OPEN CALL- Community Leaders (MYA Programme), Anna Lindh Foundation

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OPEN CALL- Community Leaders (MYA Programme), Anna Lindh Foundation

Opportunity type : Calls for Proposals

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CALLING ALL ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE EURO-MED!

About the Transformative Youth in Action Programme

Step into the world of transformative action with MYA!

This call is designed to empower young community leaders to create tangible and lasting impact in their communities.

Through MYA, young community leaders from both shores of the Euro-Mediterranean region are invited to implement grassroots initiatives that inspire community-led solutions to address home needs, while promoting inclusion. It is a call for hands-on involvement and real change.

Selected initiatives will act as inspiring prototypes at the local level, showcasing the relevance and effectiveness of community action on the broader Euro-Mediterranean scale.

This call offers an extraordinary opportunity for young leaders to unleash their creativity and drive lasting, positive change in society. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be a part of something truly meaningful, MYA is calling your name. Join us, and let’s turn vision into action!

What should your initiative be like?

Your initiatives should be locally transformative, and they should directly address clearly identified community needs. Applicants are encouraged to showcase how their projects contribute to inter-cultural dialogue, diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities in their communities. The initiatives must bear an impact in Euro-Med communities in any of the eligible countries and address relevant priorities introduced under the Pact for the Mediterranean (more info on https://north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu/joint-communication-pact-mediterranean_en).

In your application, you should demonstrate why your project is unique and how it effectively addresses the identified need or problem. Initiatives can have a social, economic, or public policy focus, provided they directly address the community challenges identified and seek to achieve inclusion, yielding sustainable results.

TY: Step-by-Step Guide

Embark on a vibrant journey with the ALF by acquainting yourself with the process. Here is a detailed breakdown to guide you seamlessly through each step:

Application submission

You will start your journey with MYA by applying by the set deadline, while ensuring that you meet the criteria listed below, and demonstrating your commitment to contributing to the Euro-Med vision. This includes the submission of an outline for a transformative initiative of up to 500 words. The outlines should depict transformative initiatives at the local level, addressing community needs and promoting inclusion in an innovative manner.

Online practical training (up to 75 pre-selected young community leader initiatives)

A selection committee will pre-screen the most transformative outlines (up to 75). If your proposed outline is among the pre-selected 75, you will be invited to engage with an enriching online training programme. Led by expert facilitators, this training will bolster your skills in project cycle management, communication, and dissemination, preparing you for the subsequent phases.

Extended proposal

Following the online practical training, you will be tasked with developing an extended proposal, providing a detailed description of your initiatives, a budget breakdown and relevant indicators. Based on the evaluation of the extended proposal and a set of final selection criteria, up to 35 initiatives will be selected for award.

Face-to-face kick-off engaging meeting (up to 35 selected young community leaders)

The selected young transformative leaders will convene for an immersive in-person kick-off meeting in one of the Euro-Med countries. This meeting offers a unique platform for sharing approaches, refining methodologies through peer reviews, and fostering collective engagement. Special attention will be given to reviewing all aspects of the proposed initiatives, ensuring clarity in narrative and financial reporting. Moreover, this gathering presents a unique opportunity to foster a sense of community and collaboration on the Euro-Med scale, enhancing connectivity and synergy among young leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Implementation of community-based transformative initiatives

With up to 8,000 euros, the selected young community leaders will implement their initiatives, emphasising multiplier effects and alliances with local entities. Robust measures, including online intermediate sessions and continuous accompaniment, will be in place to maximise results and address potential challenges.

Face-to-face evaluation and results-sharing meeting

Around 35 selected young community leaders will be invited to participate in a face-to-face event that brings together youth, decision-makers, stakeholders from the Euro-Mediterranean region, and beneficiaries under the other MYA Programme areas and beyond. It provides a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and addressing key issues related to youth empowerment and intercultural dialogue. The event will provide the opportunity to evaluate the methodology applied and to improve future editions.

The applicants will benefit from

1. Skills enhancement & capacity building opportunities

Elevate project management, communication, and transformative leadership skills through an online training programme. And participate in a kick-off meeting in person in one of the Euro-Mediterranean countries for peer review and discussions. Refine methodologies, build connections, and prepare for the initiative’s implementation phase.

2. Financial support (up to 35 selected young community leaders)

Receive up to 8,000 euros for implementing community-level initiatives.

3. Networking opportunities

Connect with leaders, stakeholders, and civil society representatives. Build a robust network for potential collaborations and future endeavours.

4. Evaluation and learning support

Receive continuous accompaniment and support. Engage in online intermediate sessions, ensuring timely and collaborative problem-solving. The ALF Secretariat is committed to supporting participants at every stage.

5. Enhanced visibility of your initiative

Actively contribute to communication initiatives, creating diverse content to share your insights. These will include direct testimonies from the young community leaders about your experiences and knowledge gained during your participation in the MYA Programme. Ad-hoc financial support will be provided for these contributions.

Additional benefits

1. Participation in Euro-Mediterranean dialogues and ALF Youth Conference

As a selected young community leader, your journey with the ALF offers an exclusive opportunity to actively engage in participatory and policy dialogues in the Euro-Mediterranean region. This includes participation in events such as: ALF Dialogues, ALF Youth Conference, etc.

Young leaders who have shown excellence in implementing their initiatives will have the opportunity to actively participate in dynamic events and dialogues organised at the Euro-Mediterranean scale, amplifying youth voices and perspectives, fostering dialogue, and connecting with stakeholders and peers across the region. Participating in these events not only enhances your visibility and network but also provides a u

2. MYA Alumni

Being pre-selected and completing the online training programme automatically grants you membership in the MYA Alumni scheme, a growing and dynamic community of young change-makers from across the Euro-Mediterranean region. As a MYA Alumnus/a, you will have the opportunity to attend and actively participate in the upcoming Alumni activities, keeping you connected to the MYA network well beyond your initial engagement with the Programme.