DAY I: Citizenship - silence or hubbub?
Summer Academy began with a festive opening, which was attended by the heads of rural government of Valga and Valka Vents Armands Krauklis and Härk Kalev, who emphasized the importance of young people involvement in the management of rural communities, the importance of the co-operation between Valga-Valka and the surrounding municipalities, and wished the youngsters a meaningful weekend.
After the introduction the discussion was held on the issues of civil society. The first presentation, the one of Karl Kirt, was about the essence of civil society; about being the citizen; about the opportunities provided by the civil society. He started a discussion among the participants of the respective merits of the participatory and representative democracy. Also, Kirt conducted a workshop during which he asked to find solutions for the various challenges the communities are facing. This sparked a debate in which the participants were able to find out whether civil society, certain problems can be solved by themselves or will these problems stay on the agenda of the state. The discussion was held in World Cafe Method.
Nonprofit Organization board discussions concluded that the positive aspects of NGOs are: the participates of their activities are people of different age; they join people with the same interests; they are umbrella organizations for the smaller associations; they give opportunity to use free time meaningfully; they develop skills and provide opportunities for voluntary work; it’s easier to realize ideas and projects via NGOs; the projects integrate communities (including internationally); lesser corruption; people are more focused on their interests instead of profits. As a negative was pointed out: it is hard to guarantee (continues) funding; some non-profit organizations are not eligible (due to discrimination etc.); hard to engage good specialists (due to the low funding); lack of experience and competence.
During the discussions the Manifestation (protest) board came to opinion that, in general, the demonstrations / protests are organized by underpaid workers, and minorities. There are several reasons: low income, miserable working conditions, violence of human rights etc. As the positive: the received attention, the noble goals, the development of democracy, the manifestation of the opinion. As a negative were pointed out: getting out of control (which may lead to violence), increase of intolerance against minorities and dissidents; interfering with the everyday life and so on. There are number of agreeable possibilities, like: posters, advertisements, public places, government / parliament, the media and so on.
How to realize your own ideas: by means of projects; plans; sponsors; co-operation with the local municipalities; voluntary service; youth councils; students councils; finding supporters; obtaining information; fundraising; self-confidence; marketing of the idea; media.
How to present your ideas to the politicians?
The first day ended with the charades. Youngsters were divided into groups and improvisation was randomly chosen. There were more than enough jokes and laughter!
Summer Academy began with a festive opening, which was attended by the heads of rural government of Valga and Valka Vents Armands Krauklis and Härk Kalev, who emphasized the importance of young people involvement in the management of rural communities, the importance of the co-operation between Valga-Valka and the surrounding municipalities, and wished the youngsters a meaningful weekend.
After the introduction the discussion was held on the issues of civil society. The first presentation, the one of Karl Kirt, was about the essence of civil society; about being the citizen; about the opportunities provided by the civil society. He started a discussion among the participants of the respective merits of the participatory and representative democracy. Also, Kirt conducted a workshop during which he asked to find solutions for the various challenges the communities are facing. This sparked a debate in which the participants were able to find out whether civil society, certain problems can be solved by themselves or will these problems stay on the agenda of the state. The discussion was held in World Cafe Method.
Nonprofit Organization board discussions concluded that the positive aspects of NGOs are: the participates of their activities are people of different age; they join people with the same interests; they are umbrella organizations for the smaller associations; they give opportunity to use free time meaningfully; they develop skills and provide opportunities for voluntary work; it’s easier to realize ideas and projects via NGOs; the projects integrate communities (including internationally); lesser corruption; people are more focused on their interests instead of profits. As a negative was pointed out: it is hard to guarantee (continues) funding; some non-profit organizations are not eligible (due to discrimination etc.); hard to engage good specialists (due to the low funding); lack of experience and competence.
During the discussions the Manifestation (protest) board came to opinion that, in general, the demonstrations / protests are organized by underpaid workers, and minorities. There are several reasons: low income, miserable working conditions, violence of human rights etc. As the positive: the received attention, the noble goals, the development of democracy, the manifestation of the opinion. As a negative were pointed out: getting out of control (which may lead to violence), increase of intolerance against minorities and dissidents; interfering with the everyday life and so on. There are number of agreeable possibilities, like: posters, advertisements, public places, government / parliament, the media and so on.
How to realize your own ideas: by means of projects; plans; sponsors; co-operation with the local municipalities; voluntary service; youth councils; students councils; finding supporters; obtaining information; fundraising; self-confidence; marketing of the idea; media.
How to present your ideas to the politicians?
- Clear your head.
- Find others who approve of your idea.
- Find investors, if you need them.
- Upgrade your idea to be worth investing.
- Find the right politicians who can help you.
- Present the idea illustrating how the society and the politicians will benefit.
The first day ended with the charades. Youngsters were divided into groups and improvisation was randomly chosen. There were more than enough jokes and laughter!