AEGEE-Warszawa has been elected as ACTive Local of the month because of the activities that they organized for the European Day of Languages and the Week of Global Education, and also as recognition for their more than famous Christmas postcrossing. We talked with Mariana Gasparska and Vladyslav Obushko, two members of the Polish local, to know more about the activities they carried out.

Which emotions did you have when you know that AEGEE-Warszawa was chosen as ACTive local of November?
Marianna Gasparska: We were very surprised, but also excited. For us the thematic events related to Focus Areas and fulfill the objectives of Action Agenda are very important and valuable. We strongly believe in that and by organizing such activities like Global Education Workshop,  European Day of Languages and Christmas Postcrossing we can help in fulfilling the Action Agenda and contribute to the mission and vision of AEGEE. We are also delighted  to hear that our work has been recognised and we can share with the network more info about our initiatives.

Why did you decide to organise these activities?
Marianna Gasparska: For the 7th time in a row we decided to involved AEGEE members in our Christmas Postcrossing initiative. People from all over Europe made friendships through sending each other postcards and little gifts. We wanted to prove that distances and borders don’t matter and we can spread easily the multicultural christmas joy. Through Global Education Workshop we wanted to educate our members on the importance of using natural resources and how to use mobile phones in a smart way. Lastly, we decided to organise the European Day of Languages event, because we think, that sharing information about the culture and language of a foreign country is very important and can ease the understanding of other people.

Vladyslav Obushko: On this regard, I love to share information about my country, and this event helped Polish people to understand better their neighbour – Ukraine.

What was the result of your activity? (I.e.: how many people participated, what were the opinions about it, etc.)
Marianna Gasparska: Around 20 people participated in the Global Education Workshop. They actively took part in the discussion on how can we decrease our negative influence on the environment. Christmas Postcrossing is very popular among all AEGEE members. This year over 900 people took part in it, so it means that 900 participants have made new friends around Europe, what is another step in building united Europe. 20 participant took part in the European Day of Languages event and they really loved it, because they could learn more about Ukraine and had a possibility to try some Ukrainian sweets, which were delicious.

Vladyslav Obushko: This event broke some myths about Ukraine people  and culture. It also brought basic information about living and environment in Ukraine.

How do you inform your members of the Action Agenda/Strategic Plan?
Marianna Gasparska: In every LTC we organise a workshop about AEGEE where our members learn about the structure of the organisation and its aims. Participants are also informed about Focus Areas, Action Agenda and Strategic Plan brainstorming on possible projects that can contribute to the mission of AEGEE. Before every Agora we organiase a meeting for our members too, where they can learn about it and be more prepared for the statutory event.

Do you have any other activities related to the Action Agenda/Strategic Plan plan?
Marianna Gasparska: Our antenna also organised workshops about Excel and contracts on employment, which are connected to Youth Development. In March, AEGEE-Warszawa and European Citizenship Working Group organised the conference Citizenship at its Grassroots about the state of democracy in Europe. Another activity related to the Action Agenda was the Mini European School on self development as an Agora Kraków pre-event.

Why should other locals organise activities related to the Action Agenda/Strategic Plan?
Marianna Gasparska: Activities related to the Action Agenda/ Strategic Plan are very important for AEGEE’s values. If every local organises an event, which is connected with Action Agenda/Strategic Plan, AEGEE could have even a bigger impact on the European Environment and fighting against the anti EU-movements, which are gaining some strength.

Do you have any tips for organising thematic activities?
Marianna Gasparska: Organising local thematic activities is a great way to develop members’ leadership skills and contribute to the AEGEE’s vision. If a local wants to organise a thematic activity, it should gather people who are interested in this specific area. The Board should also support them by giving some guidelines.

Can you tell us a bit more about your local? (Founded in, members, active members, committees you have, etc.)
Marianna Gasparska: AEGEE-Warszawa was founded in 1992. We have around 60 members and 20 active ones, regularly involved in local activities. We have also a few members being part of European Bodies, that help us even more to stay connected with AEGEE-Europe.

When it comes to the way we organise our work. Members are divided into project groups responsible for specific events. They usually meet every second Tuesday during Projects’ Meeting. We have bigger events plan in advance but we also welcome new initiatives coming from our members that can make them happen with the support of other members.

Written by Cristina de la Parte, Action Agenda Coordination Committee

AEGEE-Warszawa and the European Citizenship Working Group have great things in store for this spring. With Citizenship at its Grassroots-European and Polish Perspectives, they want to explore the current situation of democracy and the rule of law in Europe and Poland during a three-days event in March. We reached out to Patrycja Figarska, from AEGEE-Warszawa, and Álvaro González Pérez and Jasmin Kaiser from the European Citizenship Working Group to ask them about this upcoming event!

The AEGEEan: Congratulations on your event. How did you come up with the idea to organise it?

