, I train in Parc Butte Chaumont, in the 19th arrondissement, which is very hilly, however on the whole Paris is not a great city for preparing a marathon.
Shane Lynam GE community member – former GE team
My secret recipe to run a marathon and have fun? Do some regular training (3 or 4 months, 3 times a week), eat healthily, and run the marathon with friends. You don’t need anything else!
Cristina GE team
GenerationEuropeFoundation
You can take a look at Shane’s account on MyCharity.ie at: www.mycharity.ie/event/shane_lynams_event/
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GENERATION EUROPE PORTRAIT
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GE Vibes: Hi Yann, nice to catch you between two video shoots! From New York to Mali, it seems that lately you’ve chosen to convey stronger messages through your films. Do you feel it’s important to use one’s talent to help support a cause?
Yann Verbeke: Each one of us has its way of supporting causes.
YANN VERBEKE, FILM-MAKER
Yann Verbeke
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When I was a kid, I wanted to become a film-maker. I saw myself director of big blockbuster fiction movies. So during the years, I grew a passion for video and spend my free time making shortcuts. Then, when I got older, I began to be interested in cooperation and development through my studies. I then realised I could combine my interest in social issues in the South with my passion for video through documentary films. With four of my friends, we decided to dedicate our end-of-study work to the issue of food sovereignty in West Africa through an educational film. That is when our first project was born and a few months later we flew to Mali. Too many times we forget that with passion comes dedication and hard work. I would be really delighted if in the future, I could continue to deliver messages through making movies that support causes.
GEV: As a young film-maker, how do you see your future? What is it like to be a young entrepreneur in that field? YV: To be honest my future is quite blurry. And scary too! Making documentary films is not an easy thing to do. But if you don’t dare to do it when you’re young, it will soon be too late, right! To make a movie you need quite a lot of money, a lot of preparation, a lot of equipment, and finally travel to some cut-off region on the world map. It is also important to study what already exists on the market of film-making. And finally, you have to offer something original and innovative. So with my friends we have decided to jump into the unknown! We are setting up an ASBL, a not-for-profit organisation. Our objective is to offer our expertise in film-making to NGOs who want to make documentary films to draw awareness to social issues. We’re driving into the unknown and we know the road we walk on will be full of ambushes! But the most important is our motivation and our belief in the project! And whatever will happen we will get back on our feet! It’s a thrilling adventure!
‘Too many times we forget that with passion comes dedication and hard work.’
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GEV: YYann, could you tell GE Vibes what’s next on your agenda? What’s in the making?
GENERATION EUROPE PORTRAIT
YV: I’m really exited because next February I’m off to Bolivia! When we finished editing our first movie called ’Of Rice & Men’, we disseminated it as much as possible around Belgium; in schools, universities, film festivals and many NGOs. A couple of months later we got a call from an NGO called Solidarité Socialiste who really appreciated our movie. They liked our simple and didactic way of explaining complex social issues. So that’s how a new project was born! The objective will be to bring the Belgian public to discover and understand, in an attractive way, the process of socio-political changes at the scale of local communities in Bolivia.
GEV: Once in Bolivia, will we able to ’follow you’ and live your experiences via a blog or a facebook group? YV: When I went to Mali it was really something I wanted to do, but I quickly realised it wasn’t easy to find an internet connection. Actually besides Bamako we barely found any. But apparently it will be easier to find a connection in South America. I believe that such a travel blog has meaning only if it is regularly updated and interesting. I plan to set up a blog where I can post my stories and pictures. I’m not really fan of facebook for such a purpose. I’ll let you know where to find it and you’ll be able to follow my adventures!
Thanks a lot Yann, good luck in South America and do keep in touch! We’ll be glad to announce the launch of your association in GE Vibes next year.
‘I would be really delighted if in the future, I could continue to deliver messages through making movies that support causes.’
www.yannverbeke.com Check Yann’s video ’Du riz et des hommes’, it’s in French but somehow language is not always the barrier it is made out to be. You’ll get the message! www.yannverbeke.com > More > Du riz et des hommes
GenerationEuropeFoundation
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EU PORTRAIT
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GE Vibes: Hello Monica, we’re delighted that you have a minute to spare for us. In Ms Wallström’s cabinet, do you use new media for your job such as Twitter or Facebook, and why?
