Please find below the information and nomination form for our next UNITED Conference, 'UNITED We Build the Future!' Empowering Civil Society to Face New Challenges 23 -28 October 2009, in Kiev (UA)

Conference prepared by:  No Border Project - Social Action Centre (UA) , Youth Human Rights Movement (UA) ,  Augustaschacht Memorial (D) ,
Encounters - Association for Education and Culture (PL),  Minority Rights Group International (UK) , Youth Network Against Racism and Intolerance (RUS) 

UNITED for Intercultural ActionWith the support of: * European Youth Foundation of the Council of EuropeAll information and the e-nomination form can be found below, and soon on our website.If your organisation is interested to nominate a representative, please return the expression of interest form (below) as soon as possible (deadline 29 August 2009), preferably by email to kiev@unitedagainstracism.org - Please fill in the form below completely providing all data as requested. If you invest more effort in the application it has more chance to be successful! - Each organisation can nominate only ONE representative (living in Europe). - Priority will be given to nominations from young delegates (under 30 years old) with a minority background - Sending this form to UNITED does not guarantee that you will be selected for the conference - we receive many nominations. - Candidates will be will be informed about the result of their selection via e-mail around mid September 2009.Best wishes, Geert Ates UNITED************************************************ UNITED CONFERENCE 23-28 October 2009 in Kiev (UA) CALL FOR NOMINATIONSDESCRIPTION AND AIMS:Nowadays the rhetoric and arguments of the far right are taking over mainstream political discussions and it seems that the anti-discrimination movement is firmly stuck in observer mode, responding to that what is put on the table by the far right and right-wing populists - but where are the progressive actions of civil society?- It is time for the anti-discrimination movement - in Europe and worldwide - to rethink what are its aims & tasks and what are the tools & possibilities in this very challenging struggle. - It is time to evaluate our work and take into consideration all our good practices, but also our failures. - It is time to discuss and rethink our working methods and strategies.UNITED WE BUILD THE FUTURE!Against this background UNITED organises its upcoming international Network Conference - 'UNITED We Build the Future! Empowering Civil society to Face New Challenges' - in Kiev (UA), 23-28 of October 2009. The conference forms an exchange platform and professional working environment to discuss the future of the European anti-discrimination movement; to analyse new challenges; to share experience, know-how and good practice; and to develop new strategies and working methods.Therefore Ukraine - a so called 'new democracy', evolving from a post-soviet country - provides the matching stage as hosting country of this conference to discuss the future of NGO work, empowerment of civil society and new challenges in the anti-discrimination field. Ukraine declared its independence in 1991 and since then the country is trying to convert from a totalitarian communist regime into a democratic, rule of law and human rights state. Carrying the burden of the past USSR era with its legal, economical and state system, Ukraine struggled the first ten years of independence to understand what it needs to become a democratic and independent country in Europe.The countries specific geo-political situation is another influencing key factor, which can be seen as advantage or disadvantage on its way to become a democratic and truly independent state. Bordering Russia and Belarus on one side and the European Union on the other, Ukraine is torn between European democratic values and eastern totalitarianism. This very special geo-political position makes Ukraine a transit route for asylum seekers and migrants on their way to enter the European Union.After its independence declaration, a new written constitution and its first democratic elected President and Parliament, Ukraine started its progress towards democracy, economical development and general wellbeing for its citizens. The first obstacles to take on this hard way were the inherited 'old systems', and it took more than 10 years to change some of them, to sign major international human rights treaties, to train new governmental officials and to explain to ordinary people what is different now. This was a long and tiring way, some parts of it were successful and some failed dramatically. The most recent steps on the way to Ukraine's democratisation led to the so-called 'Orange Revolution', which was highlighted by a series of acts of civil disobedience, sit-ins, and general strikes organised by the opposition movement. But right now, after 18 years of independence and 5 years after the 'Orange Revolution', there are still lots of problems in Ukraine. Among the many remaining major obstacles - namely gaps and contraventions in legislation; failure of current political parties; unstable economic situation; human rights violations etc. - there are some that urge immediately action and not only reaction: rise of far right parties and groups; lack of civil and human rights education; popular xenophobic rhetoric and the jump of islamophobia among Ukrainian citizens.