Patrycja: Back in September in Catania, the ECWG and AEGEE-Warszawa shared a similar idea of organising together a conference that will bring Europe closer to its citizens and tackle topics that are current and important for youth. The state of democracy, rule of law, and the approach to European values is something that is being challenged and questioned recently in Poland and other countries. Therefore, we have decided to raise awareness on these issues and invite you to take part in the discussion about the state of democracy and rule of law.

What is the current situation in Poland and why do you think holding this event there is important?

Patrycja: More than 25 years after the fall of communism, once an example for others after its successful fight for freedom and democracy, Poland is now a cause of international worry. Over a period of two years new laws and regulations regarding the justice system have been adopted, and this lead to crowds of demonstrators taking the streets of Poland to protest against the reform, the European Commission triggering Article 7 against Poland, the Polish government not accepting the EU concerns regarding the rule of law, thus rising tensions between Poland and the EU.

Developments in Poland show that the democratisation process never finishes and it is important to understand its development and take an action when necessary. Considering the past and present situation of democracy in Poland we believe Warsaw is a perfect place to discuss its state in Europe.

In your opinion, what should be the role of the rule of law in Europe and how can we AEGEEans contribute to it?

Álvaro: The rule of law should be the same everywhere, be it Europe, Japan, Brasil, or Libya: the principle by which every individual or entity is accountable to a certain and popularly accepted set of rules in a fair and equal way.

As AEGEEans we all agree (or we hope we do) that this is a fundamental principle that should be respected everywhere. Now, the way in which we can contribute to it is essentially tricky: we can and should lobby for it as much as our tools and means allow us, for example by organising a conference on the topic. However, when it comes to specific examples of deficit of rule of law, especially in countries where AEGEE is present, unfortunately we cannot be so open, simply because there’s a risk on it that involves AEGEE as a whole, and particularly the AEGEEans from that country.

Jasmin: As the rule of law cannot be taken for granted in any European country, it is each citizen’s duty to fight for it – constantly. Young people, especially AEGEEans, should act as role models and actively make use of democratic tools such as public discussions or direct contact with political representatives. It’s easy to ignore us, if the youth does not raise its voices.

Can you give us some sneak peeks of the programme?

Jasmin: The programme is going to be as diverse as the event description promises by bringing European and Polish perspectives together. There are various different session formats, ranging from informative input lessons to panel discussion and interactive workshops. In times of fake news we will profit from the expertise of high level speakers who will try to set an equal basis of knowledge for each and everyone. Coming from different backgrounds, such as European and Polish academia, politics or civil society, guest speakers will represent contrasting positions and open the discussion with participants in a fruitful and balanced atmosphere. In general, the programme is tailored to active Polish and non-Polish participants who want to be heard. Ideally the opinions and outcomes of the conference will be published on national and European media and used to confront decision makers. Friday to Sunday will grant a tight schedule which requires an attentive brain, thus participants are invited to take the opportunity to discover the city and relax with AEGEE-Warszawa on Thursday.

Who would be the ideal participant and how can they apply?

Álvaro: The first aspect we had in mind when thinking of the participants was the mixture of both international and Polish participants, mainly because of the fundamentally different perspectives that one has depending on one living in or out of Poland.

The second aspect we all agreed on was the fact that we want both AEGEEans and non-AEGEEans to be present at the conference in order to avoid the constraints that limiting ourselves to the views of exclusively AEGEE members brings along with it. Since the conference is open to all young Europeans who do not necessarily have to be AEGEE members we encourage you to share this open call with all of your friends!

As a whole, we obviously want participants that are interested in the topics of democracy and rule of law. This does not mean that there’s an expertise requirement. The same way our speakers will come from different backgrounds and fields of expertise, we expect our participants to be as heterogeneous as one could imagine.

In order to apply, you have to fill it this formulary.

If AEGEEan, also the intranet form.

And of course, clicking attend to the Facebook event!

Tell us three reasons to visit Warsaw and attend your event.

Patrycja: I. Multiple Perspectives – speakers coming from different backgrounds, local and international participants bringing diverse experiences from their home countries will create a mixture of high quality thematic content that will enrich your knowledge on the topic.

II. State of Democracy – a core value of AEGEE. Therefore, in the times when its principles are under threat we should make an effort to critically assess the situation and take and active role in shaping the presence and influencing the future we want to live in.

III. Warsaw – a city you will fall in love with while experiencing its rich history and different faces. Also called a “phoenix city” as it has been rebuilt from ruins after World War II. It is a place full of contrasts – a mixture of the old and the new, of historical monuments and modern architecture, of traditional and alternative places.

Decide on your own reasons to take part in “Citizenship at its Grassroots” conference and join us in March in Warsaw!

We all know that “AEGEE strives for a democratic, diverse and borderless Europe, which is socially, economically and politically integrated […]”. But what kind of political and economic models do we have in mind when we say this? Are we federalists? Do we wish to see a Europe of regions? Is common currency the best way to go?

European high-level politicians, philosophers and artists are discussing a “New Narrative for Europe”, the raison d’être of the EU today, more than 60 years after its creation. It is a good moment to discuss where we stand in this discussion.