MONICA WESTEREN, PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO EUROPEAN COMMISSION VICE-PRESIDENT MARGOT WALLSTRÖM IN CHARGE OF, INTER ALIA, NEW AND SOCIAL MEDIA
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Monica Westerén
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Monica Westerén: First Monica Westeren: Personally, I do use both, and mainly Facebook. More interestingly, Ms Wallström is very active on that front. She was the first Commissioner to start blogging back in 2005, and she created her Facebook profile in 2008. And besides Plan D, which she launched when joining the Barroso Commission in 2005, she is behind the new Internet Strategy of the European Commission, which she put forward at the end of 2007. This is also from her team that emerged the idea of EU Tube and the web platform Debate Europe in all 23 official EU languages. I could also tell you that the idea of launching a Twitter account is in the pipeline. The idea would be to have it monitored by the audiovisual services of the Commission to announce upcoming events or interesting material. This is not yet in place, but we hope it will be for the next Commission taking office in 2010. And along the same lines, we’re working on an internal strategy paper on how to better use social media. We’d like to have it finalised before the end of the year to hand it in to the next Commission.
GEV: In the past five years, both the development of new media and Vice-President Wallström’s policy have changed the way the European Commission communicates. For instance, could you please tell us about the story of EU Tube? MW: EU Tube was launched in 2007 in three languages; English, French and German. For the time being, we’ve got 16 million views, 11,000 subscribers and already 432 video clips in total. The idea was to use this new media to reach out to a younger generation, those who are usually less interested in EU affairs or politics. Making videos for EU Tube, we found a way to give a more interesting and more interactive angle to EU policies. People can indeed comment on the videos they watch, or even share opinions. Those are moderated to avoid any xenophobic or sexually-oriented comments (these happen!) but we’re pretty liberal on the whole! Putting up EU tube was not so difficult in the end. The Commission is really pleased with the results so far and we’ll surely keep it going. The only challenge is getting the necessary resources for web communications, be it the making of videos or moderating platforms. Regarding the number of languages, we are happy sticking to three languages for the moment. And since it’s a Commission product, there’s no debate at the moment whether we could post videos from the European Parliament or the European Council – even though the three institutions are increasingly coordinating their communication efforts. GEV: Overall, do you think that the availability of new media and new social online networks have changed the way politicians communicate? Has it become easier or is it a new challenge? MW: You put emphasis on the challenges that new and social media bring about in policy-making. I would actually turn around your question and focus on the huge advantages that the internet generates, especially in terms of increasing democracy. The internet makes possible to a larger extent not only communication between politicians
‘...make sure you go for your dream, get involved and engage yourself!’ /10
GenerationEuropeFoundation
Using the new media indeed brings up a new challenge, in terms of finding the necessary resources. Another big challenge is the EU’s multilingualism: in the end, how do you create a natural debate in 23 languages?! For instance, Debate Europe is a debate platform that proved successful but the most active channel is the one in English. However, the ’Erasmus Generation’, if you allow me to call it that way, are more talented with languages; they don’t make language an issue. nd English does seem to be becoming the lingua franca among young people, this Erasmus generation.
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‘EU Tube was launched in 2007... The idea was to use this new media to reach out to a younger generation, those who are usually less interested in EU affairs or politics.’
and citizens but more interestingly across borders. For instance for the last European Parliament elections, Estonia used e-voting. This proved really successful and it did increase turn-out. I think this is definitely an easier way to engage younger generations.
GEV: Monica, do you mind me asking how a 26-year old young lady ends up personal advisor to the European Commission Vice-President?! MW: No, sure! Actually I think there are a few elements to this question. I have to say I owe a bit to context, in other words one sometimes is at the right place at the right time. But my main advice is be yourself, push your own strengths. Of course I was lucky that Ms Wallström was very interested in the new and social media. Yet make sure you go for your dream, get involved and engage yourself! For me, it all started when I was an intern at the Commission in March 2008.
Thank you very much Monica for this insightful interview. Besides, your personal experience will certainly inspire some of GE Vibes readers!
EUROPEAN COMMISSION VICE-PRESIDENT MARGOT WALLSTRÖM AND MONICA WESTERÉN
GenerationEuropeFoundation
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EU BUBBLES
+ Surf the Net, and Google the words social networks and you will come up with more than 300 websites offering the possibility to do almost anything: produce a music band, find old friends, create new ones, join groups to discuss on books, travelling, cooking or cars. In a click, become fan of Obama or join the Knit & Crochet Online Community. Like anything in our modern and globalised world, the internet has trends. Sites appear, disappear. Some survive and will so for a long time, think of Facebook! Facebook is a tool. The success of such a social media tool is that it connects us to one another in inexpensive, fast and massively scalable ways. For the past three years, new innovative tools and ideas have arisen to bring about change. But with 300 million active users – and thus potential actors – such a tool can become quite powerful!
