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Call for Applications: WSCF-AP Regional Program on Peacebuilding & Dialogue in the Korean Peninsula

The World Student Christian Federation Asia-Pacific (WSCF-AP) is organizing a Regional Program on Peacebuilding and Dialogue, hosted by the Korea Student Christian Federation (KSCF). Thirty-three students and youth are expected to gather in Seoul, Korea between 17-24th August 2018, for sustainable peace, as they reflect on the theme: A Prophetic Call for Peace-Ecumenical Students & Youth for Sustainable Peace in Korean Peninsula.

WSCF Europe (WSCF-E) would like to invite SCM members from our Europe region to participate in this event and represent WSCF-E in Korea.

Sunita Suna, WSCF-AP Regional Executive and Identity, Diversity and Dialogue (IDD) Program Leader, describes the event, as follows:

“It’s timely to hold this regional level program together with the KSCF as we witness the historic Inter-Korean Summit for peace and reunification in Korean Peninsula. The international ecumenical student/ youth community’s presence will bring solidarity to the people of Korea as they pursue the peace process, but also our presence will help us in strengthening the network and relations with the students and youth of Korea, to work together for sustainable peace in the Korean peninsula. The presence of international community in Seoul this year is also significant as KSCF is celebrating its 70^thanniversary of their ecumenical journey among the student community in campuses, Churches, and in Korean society. They will have an opportunity to celebrate together with KSCF witnessing KSCF’s mission and ministry for the last 70 years! We are very much looking forward to having you for the said program in Seoul, Korea.”

Applicants must cover the airfare and the registration fees of $100 (USD). WSCF-AP and KSCF will take care of the board and lodging, and the expenses for the exposure to DMZ.

Read the concept paper and a tentative schedule for more information on the program, and apply today. Online registration is open and the registration form can be filled in here. The deadline for applications is 30th June (extended).Please also email WSCF-E, at communications@wscf-europe.org, when filling-in the application, informing us about your participation.

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June 19th, 2018 12:46 pm | Continue Reading
Call for participants: Study Session “How is Peace Possible”
‘How is Peace Possible?’

Study session, 22-26 October 2018, France

What is the event about?

“How is Peace Possible” conference will bring more than 25 young people from Europe and the Middle East to ask questions as – what is peace for Christianity and other religions? How do our laws/institutions ensure peace? We will discuss what is it to have peace on inter personal, community and institutional/country level. We will want to mobilize ourselves, young people within Europe or worldwide to create awareness, explore concepts of peace, advocate, take action and commit to an everlasting world peace.

During the study session we will approach the topic from different perspectives. We will speak about case studies and invite you as our participants to contribute your own experience. Finally we hope to find ways to get actively engaged for peace, we will provide you with toolboxes that help you to become ambassadors of peace in your home countries.

Peace is the ability to respect differences within our diverse global community transcending the sovereignty of nations. Peace on earth begins in the heart of each person. It is first of all our hearts that have to be changed- welcoming a peace that will spread out and be communicated from one person to another.

Achieve inner peace and thousands around you will be saved.

(Seraphim of Sarov, a Russian monk, 1759-1833) .

Peace ensures human dignity and guarantees humanity is preserved for future generations. Sometimes it takes a generation to be great. You can be that generation.”

Nelson Mandela

Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. I am not unmindful of the fact that violence often brings about momentary results. Nations have frequently won their independence in battle. But in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Where?

France, Strasbourg, CoE European Youth Centre.

Dates

Arrival – Sunday 21 October and departure Saturday 27 October

Who can attend?

The study session is open to all member movements of WSCF-Europe and also to our partner youth organisations. This event is also open to a small number of members of WSCF from the Middle East region too.

Application details:

Fill in the application form by 25th July 2018.

Financial contribution:
- the participation fee is 50 €
- Travel expenses are covered 100% under strict documentation requirements
Organizers:

Christiane Gebauer, WSCF-E Program Coordinator

Zuzana Babicova, WSCF-E Chairperson

Natia Tsintsadze, WSCF-E Executive

Stefan Manevski (Educational Advisor, CoE)

Ramy Farouk (WSCF Middle East representative)

Elena Andreescu (SCM France)

Kam Suan Mung (SCM Germany)

The study session draft agenda is now available here.