And that is why we would like to invite you to take part in this conference with the topic of “New Narrative for Europe: towards Europe of citizens”. The event will take place between the 7th and 9th of April in Warszawa and it is supported by the European Commission.

The conference will have an interactive methodology consisting of round tables with politicians and activists, workshops and debates. During the Idea Factory sessions, participants will work on solutions to the current European challenges. The ideas will be formed into the Manifesto that will be addressed to European decision-makers.

The core team consists of  three very active AEGEE members: Mateusz Muszalski – President of the Audit Commission, Joanna Pankowska- member of Civic Education Working Group and last but not least, our President Aleksandra Kluczka. The event will also be a good opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with representatives from the political world, civil society, academia and media. Among many of the invited prestigious guests, we are happy to already announce Marcin Święcicki; Member of Polish Parliament and President of European Movement Poland. 

Keep an eye on our updates about the other guests and details of the event!

Dates: 7-9.04.2016

Location: Warszawa

Fee with hostel lodging: 30 Euro

Fee without hostel lodging: 50 PLN/15 Euro

For participants from Poland travel reimbursement is available.

Apply by sending your answer to the question “What in your opinion are the biggest challenges for Europe nowadays?” to newnarratives@aegee.org before the 28th of March 2016 at 23:59 CET. Here you can find the program of the event. 

Written by Joanna Pankowskwa, AEGEE-Warszawa

Christmas Postcrossing has reached its fourth edition this year and it only feels like yesterday that AEGEE-Warszawa first announced on Facebook a new and interesting event. If you don’t know what we are talking about, then read this article and find out more about the story behind it. We had a little talk with Wiola Rudnicka, the organiser of this edition to tell us more about it. 

Paulo Magalhães, initiator of Postcrossing from Portugal

The AEGEEan: Let’s begin by telling us how, when and where did this initiative start? 

Wiola: The idea of Postcrossing started few years ago, and the first edition was not Christmas Postcrossing but Summer Holidays Postcrossing coordinated by Aneta Bielicka, the PR responsible at the time. Last edition was coordinated by the current president of AEGEE-Warszawa, Marta Pąk. My history started during one of our AEGEE weekly meetings. Marta described a few projects, and between other this one, and after she finished I offered to coordinate it. For me the idea is fantastic and I love receiving Christmas cards. [she smiles]

How does it work exactly?

The main task and the hardest is to send all e-mails to everyone with details about all the addresses and members, but before you do it you need to send the application form, where you need to write your personal details and something about yourself. It was not obligatory and not everyone did this, but some of the applicants wrote really nice and very, very long descriptions and their feelings about Christmas. It was very nice to read some of them. [she smiles]

Then you must remind people about this event on Facebook and spread the information among your friends. The closer to the deadline, the more you remind AEGEEans about filling in the form. This is the hardest work; it is like a three-day “date” with your laptop, while sending e-mails all the time with few breaks to eat something and trying to have a little break for your eyes and your backbone.

When it is over, you feel satisfaction that you have done, but later you need to remind people to send their Christmas cards. I am sure that 80% of them unfortunately will not be received before Christmas, but still it will be nice to receive them anyway. For the coordinator, the best time is when you can see all the Christmas cards uploaded on Facebook and you are happy that they received something, which they were expecting so much for so long.

At the end you just enjoy watching all cards and of course, the one that you are going to receive. I really cannot wait to receive the one that was prepared for me and I am full of hope that mine will also be delivered someday.

How many applicants did you have this year? Is the number of applicants bigger than last year? 

This year we received  743 applications, so it is a really nice number. Last year it was more or less around the same. I hope that next year the number of applicants will be enhanced.

Did you encounter any challenges along the process? How did you manage to overcome them? 

Yes, I have encountered a few challenges. Encouraging people was quite nice and easy, however, I would of course like to engage even more people to take part in such a fantastic project. [she smiles] The biggest challenge I encountered, was sending all the e-mails. I did not imagine that it could take so long. There was a moment when I was fed up with this.

However, I was sure that all the smiling faces and all of the Christmas cards that are already travelling, and will travel all over Europe, will be uploaded on Facebook and I would then feel that it was a good job. You may think that such a small card is nothing, but I have learnt during my life that our lives are made up of little things, so we should be more sensitive and cherish each moment. I love to receive cards, and to receive it from a person I do not know, is even more exciting.

The second thing was related to e-mails that “came back” to me, because they were miswritten. I received a lot of e-mails and messages informing me that people were still waiting for their addresses. I tried to handle this as soon as possible and logged in to my e-mail and Facebook every day to check if there is still someone waiting for an e-mail from me.

How do you plan to improve the whole process?

I would like to improve the process by finding one person to help. It  was only me sending all the e-mails to all AEGEEans taking part in Postcrossing. I had a small delay and I did not like the fact that people had to wait more for their e-mails than they should. I would also like somehow to engage more people next year to beat the record. [she smiles]

How many people are in the organising team?