/// Social Networking for Social Change /////////////
’Social networking platforms give nonprofits a forum for meeting like-minded organisations and potential supporters, and provide a medium for spreading their messages beyond the immediate community’, says Alan Rosenblatt, Executive Director of the Internet Advocacy Center.
© CLIX
Alex Bookbinder, after traveling through Burma, initiated a Facebook group called Support the Monks’ Protest to protest against the Burmese military junta. What’s remarkable is that that global group indeed became a global network of resistance with more than 390 thousand members. We however should be careful with this modern ‘Facebookstyle activism’ and ask ourselves how committed those supporters truly are? Other networks exist, and though they have way less registered users, their objectives are much more precise, their actions much more concrete and their members much more involved. Today’s social networks have revolutionised the way collective political and social actions are organised, offering new models of how volunteer lists are amassed, funds raised, and messages delivered. Contemporary activism, aka NGOs, plays a very important role in building public’s opinion on important issues such as climate change or human rights. For NGOs, the internet is one of their most valuable tool for spreading the word on causes they fight for around the world. Micro-Activist, which are mostly very small online groups of individuals connected intellectually, have demonstrated the power of the Internet in contemporary activism. ‘The Internet is superb at attracting and mobilizing like-minded people in worldwide campaigning efforts against selected targets. Micro-activists have activated political conscious to individuals, especially youngsters’1. (See EU Portrait in GE Vibes January 2009)
Still, online networks like Facebook regularly bring up the – crucial – debate on privacy policy. Like any tool, it all depends how you use it. The youth of today and the Internet both evolve at a pace it is difficult to control. We should inform tomorrow’s decision-makers on the risk and advantages of social networks. Then, such tools can be used in positive and innovative ways
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Anne Gregory, Public Relations in Practice, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, 2005
GenerationEuropeFoundation
// The Kingmakers of Lisbon /////////////
If rumours are anything to go by, the culmination of a long, outdrawn and rather undemocratic process that is shaping the future of Europe is nigh. Following a preliminary round of consultations with the European heads of state, the Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt decided to convene an informal summit on the 19 November during which he intends to put forward one candidate for each of the two European top posts. ‘It could be that a lengthy dinner at the European Council actually delivers someone else’ he announced, suggesting that the candidates that have been mentioned in the European media so far are not the only ones vying for the positions of President of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy respectively.
EU BUBBLES
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The image it evokes is that of a bunch of statesmen enjoying a meal whilst calling out the names of the candidates they are backing. Not exactly an example of how decisions are sometimes made… but arguably a fitting continuation to the ratification. On the 2 October, 17 months after the first referendum, Irish voters were invited to rethink their original position and ended up voting in favour of Lisbon Treaty. For the EU institutions not taking ’no’ for an answer back in 2008 eventually paid off as the last remaining obstacle was thus removed (save for the minor detail of allowing the Czech Republic to opt out of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights in return for Václav Klaus’ signature on the treaty) and European leaders could turn their attention to the real business at hand: the distribution of posts. Whereas names of potential candidates had been circulating for a while, guessing who would come out on top suddenly became the prime occupation across Europe. Rarely has an EU issue enjoyed such media attention. The latest ‘conventional wisdom’ circulating in the European media, however, is that those who announced their candidacy early-on made a tactical mistake. Apparently external observers should be paying heed to the dark horses in the herd. While no final decision-making power is vested in either position, both will wield considerable influence in European affairs and on the global stage. Yet both posts will be appointed by the heads of state. The election of the President relies on a qualified majority among the members of the European Council and does not require the approval from the European Parliament. The High Representative on the other hand will be appointed by the heads of states and governments whose choice will need the approval of the Commission President. In the past there have been calls for direct elections to take place to give the President a clear mandate, but to no avail… After all, why suddenly change our habits and deprive the dining kingmakers from announcing their choice on the 19 November?
