I Am A Changemaker: Social Enterprise Business Plan Competition

THE CALL

British Council Philippines is looking for a new breed of entrepreneurs who dream up innovative solutions to help solve problems in their communities.

This new breed of people are called Social Entrepreneurs - a distinct group of individuals with a definite and more positive attitude towards entrepreneurship.

Social Entrepreneurs* act as change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss and improving systems, inventing new approaches, and creating solutions to change society for the better.

They change the face of business by spotting social problems and issues and find innovative ways to address them.

They are ambitious and persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new ideas for wide-scale change.

Rather than leaving societal needs to the government or business sectors, social entrepreneurs find what is not working and solve the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution, and persuading entire societies to take new leaps.

Are you a social entrepreneur? Do you have a groundbreaking idea in mind? Do you have what it takes to mobilize people and resources to create wide-ranging social change?

If so, we invite you to join now. It starts with an idea to make the world a better place. There is nothing as powerful as a new idea in the hands of a social entrepreneur.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

I am A Changemaker operates like a business plan competition, awarding seed capital directly to the best social enterprise idea that best meets our criteria.

It provides a vehicle for taking innovations from idea to reality, and is a real-world exercise for improving your skills in:

Starting a Project/Business

Pitching ideas to possible investors

Building networks

No matter what your idea may be, we challenge you to unleash your ideas, energy and idealism to affect positive social change in our society. The only limit to the range of projects eligible for the award is your ambition and imagination.

Click here to see the General Terms and Conditions

*according to Ashoka

ASEAN+3 Seminar on Urban Youth Work IV

March 2-5, 2010
Singapore

Background:

The four-day programme will give ASEAN+3 participants from local and foreign delegations comprising of youth workers, social workers, counsellors, community partners, educators and other professional working with youths, the opportunity to interact and share their experiences of working with at-risk youths across the borders. It aims to establish informal ASEAN network among participants of the seminar, to create opportunities for dialogue, discussion and future collaboration and to impart to the participants the strategies on student engagement in school, and knowledge on the resources available to deal with the issue of disengaged students.

The theme for the seminar is “Engaging Youths who are At-risk of Being Disengaged from Schools”. The seminar will feature workshops sessions conducted by international and local speakers and practitioners with vast experience in the youth work field and include visits to relevant social service agencies in Singapore.

Venue and Date:

The event will take place in Singapore from March 2 to 5, 2010.

Participants’ Eligibility:

· Filipino citizen

· Between 20 to 35 years old

· Senior officials in-charge of youth matters or youth workers

· Youth/social workers from Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs), Youth Organizations (YOs) or other agencies that provide development services for young people

· Community partners, educators, policy makers and government officials

· Conversant in English and have good communication and analytical skills

· Of good moral character

· Physically and mentally fit to travel

· Former recipients of NYC funded international programs from March 1, 2009 to March 1, 2010 are disqualified to apply.

· Must have a passport valid until at least six (6) months after the date of the departure for the program

Applicants without any passport details shall not be considered.

Expenses:

Local hospitalities will be borne by National Youth Council (NYC) Singapore, while participants are in-charge of their own airfare and travel insurance.

Application:

Download and fill up application forms at http://youth.net.ph/about/archives/pages/ASEAN+3urbanyouth.php and send to julietNYC2009@gmail.com not later than January 20, 2010.

4th China-ASEAN Youth Artwork Creativity Contest

Background:

The “China-ASEAN Youth Creativity Artwork Creativity Contest” aims to promote and deepen the political, cultural and economic exchanges and cooperation between China and the ASEAN countries.

The Contest is open to all young artists and art lovers from entry to professional level age 18 to 50 years old.