In the organising team of the 4^th edition of the Christmas Postcrossing there was only me, however, I must and want to mention again Marta Pąk. She is my “mentor”, she has been helping me a lot and giving me great feedback, so I would really like to thank her for it. [she smiles]

 What would be one of the most interesting postcards you have received and from whom?

It is the first time that I am taking part in Postcrossing, as I am an AEGEE member since September. However, the best Christmas card I have received is from my friend from Germany.

I did not think I was going to receive anything from anyone, because nowadays people do not send cards, rather messages on mobiles or through Facebook, so I was surprised. She also added some traditional German sweets. It was really nice.

What do you wish to all the AEGEE members for Christmas and the upcoming year?

What I wish…

I wish to all AEGEE members for Christmas and the upcoming year the gift of Faith, the Blessing of Hope and the Peace of Love at Christmas and always. And of course, I wish them also happiness and success in both their private and AEGEE lives.  And at the very end – I  also wish that all the Christmas cards will be delivered to their addresses and all the people will enjoy them. [she smiles]

Written by Gabriela Geană, AEGEE-București

From the 14th to the 18th of October, one of AEGEE’s most important events, the Autumn Agora, will be held in Kyïv and as any seasoned AEGEE member knows: an Agora seldom comes alone. The main event is always accompanied by several pre-events that are organised  especially by dedicated antennae. This years participants had the opportunity to choose from five creative events in four different countries and a thematic conference that addresses the recent political and economic events in Ukraine.
Follow the AEGEEan on a quick tour through Eastern Europe’s most interesting locations and best autumn events.

Our first stop is “AEGEE-Warszawa: Tear Down this Wall”, where a group of lucky participants will be able to pledge freedom and transparency by tearing down past and present walls. As they find themselves travelling through time, the participants will discover the historic roots of Warszawa, full of charming places, Polish dreams and unique cultures. Back in present time, where modern youth spirit meets old traditions, the organisers are planning to take everybody on a stroll through old Warszawa in search of the most potent shot bars.
With no walls left to stop our journey, the next halt is with AEGEE-Lublin in a city that participants are definitely going to fall in love with. The organising team of “LUBLINove LOVE – Fall in Love in Lublin” is hoping to make everybody feel the magical atmosphere of the city where different people, cultures and religions mix into a unique style of living. A highlight of the event will be the Slavic night with traditional music, dances and a fiery bonfire that will warm up the coldest hearts.

Tea sceptics within AEGEE will definitely acquire a taste for the diverse drink after participating in AEGEE-Moskva’s pre-event “Moscow Tea Time: A Hidden Part of the Russian Soul”. In a traditional Russian tea ceremony with legends to spice things up, participants might awaken their hidden Russian soul within their bodies. AEGEE-Moscow will then introduce the attendants to traditional Russian culture, crazy spirits and other strong drinks in a city that never sleeps. The organisers are particularly proud to offer a workshop on lifehacks for surviving in a Russian train. A course that no AEGEE member should miss.
The event by AEGEE-Chișinău “Taste the Moldavian Hospitality” is going to be a definite treat for neglected taste buds. According to the organisers the participants will experience the tastiest pre-event of Autumn Agora Kyïv that will lead them on a discovery trail through Moldavian culinary culture by tasting delicious wine and traditional food such as Placinte. On a visit to the Orheiul Vechi monastery AEGEE members might trace back ancient civilisations.
Before arriving in the heart of Ukraine, Kyïv, let us make a last stop in the soul of Ukraine with “Oops! We Lviv it again!” organised by AEGEE-Lviv. As the cultural capital of Ukraine, Lviv has a lot to offer its visitors. From the local musicians to its unique streets and cozy coffee houses, with this event the participants have a chance to experience the true spirit of the city and to get to know the Ukrainian culture through its language, cuisine and traditions.
For members who just cannot get enough, AEGEE-Kyïv has planned a special thematic conference on October the 13th, just a day before the start of Agora Kyïv 2015. “The #YoungUA Conference: Defending, Acting, Investing” marks the successful conclusion of the project “reBuilding Democracy” that was launched by AEGEE-Kyïv six months ago and encourages participants to dicuss the political, economic and social future of Ukraine within Europe. The event is divided into three panels with high-profile speakers discussing European values, economic investments and youth participation within transformation movements in Ukraine.
The conference aims to boost cooperation on youth policy matters between the Ukrainian and youth organisations by creating a memorandum at the end of the conference that will be sent to important stakeholders in Ukraine as well as abroad. According to main organisers Alla Resheten and Armenak Minasyants, the conference is a perfect opportunity for AEGEE members to get engaged in an explicit thematic context that has been missing during Agoras.

Which pre-event will you be visiting?
Written by Alev Özdemir, AEGEE-Frankfurt

The biggest events in AEGEE after Agorae and European Planning Meetings (EPM) are the Polish Network Meetings (NWM), which often gather more than hundred participants. This spring, AEGEE-Warszawa will be hosting the event from the 30^th of April until the 3^rd of May, being open to 100 participants. We spoke to main organiser Martyna Szustakowska and Network Commissioner in charge of that area Marta Wnuk to find out more about this Pandatastic Network Meeting. 