For any enquiries, contact the Study session Coordinator Christiane Gebauer programs2@wscf-europe.org.

The project is financially supported by the Council of Europe Youth Department, the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission.
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May 29th, 2018 12:43 pm | Continue Reading
Francesca Vincenzi

Francesca Vincenzi

Communications and Office Intern

Hi, my name is Francesca and I work as an intern of WSCF-E. I live in Italy and I am currently studying in Trento. My studies are in the area of linguistic intermediation for tourism and business, indeed I study English and German.

I have known WSCF-E in 2018 and I’m glad to collaborate with this organization because I really share the same values and I’d like to give my contribution in order to enjoy a better world. With regard to my work experience, I have worked as entertainer in a summer camp of a church, furthermore I have given a little help, taking care of the bureaucracy in an representative office based in Umbria, where I come from.

I spend my free time taking photos and riding; I love travel and discover new places and culture, taking pictures to some breath-taking view. I am also passionate about horses, I took part in some jumping competition but with the beginning of the university I had to interrupt my great passion. In the future I hope I will keep in touch with WSCF-E and to be part of this big community.

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March 16th, 2018 3:28 am | Continue Reading
Call for the participant: ACT Alliance Assembly, Sweden 28 Oct-1 Nov 2018

You can become the delegate of WSCF at the ACT Alliance General Assembly which will take place in Uppsala, Sweden from 28 October to 1 November 2018, under the theme “Hope in action – Putting People First”. The General Assembly is ACT Alliance’s highest decision-making body and highest representation of the life of ACT Alliance members, where delegates of ACT member organisations will determine the future strategic direction of ACT, elect ACT governance for the next term, review the membership model and statutes, as well as share experiences about issues facing the membership and worship together celebrating cultural diversity. The Assembly will close with a Joint Day with the WCC Executive Committee focused on Ecumenical Diakonia and Sustainable Development. Please regularly check our ACT assembly website for information and updates: www.actassembly.org

Finances: travel costs & conference fee will be covered jointly by WSCF and ACT Alliance

How to apply?
Please send the motivation letter to Zuzana Babicova at chair@wscf-europe by 11 March 2018 outlining your interest in the assembly and membership of the movement. This is a call for nomination open to members of WSCF-Europe network.

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March 5th, 2018 12:44 pm | Continue Reading
We are searching for conference preparation team members!
Volunteers are essential to the success of WSCF-E events. So join us and let us do something special together! We are looking for you to help us organize a conference on the topic How is Peace Possible, which will take place from 22 to 26 October 2018 in France! You can
- become part of a team that, from April to October 2018, will prepare the conference;
- take on a big responsibility with other volunteers and help this event be a success;
- challenge yourself, develop new skills in public relations work, time management and team work and realize your potential;
- contribute your own knowledge, experience and talents;
- connect with other Christian students, gain experience working in an international team and have a fun time together.
Preparations will include two in-person meetings of the volunteer leadership team in France-one in June and the other one shortly before the conference

If you would like to get a taste of how it is to be in a Preparatory Committee, read this reflection by Pavlina Manavska, or this one by Annika Foltin, or this one by James Jackson.

To apply to become a volunteer, please fill in the application form by 20 March 2018 (extended).