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EU BUBBLES
+ Vivimos en una era de comunicaciones virtuales, lo cual ha llevado consigo tanto desafíos como grandes ventajas para las organizaciones sin fines de lucro, como lo es Amnistía Internacional. Como Coordinadora de Medios de Amnistía Internacional – Chile, una sección relativamente pequeña de dicha organización global, estoy muy consciente de lo imprescindible que es el estar presente en las redes sociales. Las redes sociales, o comunidades virtuales, ofrecen canales muy baratos, si no gratuitos, para llegar a nuevos segmentos de la sociedad, pero es importante saber usarlas bien ya que la sociedad es recipiente de una cantidad de información cada vez más grande y dispone cada día de menos tiempo. Las comunidades ofrecen un alto nivel de participación e involucramiento a las personas registradas. Brindan la posibilidad a sus usuarios de lucirse como protagonistas ya que en sus foros, disponen de la posibilidad de lanzar debates sobre temas de su interés, intercambiar ideas con personas que comparten ideales y mas que nada, lanzar iniciativas para llamar a sus pares a la acción. Las ONGs como Amnistía Internacional cuentan con el apoyo de voluntarios y voluntarias en todo el mundo sin quienes la ardua labor de la defensa de los Derechos Humanos seria imposible. Dichas personas suelen ser individuos complejos, quienes ofrecen su tiempo de manera gratuita para luchar por una causa, pero quienes, aunque no lo querrán admitir, buscan reconocimiento y muchas veces, la posibilidad del liderazgo, por esta labor. Las redes ofrecen la herramienta perfecta para llegar a estas personas, permitiéndoles familiarizarse con el tema, mientras ofreciéndoles una plataforma desde donde ser escuchados y desde donde llamar a la acción. El paso al activismo real, o sea el activismo no virtual, de repente se hace mucha más pequeño. Aunque los integrantes son los protagonistas de las redes sociales no se puede olvidar la importancia de la intervención de la misma organización en las redes. En una era de comunicaciones, el intervalo de atención de las personas es muy corto y llamar la atención es crucial. Por ende la red tiene que ser manejada desde el núcleo de la organización, llegando a la gente con temas que les importen, que les conmuevan y que les inspiren y mas importante que nada, que se actualicen constantemente. La receta ideal para el buen funcionamiento de las redes consiste de una delicada mezcla de innovación, emoción y espacio para el protagonismo.
// Las redes sociales convierten a voluntarios en protagonistas ///////////// For the English translation of this article, go to www.generation-europe.eu.com, section ‘Your Articles’
Virginie Houdmont Coordinadora de Medios, Amnistía Internacional - Chile
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quote
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QUOTE Paris
// German Chancellor Merkel
‘We show other countries in the world that it is possible to rise above the pain of the past.’ This is the message Angela Merkel sent to the world on 11 November 2009 in Paris. That Wednesday morning, Paris came to a standstill as a French President – Nicolas Sarkozy – and a German Chancellor – Angela Merkel – commemorated Armistice Day at the Arc de Triomphe.
© Reuters
Flanked by soldiers from a Franco-German Brigade and officers from both countries’ armed forces, the two leaders observed a silence at 11am, the exact moment when on 11 November 1918, Germany signed an Armistice Treaty with its Allied foes to end World War I – a treaty which would later lead to the terrible History of 20th century Europe, Bolshevism, Stalinism, fascism and Nazism, World War II, etc. 20th century Europe however built the premises of today’s European Union. By standing in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris, Merkel did ‘show […] that it is possible to rise above the pain of the past’. Surprisingly or not, many of the people attending the celebration were young people from both Germany and France. Five generations later, some parts of History seem to stick to the minds, and not necessarily for the wrong reasons.
We show other countries in the world that it is possible to rise above the pain of the past.
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key figure
KEY FIGURE
2 million … is the number of European students that since its launch in 1987 have benefitted from the Erasmus programme to study abroad in another European country. 90% of universities in 31 countries currently participate in the programme. During the academic year 2007/2008 alone 160,000 students went to study abroad.
GenerationEuropeFoundation
2,000,000 /15
COMPETITIONS’ CORNER
+ 2010 European Young Journalist Award What? A pan-European competition of journalism. This diverse award offers aspiring journalists to reflect and express their views the EU’s enlargement with a creative and thought-provoking angle. For whom? Journalists aged between 17 and 35 from EU Member States or candidates countries. Until when? 28 February 2010
Prizes: Trip to Istanbul in May 2010, the upcoming European Capital of Culture 2010. Organised by: The Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, in cooperation with the European Youth Press association and Café Babel. More info: www.eujournalist-award.eu
Europe is MORE than you think Award What? The idea is to look beyond the headlines which dominate the common understanding of Europe and capture the Europe which, all too often, goes unnoticed. Competition is open in 4 categories: • written journalism • podcast journalism • photography • videography For whom? Photographers and videographers 18 to 27 years of age, resident in one of the 47 Council of Europe member states or Belarus. Until when? 1 December 2009 Prizes? 1st prize winners will report on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 26-30 January 2010 (= a 4-day paid visit to Strasbourg in France!). 2nd and 3rd winners will get software packages by Adobe and books. Organised by: The Council of Europe and the European Youth Press
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More info: www.youthmedia.eu/groups/70
GenerationEuropeFoundation