Scope of Artworks:

Artworks must have a clear theme and conception novel to show the better life of people or to reflect the China and ASEAN countries’ positive mental outlook. Entries must be photography and Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Photographic Entries’ Requirements:

1. Entries must be original works taken after 2007 (did not participate in the photography of similar events; must not undergo any computer stitching, rendering and other processing).
2. Printed photos must be 8-inch (the long side is 25cm, square side is 20cm and the length and width of the frame must meet or exceed 2:1 ratio- long side can be 30cm).; Digital photos must not be less than 1megabyte
3. Number of entries- five (group) for per person, single; group is available (group photography could be as one work).
4. Entries could be in black and white, color (single or group entry (1 group is limited to 4-8 pics taken as 1 work (film and digital)); Entries must be made as photo and must not be mounted.
5. Put the title of the entry, cameras, lens, film location, time, author’s name, mailing address, telephone, mail and so on at the back of the artwork.
6. Winners must submit negatives or electronic files of the artworks within one (1) week after the notice received; Scanned film and electronic documents must be above 40megabytes; Digital photos are required to submit original documents.

Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Requirements:

1. Calligraphy is limited to brush restrictions calligraphy; Painting is limited to Chinese painting and watercolors.
2. Entries must be original works done after 2007 (did not participate in the photography of similar events).
3. Entries specification- work size must not be less than 4 feet Xuan paper; the biggest is no more than 8 feet.
4. Artworks must be straight suitable; cursive release must be accompanied by scripts; works must not be mounted; Preliminary works must be accorded with 7-inch entries for evaluation.
5. Each author’s entries must be no more than two (2) works.
6. Put title and size of the artwork, author’s name, contact address, postcode, telephone number, e-mail address in the registration form.

Note: Participants must be responsible for their own artworks image rights and intellectual property issues. If Contest Organizing Committee suffered losses for artwork image rights and intellectual property issues, the participants must compensate all the losses for the Organizing Committee.

Submission of Entries:

Primary artworks must be directly mailed to the Contest Organizing Committee Office before June 30, 2010 (taking the local postmark date as correct).

Address: “China-ASEAN Youth Artwork Creativity Contest”
Organizing Committee Office, Top.
China-ASEAN Museum of Art, Jinhui Ruyifang,
No. 1 South Road of Fengling,
Nanning, Guangxi, China, 530022
Tel: +86-771-2351112, 2531113
Fax: +86-771-2351113
Email: aseanartcontest@163163.com

Application form is downloadable from the contest website.

Awards:

Photography Artworks:

First Prize: 10000 RMB cash (1 winner)
Second Prize: 3000 RMB cash (3 winners)
Third Prize: 2000 RMB cash (10 winners)
Excellent Prize: 500 RMB cash (20 winners)
Selected Prize: 300 RMB cash (50 winners)

Chinese Painting and Calligraphy:

First Prize: 10000 RMB cash (2 winners)
Second Prize: 5000 RMB cash (20 winners)
Third Prize: 3000 RMB cash (40 winners)
Excellent Prize: 1000 RMB cash (100 winners)
Selected Prize: 600 RMB cash (100 winners)
Organizer: Guangxi Bangyang Asian United Arts and Culture Co., Ltd.

An album of all the exhibited works will be published. Authors whose photo work has won selected or excellent award will be granted an album. The organizing committee will issue certificates of selected artworks or excellent works to selected artwork or excellent artworks winners.

All creators who send the physical works for judging and exhibition are regarded as having abided by the rules above.

The Contest Organizing Committee reserves the final right to interpret.

http://www.china-asean-art.com

5th World Youth Congress

July 31 to August 13, 2010
Istanbul, Turkey

Background:

The Congress is open to all young people from whatever background, organization, or interest. Participants will have the opportunity to socialise, network, share their experiences and cultures and make life-long friends.

It is organized by Peace Child International E-Genclik Association. This year’s theme is “Imece”- the Turkish tradition of collaborative solidarity.

Participant’s Eligibility:

- Between 15 to 30 years old
- Ideally, young activists (entry level, intermediate and veterans), artists, educators, journalists and entrepreneurs
- Proficient in English language
- Of good moral character
- Physically and mentally fit to travel
- Must have a passport valid until at least six (6) months after the date of the departure for the program
- Applicants without any passport details shall not be considered.