- The growing popularity of far right ideologies is shown by the recent electoral victory of the radical right-wing political party 'Svoboda' (Freedom) that won astonishing 34% of the votes in a local election (Ternopil Oblast regional Council in the west of Ukraine). Strengthened by this 'approval of the Ukrainian citizen' the party now aims for seats in the Parliament in the upcoming general election in 2010.- In the 1950s the entire population of Crimea Tatars were forcibly deported from Ukraine (Crimea region) to Central Asia by Stalin's Soviet government, in the 1990s Ukraine let them come back, but the government did nothing to provide them basic support and rights. Up to now they live in horrible conditions, fighting for basic rights, especially for the possibility to preserve their culture and language and to practice their religion.- A lot of foreign students come to Ukraine to start there a study at university. They have to pay a lot of money for their wish to receive a higher education, but all they get is a hostile xenophobic environment and good chances to become a victim of a violent racist attack. These are just three examples out of the many daily struggles in Ukraine and they all stand 'just' for one specific societal problem in a particular area. This UNITED conference is a chance to get to know more about the specific struggles of civil society organisations and groups in Ukraine and how this struggle is influenced from the EU and former so-called 'East-bloc' countries. Moreover this conference will discuss the past and the possible future ways of the European anti-discrimination movement. There is no master plan in fighting racism, fascism, nationalism and related intolerance - our key for success is the skill to adapt to new challenges and our courage to set an innovative course of action.The conference will, through working groups, plenary sessions and workshops, look at following specific issues: rise of right wing; revisionism and history interpretation; migration flows and migrantophobia; institutional racism; utilisation of propaganda and hate speech; human rights education; minorities and community cohesion; new challenges and new alternatives; future of international networking.Using the capacity of the international UNITED Network, its diverse supporters and experts in the anti-discrimination field across Europe, the conference will apply the sharing of good practices and know-how to develop innovative working tools and methods and build capacity for a stronger and more effective civil society.Through the working groups below, issues like the ones mentioned earlier will be discussed. Your contribution will be valuable....* Coming to Terms with the Past? Collective Memory: Perspectives and Challenges This working group analyse concepts of commemoration and what implications it has for historical-political education.* Open Europe? Present and Future of Migration This working group will analyse migration flows, migration policies and raise of migrantophobia in Europe.* Hate Speech vs Freedom of Expression: the Role of Propaganda What is the border between freedom of expression and hate speech?* Teach It! Human Rights in Action Developing antiracism educational strategies as a key to implement new actions.* Bring Us Together! Minorities in Europe Community cohesion through minority rights.* Move It! Civil Society Addressing New Challenges How to identify new priorities, new messages, new forms for civil society to address current challenges.UNITED is the largest pan-European anti-racist network of more than 560 organisations. Through its conferences antiracist and human rights activists from all parts of Europe meet and discuss effective ways of combating racism and discrimination. At a recent UNITED conference held in June 2009 in Sheffield (UK) more than 75 delegates representing organisations from 30 European countries analysed the current political situation in the UK, how to fight the political right, the relationship between propaganda and conflict, the role of subcultures in the antiracism movement and how to develop new strategies to improve cooperation and promote tolerance. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PROGRAM (draft)FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER Arrival of participants - Until ca 17.30 16.00 - GET DOCUMENTED! - Registration of participants 20.00 - 'Breaking the Blocks', Informal opening receptionSATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 09.30-11.00 * Welcome * What is the UNITED Network * Presentation of the national host: No Border Project - Social Action Centre (UA) * Program/team/technicalities * Personal introductions of participants11.15-12.30 'THE DANGER OF WORDS' Definitions and concepts most used in anti-racist / anti-discrimination work - Discussion groups -14.30-16.00 KEY ISSUES AND RACISM IN THE Ukraine * Nationalism and Patriotism in the UA * Minorities in Ukraine - Presentations and questions -16.15-18.00 THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS - Introduction of key issues - A. Coming to Terms with the Past? Collective Memory: Perspectives and Challenges B. Open Europe? Present and Future of Migration C. Hate Speech vs Freedom of Expression: the Role of Propaganda D. Teach It! Human Rights in Action E. Bring Us Together! Minorities in Europe F. Move It! Civil Society Addressing New Challenges20.30 INFO MARKET Present your Organisation, with the participation of regional NGOsSUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 09.30-11.00 RECIPES FOR ACTION - GOOD PRACTICES * Intercultural Navigator * An Encounter from the Very Beginning - Project presentations and questions -11.15-12.30 Continuation of the THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS - sharing practices -14.30-16.30 MINORITY VOICES * A European Minority: Roma * Building of Minority Network in Russia * Capacity Building of Minority Organisaitons - Presentations and questions -16.45-18.30 Continuation of the THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS - sharing practices -18.30-19.00 UNITE AGAINST RACISM - presentation and questions -21.00 POLITICAL CAFE optionalMONDAY 26 OCTOBER 09.30-11.00 Continuation of the THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS - developing strategies -11.15-12.30 RESULTS OF THE THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS - Presentation in plenary -14.30 FREE AFTERNOON * Visit to community project in Kiev * Guided tour in Kiev20.00-22.00 DINNER IN KIEV 22.00 FREE EVENING optional: Movie / Political CafeTUESDAY 27 OCTOBER 09.30-11.00 EMERGING ISSUES * Antiterrorism Legislation * Freedom of Religion * Islamophobia - Panel Discussion -11:15-12:30 GET ACTIVE, BE UNITED - Introduction to the workshops -14:30-16:00 GET ACTIVE, BE UNITED - Workshops - 1. Get Active and UNITED 2. Empowering Youth 3. Alternative Media 4. Advertisements against Racism 5. Monitoring 6. Use of Art in the Antidiscrimination Work16:15-17:30 From Words to Action: CIVIL COURAGE - Plenary session -17:30-18:00 OPEN FORUM with contributions of participants - Plenary session -18:00-19:00 EVALUATION of the conference & OFFICIAL CLOSING of the conference - Plenary session - 20.30 INTERCULTURAL EVENING & FAREWELL PARTYWEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER Departure of participants ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TECHNICAL INFO:Working methods ... plenary sessions, working groups, lectures, workshops, political cafes, presentations, debates, intercultural 'games', information market, cultural activities, open forum.Participants The conference is planned for about 70 participants (living in Europe) who represent (inter)national anti-racist, anti-fascist, refugee, human rights and minority rights organisations. Active grass-roots groups from all over Europe are also invited. Participation is rotated from one conference to another. Priority will be given to nominations from young delegates (under 30 years old) with a minority background. Preference is given to those organisations that actively take part in UNITED campaigns. Participants should act as multipliers, spreading the information to as many people as possible. We will try to reach an equal balance of female/male participants and a fair geographical distribution. Each organisation can nominate only ONE delegate.Language The conference language is English. All participants are expected to have at least basic knowledge of English. But don't worry, English is almost nobody's mother tongue. If you have difficulties in expressing yourself, surely we can help each other.Financial conditions Participation fee - travel costs The participation fee of the conference depends on the country where the nominating organisation is based:120 Euro for participants from group 1: A, B, CH, CY, D, DK, E, F, FL, FIN, GB, GR, I, IS, IRL, L, M, N, NL, P, S70 Euro for participants from group 2: BG, BH, CZ, EE, H, HR, LV, LT, MK, MNE, PL, RO, RS, SI, SK, TR, XZ40 Euro for participants from group 3: AL, ARM, AZ, BY, GE, KZ, KY, MD, RUS, UA, UZBFull board & lodging and the complete program is included.Organisations that paid their 2009 supporter fee to the UNITED Network will receive a 50% reduction of the participation fee. (how to become a supporter)Contribution to international travel costs Participants travelling from group 1 (A, B, CH, CY, D, DK, E, F, FIN, GB, GR, I, IS, IRL, L, M, N, NL, P, S): UNITED can contribute maximum 75% to the costs of your travel, not more than 275 Euro.Participants travelling from group 2 (BG, BH, CZ, EE, H, HR, LV, LT, MK, MNE, PL, RO, RS, SI, SK, TR, XZ ): UNITED can contribute maximum 90% to the costs of your travel, not more than 250 Euro.Participants travelling from group 3 (except UA) (AL, ARM, AZ, BY, GE, KZ, KY, MD, RUS, UZB): UNITED can contribute maximum 90% to the costs of your travel, not more than 300 Euro.Participants travelling from UA : UNITED can contribute maximum 90% to your travel costs (train, bus), not more than 100 Euro.Please look for the cheapest and most environmentally friendly possibility to travel. We strongly encourage you to travel by nighttrain, bus or other cheaper means of transport to Kiev. In order to be eligible for a contribution to your travel costs you will be expected to attend the whole meeting and to prove your travel expenses providing an original invoice and the original tickets to UNITED.The cost of your visa can be reimbursed by UNITED on the base of an original invoice from the Embassy. UNITED conferences can only take place when participants make an effort to contribute financially to their travel costs. We ask you to find out if there are alternative possibilities of funding your participation. Sometimes it is possible to find small local grants (e.g. a travel grant from a foundation, a university, an embassy or another sponsor). We would very much appreciate your help. Since we have limited sponsored