We look forward to hearing from you and to create our team!
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February 14th, 2018 6:47 pm | Continue Reading
Call for the participant: ‘Digitalisation & the future of work & social relations’

What is the conference about?
The conference will bring together delegates from Churches and Church organisations across Europe who work on or are concerned with social questions relating to labour, employment policies and economy, and who expect new insights and reflections from a European discussion. Digitalisation has become one of the most discussed topics in Europe and beyond. The Digital Single Market is a key priority for the European Commission. The states in Europe have set up plans to strengthen their digital potential and the fear of governments is to be left behind concerning expected economic growth and the creation of new jobs if one is not part of this very dynamic development.One main question is how digitalisation will affect the labour market more and more and shape social relations. This question relates not only to the concern that many jobs might be lost and unemployment will rise again as a result of automation and the use of robots, but incorporates also the discussion about how the profile and conditions of labour will evolve – through more automation and new forms of work (online platforms, sharing economy etc.). There is no doubt that this technological process will have implications for social relations. That is why we would like to invite you to a European discussion for the churches in Europe. Quality of work, working conditions and the development of social relations are essential topics for churches, grounded in the wisdom of the dignity of every person created in the image of God and appointed to work for the protection but also flourishing of creation and for the common good. The conference will raise awareness, exchange theological and social-ethical perspectives, and develop tools to use at home but also in European discussions. Furthermore, the conference will contribute to the CEC-Assembly 2018 (31 May – 6 June 2018) in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Location: Germany, Berlin 23-25 April

Organizer: CEC CALL-network. CALL stands for “Church Action on Labour and Life”. The CALL-network has gone through a process of revision in the last years, supported and requested by the CEC Governing Board. The CALL-conference will bring together delegates from Churches and Church organisations across Europe who work on or are concerned with social questions relating to labour, employment policies and economy, and who expect new insights and reflections from a European discussion.

Finances: travel costs & conference fee 280 euro (WSCF-E and the organizer CEC can subsidize your costs if necessary)

How to apply?
Please send the motivation letter to Zuzana Babicova at chair@wscf-europe by 1st March 2018 outlining your interest in the conference. This is a call for nomination open to members of WSCF-Europe network.

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February 7th, 2018 9:29 pm | Continue Reading
Call for a Campaign Volunteer
About the campaign “One for All. All for One”

In 2018 WSCF-Europe will be leading a campaign titled “One for All. All for One.” We are forming a virtual network of young activists to widely disseminate positive narrative to hate speech, violent extremism and all forms of discrimination. Our work will start in May with the training in Sicily where we will form a group of committed people who will become goodwill ambassador and will represent media literacy generation locally working across Europe. Online platform for collaboration and sharing and regular webinars will be aiding competencies of the group throughout the campaign period. A documentary movie will be produced to capture legacy after the campaign.

We are looking for a young person who will join us from March until November 2018 working with us in the core campaign team.

Your role in the 6 members’ core team shall involve assistance in :
- Motivating and supporting young people to plan and implement local activities
- Ensuring that there are materials and resources
- Facilitating and supporting cooperation between local groups and European level
- Organising webinars
- Campaign dissemination
How to apply:

Send your motivation letter outlining how you would like to contribute to the campaign to Pavlina Manavska at campaigns@wscf-europe.org by 1 March. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Campaign team members

Pavlina Manavska (Campaign Coordinator)

Natia Tsintsadze (core team member, WSCF-Europe staff)

Zuzana Babicova (core team member, WSCF-Europe Chair)

An expert trainer from the Council of Europe’s Youth Sector Trainers Pool
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February 7th, 2018 6:47 pm | Continue Reading
Call for Mozaik Editor-in-Chief
Mozaik is the ecumenical journal of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) Europe Region. It was established in 1992 and is published twice a year (mostly) in English, in connection with the thematic conferences of the four interest groups (theology, culture and higher education, solidarity and gender) of WSCF Europe. The editorial board of Mozaik consists of four people: the editor-in-chief, the Chairperson of WSCF-E or other board member, Journal Illustrator, Communications Officer, and the Art editor.