The AEGEEan: First of all, can you tell us a bit more about your local?

Martyna: Our local is 24 years old and we have around 120 members. We are quite good in PR-related activites such as our charity calendar, postcrossing and merchandise (our purple t-shirt and sleeping mask are quite famous). We also focus very much on the training of our members. We do so not only by organising Local Training Courses about the local and European level twice a year but also by holding a lot of workshops on different topics such as excel or body language. This year we also have the fifth edition of the project “Siegaj Wyżej”- a series of soft skills workshops open to all students. We’re all about  skills and learning. What is special about our local is our mascot Panda Wanda, who is married to the Polar Bear from AEGEE-Aachen.                                        

Why did you apply to organise the Network Meeting? When did the idea start?

Martyna: We wanted to organise some European event other than a Summer University for a long time, but we had some trouble to find a date that would work for us and the Academy so we had to give up on organising a European School. Then our event in cooperation with EurStory Project got cancelled after we prepared all the logistics for it. So, we thought a Network Meeting was a safe option.

Marta, what made AEGEE-Warszawa the best choice for this Network Meeting?

Marta: AEGEE-Warszawa was chosen, because we thought that the local is in the good moment of development to organise such an event. We saw it as an opportunity to open it more to the European dimension of AEGEE and show others how hospitable and ready for new challenges the antenna is. What is more, the city of Warsaw is easily accessible both for Polish-speaking locals and those who travel from other parts of Europe.

Who will be responsible for the organisation?

Martyna: Our amazing, highly motivated team. I’m the main coordinator but there are many more people who do their best to make this event special: Klaudia Chłopaś (vice coordinator), Ewelina Żurowska (responsible for PR and contact with the main partner Warsaw City Hall), Kuba Kostrzewa (FR responsible), Monika Ślusarczyk (photographer and graphic designer), Joanna Pankowska (responsible for Warsaw NGOs Fairs and Opening Ceremony), Marta Pąk (Incoming and Facebook responsible), Ewelina Rajzyngier and Anna Broczkowska (responsible for logistics during the event). I’m really thankful, both to my core team and every single person who gives a contribution to this project. They all are invaluable support for me.

What are the plans for the program of the Network Meeting?

Marta: There will be three paths, specially adjusted to the profile of participants, so both newbies and board members will find something suitable for them. There will be one full day of boards meetings, which allows board members to work on solutions for current problems and share best practices. The Network Meeting will also include a Presidents Meeting, sector group work of PRs, HRs, FRs, Agora follow-up and all other important issues that are relevant for the development of locals. There will be also two open space sessions, one dedicated to HR and one that will grant space to topics chosen by participants. This Network Meeting won’t lack a highlight on history, European projects and matters related to organisational improvements either, like Podio, IT tools, communication in AEGEE and the strategy for learning and training.

What about the social program?

Martyna: We cannot reveal the details but we guarantee our participants three unforgettable theme parties. There’s no better place to party in Poland than Warsaw so we will not let them down for sure. What else… We’re about to fix free entrance into some of the museums in Warsaw and we are planning to organise a city tour, too.

Why should people apply for NWM Warszawa? What makes you special?

Martyna: There’s a lot of reasons people shouldn’t miss our NWM. Firstly: great location, low fee (only 35 euro) and over 100 AEGEEans in one place! Secondly, our Network Comissioner provides three profiled paths of valuables trainings and workshops structured in parallel sessions. We cannot forget about the social part. Ask any participant of our SU or pre-EBM Lublin, because we’re quite good at that. Besides, the Network Meeting gives you an unique chance to meet Panda Wanda herself!

Marta: Applying for NWM Warszawa means granting yourself a truly unique experience. It’s a chance to take part in the biggest, yet very structured Network Meeting, meet people from all over Europe and engage with them in discussions and common initiatives. As mentioned above, we offer a variety of parallel sessions, so everyone will find something for them. And what is also worth highlighting, Network Meetings organised in this part of the Network always are full of AEGEE-Spirit, so a new infusion of motivation, inspiration and energy to act is guaranteed.

What experience with organising events does your antenna have already?

Martyna: We organise a Summer University year every year and Local Training Courses twice a year. Our last NWM was in 2011, and besides that we organised an Agora in Spring 2006, T4T in 2012 and a very successful pre-event before the EBM in Lublin 2014.

During Autumn Agora Cagliari you signed the twin antenna contract with AEGEE­ Aachen. Have they been helping you with this NWM or will they be involved in any way?

Martyna: Of course! Our beloved Bears not only support us with promotion of the event but I know they’re preparing a strong team of helpers too.

Network Meetings in Poland are known for having a lot of participants. How are you preparing for this?

Martyna: It’s quite a challenge for us but… this is what AEGEE is about, isn’t it? Our preparation consists mainly of providing a big gym and an energetic team of logistics and helpers.