Expenses:

Participants have to meet their own travel expenses. Accommodation and food will be provided during the Congress.

Application:

The deadline for application is January 31, 2010. Interested participants may directly contact the following for further details:

World Youth Congress or Peace Child International
Address: 46 High Street The White House Buntingford Herts SG9 9AH UK
Tel.: +44 1753 274 459
Fax: +44 1763 274 460
Email: wyc@peacechild.org or david@peacechild.org

Call for Papers: Panel on Notions of Independence in Southeast Asian Cinemas for Euroseas 2010

School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg,
Gothenburg, Sweden
26-28 August, 2010

The panel looks forward to papers that investigate the notions of independence in Southeast Asian cinemas, as well as the historical shifts in the meaning of the term in its different contexts and localities such as in relation to notions of independence in Europe and United States. Interrogations on the various sites of contentions of independent filmmaking vis-à-vis mainstream are also welcome.

The panel emerges out of a lively and growing "independent" cinema scene in Southeast Asia - particularly Indonesia, Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Singapore and Vietnam – where the so-called "digital revolution," has been synonymous with "independence" and hailed as the way to liberate filmmakers from the hegemonic grip of Hollywood and "local hollywoods ."

In such contexts, the term "independent" has become a fraught and problematic nomenclature. Once limited to a small select group of filmmakers working outside of the commercial film industry, several sectors have now appropriated the term. The panel thus proposes to delve into the different and changing notions of independence in the different Southeast Asian countries. Among the questions the panel wishes to address and ponder on: What does it really mean to be independent? Is it in the mode of production? It is in the mode of distribution? Is it in the content of the film? Is it in the intent of the filmmaker? Independent in relation to what? If independent films use mainstream modes of distribution and exhibition, do they lose their independence? If a filmmaker receives production grants from corporate or government support, does it mean his/her film is no longer independent? If an independent film aspires to make a profit, does it diminish its independence? Are there degrees of independence? How are independent films perceived and received by the audience?

Topics of interest also include but are not limited to: studies on particular independent filmmakers; aesthetics of independent films; the surfacing of independent film production companies and film groups; emerging independent modes of production, distribution and exhibition; the appropriation and/or cooptation of the digital technology by mainstream film industries in the guise of independence; the role and effect of international film festivals in independent filmmaking; the impact of the digital technology on independent filmmaking; funding independent filmmaking in Southeast Asia; sustainability of independent filmmaking; censorship; and the role of state and private institutions on independent filmmaking.

Please submit abstract of no more than 500 words and brief biographical data to ephernandez@ up.edu.ph and eloindigoart@ yahoo.com by January 31, 2010.

For information about EUROSEAS 2010 please visit

http://www.globalstudies.gu.se/english/newsandevents/conferences/EUROSEAS/

Oxfam International Youth Partnership

How does it work?

Between 2010 and 2013, you will have opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding and to talk and exchange with other young people from around the world. You will be able to use these opportunities to support your work with your community.

Your participation in OIYP will start in March 2010. If selected, you must be available to attend an event in November 2010 in New Delhi, India.

Who are we looking for?

Are you a young person who cares about what is happening in your community? Are you committed to working with others to overcome injustices? Do you want to learn from other young people working with their communities all around the world?

If you answered YES to these questions, would you consider applying to be a member of the OIYP?

OIYP is open to all nationalities, Indigenous and ethnic groups. It is open to young people with any level of education and who live in rural or urban areas. We aim to recruit equal numbers of young men and women. We have a strong focus on the participation of Indigenous young people and those marginalised in their communities.

Apply to be part of OIYP

To apply you must be:
aged between 18 and 25 as at 1 October 2010
speak fluent English or Spanish

Your application will be assessed against selection criteria. Applications close on 12th February 2010.

Download your application form here:

How do I apply?