The responsibilities
- Solicit, receive and process new contributions to the journal issue
- communicating with the contributors and editors; finding and communicating with an art editor and an illustrator; editing the texts and the journal; carrying final responsibility for the publication, thematic coherence and political correctness of the journal, in accordance with the editorial policy of Mozaik.
- supervise/coordinate the illustrator and Art Editor
- maintain and enhance the journal’s quality and reputation
- maintaining contact with and reporting to the WSCF European Regional Committee (ERC)
- to serve as ambassador for the journal- representing the Mozaik at WSCF-E events as able;
  - Chair and Communications Officer: drafting the call for articles; recruitment of other team member support. Art editor: shaping the design and the visual profile of the journal; art editing the journal; and maintaining contact with the printing house which is currently in Budapest, Hungary.
Essential requirements
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age
- Excellent English
- breadth of knowledge in the various topics
- A well-organised with an ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
- editorial work experience
Desirable requirements
- experience with WSCF or other Church/ecumenical work
Remuneration:

500 EUR per issue. 4 Issues (2018-2021 approx)

How to apply:

Interested applicants should send a CV (including, if relevant, past and present WSCF involvement and highlighting personal skills in regard to the job description), a one to two-page mission and vision statement for their work with Mozaik (including editorial philosophy), and two samples of publications which they have previously edited to the WSCF Europe chairperson, Zuzana Babicova, at the following address: chair@wscf-europe.org by 10 March 2018.

Responsibilities for the new editor will begin upon selection, where she or he will start by working in partnership with the current editor-in-chief, James Jackson.

If you have further questions about this process, please contact Zuzana Babicova(chair@wscf-europe.org) or James Jackson at james-jackson@email.com. Past issues of Mozaik are available for review at http://wscf-europe.org/resources/mozaik/pass-issues/, and more recent issues are available at https://issuu.com/wscfeurope , as well as upon request from the WSCF Europe Office.
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February 5th, 2018 6:48 pm | Continue Reading
Call fo the Religions for Peace International Youth Committee (IYC)
Call for the Europe youth representative for the Religions for Peace International Youth Committee (IYC)

What is IYC?

WSCF-Europe is a member of Religions for Peace- European Interfaith Youth Network. IYC is representing the world’s faith traditions from six continents, leads Religions for Peace Global Interfaith Youth Network. European network – EIYN- is one of 6 regional networks of the Global Interfaith Youth Network.

Europe has 3 representatives on this global committee. As one of the representatives stepped down from the IYC this year, there is one vacant position for Europe. Two of the other European members of IYC are: Rupal Maru and Thomas Gilet.

Since Religions for Peace strive for a religious balance among the members and two members of IYC from Europe are Muslim and Hindu leaders, IYC is looking forward to receive nominations from young Christian leaders.

Are you
- A youth leader who would enthusiastically contribute to the Global Interfaith Youth Network?
- Do you have knowledge and experience in inter-religious cooperation for peace at the national, regional and/or global level?
How to apply?

See the nomination form attached and please email it to Zuzana Babicova at chair@wscf-europe by 9 February.

Being a member of IYC can give you a great opportunity of getting involved in interfaith work on global level and participating in different events all around of world.

More about the European Interfaith Youth Network

http://eiyn.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/rfp.eiyn

https://twitter.com/rfpeiyn
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January 27th, 2018 3:06 pm | Continue Reading
Sanja Siročić

Sanja Siročić

Mozaik Illustrator

Sanja is a 28 year old girl from Zagreb, Croatia. Born and raised there where she finished college in the field of landscape architecture and gained a masters degree. But her love was always in the arts, mostly drawing, painting and clay modeling in which she also has some education and is making it a part of her professional life more each day. Nowadays she is living on Tenerife, traveling, exploring, doing yoga and getting inspired for future creations.

She uses illustration as her ‘go to’ tool to express herself and tell stories about her experiences, travels and strong impressions she gets from all of them. She feels most comfortable working traditionally with paper and pen, puts a lot of attention to fine detail in her graphics and work in general, and is also exploring digital painting. The main purpose of her work is in expression and creation itself with which she wishes to inspire others and make changes in and around themselves.

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January 18th, 2018 3:46 pm | Continue Reading

‘How is Peace Possible?’

Study session, 22-26 October 2018, France

What is the event about?

Where?

Who can attend?

Application details:

Financial contribution:

Francesca Vincenzi

Communications and Office Intern

Sanja Siročić

Mozaik Illustrator