Marta: Network Meetings that gather big number of participants are our local practise, so we developed an expertise in how to organise such events. Also, the main organiser, Martyna, was given knowledge transfer by organisers of the previous NWM in Zielona Góra, so she knows how to deal with all the arrangements. Moreover, we will have helpers from AEGEE-Aachen (twin antenna of AEGEE-Warszawa) and from other Polish-speaking locals.

Besides the NWM, you are also organising a Summer University. What is the plan for your SU, and how do you manage to combine it with the preparations for the NWM?

Martyna: This year we will have a Summer University together with AEGEE-Gdańsk and the theme is “Explore your SoUl on the Slavicshore” so get ready for some Slavic culture! As I mentioned before, there are a lot of active members in our antenna so we just created two separate teams. Of course, we support one another but we are responsible for different issues.

How is the cooperation with your NetCom team going?

Great! Marta participates actively in the project meetings and she’s actually one of the team members. She helps us not only with her experience in AEGEE but she provides a real contribution to this project too.

And the cooperation with the organising team?

Marta: I assess my cooperation with the organising team very well. Currently I live in Warsaw, so I have the chance to attend project meetings, supervise and advice being at the place, which makes communication easier. AEGEE-Warszawa has new motivated members that have creative spirit and willingness to deliver a good event. Martyna deserves appreciation for how she conducts the preparations in a very skilful, dedicated and responsible way.

Do you have any other big events coming up that AEGEEans shouldn’t miss?

Martyna: We are planning to organise a pre-event before Autumn Agora Kyiv. The last pre-event in Warsaw was legendary so we definitely want to repeat that. And again, our Summer University “Explore your SoUl on the Slavicshore” by AEGEE-Warszawa and AEGEE-Gdańsk. Don’t forget about it! (she smiles)

Written by Svenja van der Tol, AEGEE-Nijmegen

Since only ten days, the carnival season in Germany is over. Many people went crazy, celebrated for days without a pause and of course, a lot of carnival parades took place. In Aachen, one of the most western cities of Germany, 35 AEGEEans took part in the three-hour-long procession and spread Europtimism throughout their motto “Europe is colourful, and it’s good this way”.

Carnival is an important celebration in Germany, especially around the Rhineland and Mainz. It is so big that most schools do not even open on the so-called “Rose Monday”, the highlight of the celebrations, or even the following day. Monday the 16th, in German “Rosenmontag”, big parades marched through many of the North Rhine-Westphalian cities.

In Aachen, 168 groups took part, one of them being a group of AEGEE-Aachen members. The motto of the 35 participants was “Europe is colourful, and it’s good this way”. While most groups in such parades pick the same costumes for all their members, the AEGEEans all looked very different since their aim was to depict a Europe with many variants. This is why their costumes showed all kinds of European stereotypes, from a “typical” German Bavarian, over Greeks in togas, a Norwegian Viking and an Irish leprechaun to a Dutchie with orange hair and a bike, and many more. Of course, there were also some polar bears since they are a necessary addition to Europe as well. Even some guests from their Twin Antenna, AEGEE-Warszawa, took part in the parade and enjoyed it as well!

In the nicest of sunshine, the members of AEGEE-Aachen had a great time while they walked through the city where around 260.000 visitors watched the parade. Leo Büsch, main organizer of the event simply calls it “fantastic“! “We got recognised by the people as a very colourful crowd and got greeted by Aachen’s major and one member of the European Parliament and former major of Aachen with huge pleasure.”

The parade went on for around three hours and while the AEGEEans gave out kilograms of sweets, as it is the tradition, they also handed out 2000 colourful stickers with their slogan in German. Especially after recent demonstrations in Germany, the topic of xenophobia had to be tackled and by doing it in a fun, yet very public way, AEGEE-Aachen definitely accomplished their goal.

Last year, they had already taken part with the motto “Show your flag for Europe” and also displayed a very colourful group which consisted of people wearing different European flags. For next year, it is sure that they will be part of the parade again: “We had 20 participants last year and 35 this year, so I count for over 60 participants for next year and hope to have even more international guests”, Leo concludes.

Find more pictures in their Facebook album!

Written by Katja Sontag, AEGEE-Aachen

Last Christmas, AEGEE-Warszawa organised its third edition of their postcrossing action. 737 people joined the action and over 600 cards were sent out, bringing wonderful Christmas joy to AEGEEans all over Europe. We spoke to Marta Pąk, this year’s coordinator, to find out more about the great success! 

“The first edition was organised in summer 2013 by big postcrossing fan and former PR responsible Aneta Bielicka”, Marta tells us. “The second edition was the Christmas one last year (2013), when 596 people participated. This year’s edition (2014) was the third time. 737 people joined and almost 600 sent their cards!” As a coordinator, Marta was responsible for everything related to it, from creating the event to inviting people and matching them with other AEGEEans. Asked why she decided to apply, she tells us: “I really liked it last year! I got a wonderful postcard from Ukraine, and I read all the nice words people wrote on the event’s timeline and it felt great! Then, when I went on Erasmus semester in Padua, Italy I still wanted to contribute somehow to AEGEE-Warszawa, so the Postcrossing was a perfect choice.”