places, delegates that can cover (part of) their own travel costs have a higher chance to be selected.Date and place The conference will take place near Kiev and will start on Friday afternoon 23 October 2009. Departure is foreseen for Wednesday. If you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer (on your own costs), we can help you to arrange your stay.Further information Please, note that sending the expression of interest form does not guarantee your participation in the conference.Only those candidates selected for participation (this will be known in mid September) will receive further information e.g. visa invitation, explanation 'how to get there', a final program, list of participants, etc.All candidates will be will be informed about the result of their selection via e-mail around mid September 2009.Application procedure Organisations interested in nominating a delegate should send their nomination (Expression of Interest form below) by email before the deadline: Sunday 29 August 2009 - 24:00 to kiev@unitedagainstracism.org----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EXPRESSION OF INTEREST:UNITED Conference: 'UNITED We Build the Future!' Empowering Civil Society to Face New Challenges 23-28 October in Kiev (UA)Name organisation: Name organisation in English: Abbreviation name organisation: Organisation's address: Street: Postal code: City: Country: Phone organisation: Mobile phone organisation: Fax organisation: E-mail organisation: Website organisation:First name delegate: Family name delegate: Date of birth: Male: Female: Private e-mail delegate: E-mail address to send conference documents: Personal phone/mobile where you can be reached in emergencies: Phone: Mobile phone:Special needs (vegetarian, no pork, allergies, disabilities etc.):Do you consider yourself to be part of a minority? No: Yes: (please, specify)Motivation and aims for participating:Please describe the work you are doing and the specific projects you have been involved in:Describe your skills (eg. leading a working group, reporting):What languages can you work with?:Indicate the field(s) of your activity: put a cross before the relevant field(s) [ ] Anti-nationalism [ ] Anti-racism [ ] Anti-fascism [ ] Migrant / minority rights [ ] Refugee support [ ] Human rights [ ] Youth work [ ] Roma issues [ ] General Discrimination [ ] Other:Which working group would you like to attend? Indicate only two priorities; put '1' (first priority) and '2' (second choice) before the relevant working groups[ ] A - Coming to Terms with the Past? Collective Memory: Perspectives and Challenges [ ] B - Open Europe? Present and Future of Migration [ ] C - Hate Speech vs Freedom of Expression: the Role of Propaganda [ ] D - Teach It! Human Rights in Action [ ] E - Bring Us Together! Minorities in Europe [ ] F - Move It! Civil Society Addressing New ChallengesPlease explain your choice and describe in which way you could contribute to these 2 working groups:Have you personally experienced racism and/or discrimination? No: Yes: (please, specify)How will you share the experience of the conference after your return in your organisation, community, country?Would you need financial support from UNITED for your travel costs?[ ] No, I / My organisation will cover the travel costs[ ] Yes If yes: How much will be the total costs of your travel to Kiev? .......... Euro Country/City you will start your travel from: How much contribution would you need from UNITED? .......... EuroBefore answering this question please read the maximum contribution to travel costs, under technical information Since we have limited sponsored places, delegates that can cover (part of) their own travel costs have a higher chance to be selected.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For those who will need a visa: (please attach copy of your passport)First name (as it is written in the passport): Family name (as it is written in the passport): Private address of the delegate: Street: Postal code: City: Country:Place of birth: Country of birth: Citizenship: Number of passport: Passport valid until:Ukrainian embassy where you will get your visa (city/country): Fax, phone of Ukrainian embassy where you will get your visa:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please send this form as soon as possible by e-mail to: kiev@unitedagainstracism.org. Deadline 29 August 2009Candidates will be will be informed about the result of their selection via e-mail around mid September 2009----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*********************************************************** We depend on YOUR help in 2009!UNITED is not rich and has no stable income ! Though far most of the work at the UNITED secretariat is done voluntary - still money is needed to keep the network functioning in 2009 and to secure the cooperation and information flow throughout Europe.Your donation is most welcome: - in cash to UNITED Postbus 413 NL-1000 AK Amsterdam - by bank (preferable) to: UNITED, Postbus 413 NL-1000 AK Amsterdam Account IBAN: NL28 INGB 0002343715, BIC: INGBNL2A - Bank: ING Bank Amsterdam, Postbus 1800, NL-1000 BV Amsterdam (>From NL: ING Bank 2343715)***********************************************************UNITED is the pan-European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees, supported by over 560 organisations in 46 European countries. 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