You can apply by sending your application with your letter(s) of support from community members or organisations before February 12th 2010 by email, fax or mail.

http://oiyp.oxfam.org/oiyp/

2010 Moscow workshop on Institutional Analysis

The Ronald Coase Institute
Moscow Workshop on Institutional Analysis
May 2–8, 2010 Moscow, Russia
Co-sponsored by State University – Higher School of Economics

Attend this workshop to
· Learn more about institutional analysis
· Present your current research and receive comments from established scholars
· Become part of a worldwide network of institutional scholars.

Who is eligible?
· Postdoctoral social scientists - early in their careers
· Advanced graduate students - in economics, political science, and other social sciences

Participants will be selected on the basis of their current research abstracts.
Admission is strictly limited, and the pace is intense. Participants must attend all sessions and give as well as receive feedback.

As a participant, you will
Hear established scholars discuss their strategies to formulate research questions,design projects, present results, and draw important and practical conclusions.
Make two presentations of your own research
(1) in a small group with faculty guidance
(2) after revision, to the entire workshop, with formal discussion of your work.
Network closely and informally with faculty and workshop alumni from
56 countries who have an enduring interest in institutional analysis.

How to apply (please read carefully and follow instructions precisely)

1. E-mail a one-page abstract - 350 words maximum - of a current research project of yours, plus a one-page curriculum vitae, to workshop2010ms@coase.org.

2. Abstract (1 page)
At the top, list the title, your name, and the number of words in the abstract.
Any co-authors must be listed here. (At most 1 person per research project can be accepted.)Abstracts will be judged on the clarity and importance of the research question, and on their institutional focus. Work already published is not eligible. Please do not submit any longerdocuments, as they will not be read.

3. CV (1 page)
Include your current professional status and the academic degrees you have received,with university, year, and field of study. Also include your citizenship, date of birth, and country of residence. Give as references the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of two scholars familiar with you and your work.

4. E-mail
As subject line, use Application for 2010 Moscow Workshop – yyy (where yyy is your surname). Attach your abstract and CV only as Microsoft Word .doc files, using filenames yyy abstract.doc and yyy cv.doc (where yyy is your surname).

Costs
The cost of the workshop - tuition and meals - is $2395 USD. This does not include housing accommodations or travel expenses. Some fellowships will be awarded competitively to scholars from developing and transitional countries, for tuition, meals, and housing. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses. If you wish to be considered for a fellowship, you must state that in your e-mail application. All participants will stay in workshop housing.

Apply by January 25, 2010

For more information, visit http://www.coase.org

Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2010

Each year, the May 18 Memorial Foundation announces this award in a spirit of solidarity and gratitude to those who helped them in their struggle for democratization. The award goes to one individual or organization who has contributed to the promotion and advancement of human rights, democracy and peace in their work.

Candidates eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights are nominated by other individuals or organizations. An individual cannot nominate himself or herself.

Core criteria:
1) An outstanding person or group who is active in the promotion and advocacy of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights.
2) A person or group working for the reunification of Korea.
Nominations will be taken from November to the first week of May. Preliminary and final reviews of nominees take place from May to April, and the winner of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award will be announced in the last week of April.

November 2009
Announcement and nomination forms are sent out. The Committee sends out invitation letters containing forms to persons who may be interested in making a nomination.

01 March 2010
Deadline for submission of the form and related documents. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a shortlist.

April 2010
The committee reviews the shortlist and consults advisers as to their knowledge of chosen candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations. On April 23, 2010, committee members will choose a winner and the next day a public announcement and press conference will be held to announce the winner.

18 May 2010
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Ceremony. The prizewinner receives the award.
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award will be presented to the laureate at a ceremony in Gwangju, Republic of Korea on May 18, which is the 30th Anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. The Award consists of a gold medal, a certificate and a 50 Million Korean Won (KRW 50,000,000.00) grant to support the ongoing work of the laureate.

The annual Gwangju Prize for Human Rights has the following aims:
1) To enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by recognizing individuals, groups and institutions who have contributed to protecting the human rights of the excluded, impoverished and disempowered at the grassroots level.

2) To reward individuals, groups and institutions for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward peace, unification and cooperation.

The application deadline is 01 March 2010.

http://www.518.org/eng/