This year too, the messages of happy people who received a postcard and posted  about it on their own Facebook timeline or on the event page have made her happy, although her least favorite task is reminding people to send their cards in January. “Making a postcard and writing a few nice words isn’t that hard to do, and I find it very sad that mature people who decided to apply don’t really care at the end.” Luckily, there are enough people who do care enough and who put a lot of effort into sending out something nice to other AEGEEans, varying from cards of their own city to homemade cards or envelopes with small extra presents. Taking a look at the event, a lot of happy messages from participants can be found, and those aren’t even all of the people who participated and received a card.

Besides sending hundreds of e-mails for the postcrossing, Marta is also a Board Assistant and member of the Action Agenda Coordination Committee. Asked if she has any other plans, she tells us that she isn’t sure yet. “I like when something really inspires me, so I’m waiting for the perfect opportunity!” However, one future plan is certain – another edition of the Christmas postcrossing action next year. “It’s our new tradition”, Marta explains. “We want the AEGEEans to share their joy and happiness and send it all over the continent and beyond every year!”

Written by Svenja van der Tol, AEGEE-Nijmegen

Marta Wnuk, 23, is currently board member of AEGEE-Warszawa and content manager of the Eastern Partnership Project. However, she has now decided to take another step forwarrd and run for Network Commissioner, having the Polish-speaking locals as her preference. A previous Subcommissioner of Mateusz Dokurno, she applied while the deadline for candidatures was extended, and here is what she can tell us about her program.

Picture by Jorge Sánchez at Autumn Agora Zaragoza

The AEGEEan: How did you join AEGEE?

Marta: I joined AEGEE two and a half years ago, in March 2012. I was a second year student then and I was looking for some non-academic activities I could get engaged in at that time. So the perfect opportunity came, when I got a leaflet at my university advertising Local Training Course organized by AEGEE-Poznań. I decided to go and as you might expect this was the weekend that changed my life.

For which reason did you apply for Netcom later than the first deadline?

I feel a big responsibility towards my Network, that’s why I submitted my candidature. I didn’t apply before the first deadline as a quite demanding year is ahead of me and I wasn’t sure that I can dedicate as much time I would like to being a Netcommie. I’m already very active in AEGEE and I’m challenged with finishing my studies and writing a master’s thesis this year. Nevertheless, I reconsidered the situation as there appeared to be no other person that could currently take care of the locals from the Polish-speaking area and I was asked by many to run. I do care about the well-being of antennae in my part of the Network, so I decided to take up this challenge.

Will you being a board member of AEGEE-Warszawa affect your potential work in the Netcom?

I believe not. I’m aware of the workload that is waiting for me when I’ll be holding both positions. That’s why I discussed the issue with my fellow board members and we decided to rearrange our duties within the board so that I’ll keep only the basic tasks of Secretary. I hope that thanks to good time management and with help of my Subcommies, I will be able to fulfill all my obligations well.

How has being a Subcommie prepared you for this position?

While being Subcommie I could see the network from a different angle than before holding this position. That allowed me to shape a point of view needed to carry on the duties of Network Commissioner. I got to know very well local specifics, which is extremely important for properly and effective action plans. I can say that I understand problems and challenges that locals in my area are facing as well, as I developed contacts with other board members, which is a key for a good future communication. Moreover, I was involved in organizing two Network Meetings with Netcommie Mateusz Dokurno, so I know how the process of preparing such events looks like and what should be done in order to continue on the path of improvement we’re already on.

Who will be your Subcommies?

As soonas I be elected I can issue an open call for my Subcommies. This way I’ll assure that all interested members have equal chances in applying for the position. I expect to create a strong team of skillful and dedicated Subcommies as I was already signaled by some that they would like to join me in my Netcom journey. However, my whole team will be announced after the Agora, possibly during Network Meeting Zielona Góra. I believe this is the most fair approach.

If you had to define the job of a Netcommie in 1-2 sentences what would you say?

I see the role of Netcommie as a facilitator of internal cooperation and discussion in the part of the network under his/ her care. Netcommies create conditions for efficient communication between the locals as well as between antennae and the European level.

How much time besides your studies and everyday life do you have to dedicate to the Netcom?

Actually, it’s a very vague question. It’s hard to assume as the amount of time needed is conditioned by the specific situation in the network. It depends on how serious a certain problem is and possibilities of solving it as well as on involvement of Subcommies. Currently, the situation among Polish-speaking locals is quite stable, so I can focus on my every-day tasks undisturbed by bigger problems.

What is the feedback system?

Feedback system is one of the valuable means that can help Netcommie to answer the network’s needs better. I believe that Netcommie should be in an constant dialogue with people and listen to their ideas, concerns and inquires as it’s them who actually create the network. The feedback system makes room for improvement and empowers people to have a say.

How will you work on improving the knowledge transfer system?

I intend to enable two level-communication aiming at knowledge transfer. One between Subcommies and locals and second between board members themselves. My Subcommies will have responsibilities divided according to areas especially important for functioning of antennae, namely: HR, PR, FR. Those Subcommies will have expertise needed for providing help and guidance. What is more, there are already Facebook groups that gather board members of different positions. They are platforms on which Subcommies can facilitate discussions and exchange of knowledge and experience by those board members between each other. This way weaker locals can learn from stronger ones and together overcome difficulties. I would like to also dedicate more space for knowledge transfer between the boards during Network Meetings and encourage them to be in touch during the year in other forms that they will find most suitable.

What is the most important part of your program?

I want to stress the importance of LTCs. A successful LTC is the most efficient recruitment tool and assures that people who stay in the organization are very well trained to work in AEGEE. During LTC new members, not only experience AEGEE spirit that drives their further activity, but they learn solid basics of project management, so in effect an antenna is capable of organizing a big number of high quality projects. That enhances PR and FR possibilities and is also an attractive offer for other new members. All in all, this is a definition of a thriving local. My role as a Netcommie here is supervision of implementation of common LTC format that currently most of Polish-speaking antennae have and provide guidance when needed. I’m thinking also about appointing a special Subcommie that will assist me in this area.

How will you be innovative and different than previous Netcommies?

I would like to put a bigger accent on development of dialogue and exchange of knowledge and experiences between board members of locals from my area, so that they can learn from each other and help one another to get better. I also intend to work on strategy of communication with locals that would raise awareness about the European level.

Do you already have an idea of which locals you would like to have? If so, which ones?

I’m a former member of AEGEE-Poznań and currently a member of AEGEE-Warszawa. I have been Subcommie of Mateusz Dokurno, who has under his care all Polish-speaking locals. This is the area I know the best. I’m familiar with local’s specifics, their current situation, their problems and challenges. I do know the people with whom I’ll be working with and it’s them who motivate me to candidate. So antennae located in Poland are a natural choice.

If you are elected and it happes that another Netcommie wants the same locals as you, will you be willing to take other locals?

I don’t suppose that such situation will happen, as currently one place for member of the Network Commission remains vacant, so most probably members of the Network Commission would have to take on extra locals if the situation won’t change.

Written by Patricia Anthony, AEGEE-Zaragoza

(featured image by Jorge Sánchez at Autumn Agora Zaragoza 2013)

Everyone returned home, feeling eventually relaxed after two crazy-rushy-hasty-HAPPY weeks, but at the same time, reluctant even to upload photos, not talking about writing stories of the week. But how different it was just a week ago!

Each morning started with some person (sometimes you did not even know who he or she was) bursting into your room saying some random sentences about “having breakfast right now” and “leaving in half an hour“. Well, ok, I’m getting up, really. We carried on sleeping. After half an hour, another cry: “Guuuuuys! We’re leaving in five minutes!”  Sometimes without shouting – just the magic whistle was enough. And all of us – sleepy, sometimes thirsty (because of the night before), with wet hair – went out into the daylight.

Then they said – dance Zumba! Climb walls! Sing Ukranian songs! Go hitch-hiking! Walk in the street with your eyes closed and touch everything you are made to by your fellow-participants! (The list goes on like this: people’s shoulders, people’s faces, people’s beards, pavements, horses, trash bins). But that’s not the end – Drink vodka! Walk for several kilometers up the hill! Photobomb! Pronounce Polish tongue-twisters like W Szczebrzeszynie chrząszcz brzmi w trzcinie i Szczebrzeszyn z tego słynie, że chrząszcz właśnie brzęczał w trzcinie which means “In the town of Szczebrzeszyn a beetle buzzes in the reeds.  And Szczebrzeszyn is famous for it” and does not make much sense, but it is funny because it is difficult to pronounce. Walk in toilet paper! Undress! Run in the forest in complete darkness! Eat DISGUSTING mushroom soup (“Believe me, it’s delicious!”).

In other words (just six of them but so full of sense and craziness) – GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!

That was the kind of holiday that is not just entertaining, but so much developing as well. Glancing back, I realized that everything I hated doing is now good memories and amazing experiences, and they will be remembered as a real adventure! They made the most normal of us to do incredible things, the most scared face their phobias, the shiest throw away confusion and fear, the most sleepy go on and party! The result was us getting closer to each other with every day, eventually coming to miss each other enormously now. I hope all of us changed at least a little bit (well, I did), meeting the aim of being full of AEGEE spirit!

I wonder how many times you guys (the organizers, I’m talking to you) were laughing, while watching us do all the crazy stuff you had invented to challenge us with? I suppose you were getting sheer delight out of that. But, anyway, that is the thing I am most grateful for – you made me do something I would never have done alone.

Written by Inna Mezentseva, AEGEE-Minsk