LGBT+ is still a controversial topic, even if in the last decade the society developed. People are talking about it, but they still discriminate someone on their gender identity or sexual orientation. AEGEE-Amsterdam is organising an event in January with the topic of LGBT+. We asked one of the organisers, Romy Cartiere, some questions about the lovely event they are preparing.

The AEGEEan: Tell us a little bit about the event.

Romy Cartiere: Hi there! AEGEE-Amsterdam is organising and hosting the event “Whatever Floats Your Rainboat” from the 23rd to the 27th of January. The event takes place in different parts of the city, as the activities are scattered all over. Continuous factor is the boat we are sleeping on every night, with real, comfortable beds!

Our local has a special committee, the EventCie, consisting of six lovely people that organise a thematic event in the winter every single year. The topic of the event is often related to one of the Focus Areas. This year it will relate to the newly adopted Focus Area “Equal Rights”!

Why “Whatever Floats Your Rainboat”?

Well, it is like having to explain a bad joke, but alright, I will talk you through our creative process! We chose the topic LGBT+ and then we were looking for a title that would reflect the topic in a not too obvious way. As our participants will be staying on a boat we thought that “boat” should be incorporated as well. Then our board responsible said, “Isn’t whatever floats your boat a saying?”. We were immediately very fond of this expression, because we stand for a society in which someone’s gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation is no longer a ground for discrimination, but would instead be met with a friendly “whatever floats your boat!”. When our chairperson uttered “rainboat” – which sounds like rainbow – our title was born.

What is the topic of the event?

The topic is LGBT+, which is, as ever, still a pressing issue. Discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation still exists in an overwhelming amount within Europe, even in countries where it is not expected. That results in these topics not being discussed within our society, which leads to youth growing up without an idea of the issues that play a part within the LGBT+ community. Ignorance can lead to the dehumanisation of certain minorities, which is a dangerous development. Transgenders for instance have a much higher chance of being assaulted and even murdered for being who they are. A human rights issue we cannot look away from!

What are you looking for in a future participant?

We are looking for a varied crowd! We are very happy to welcome those who do not have the chance or are not stimulated in their home country to discuss LGBT+ rights. However, participants who are already involved in the topic are much appreciated too. During AEGEE events you can learn from each other as well! Our thematic activities are set up in such a way that they are interesting for both newbies and experts.

And last but not least, we want you to mingle, even if you are not single! We expect of course that our participants are open to befriend with each other during the event, and knowing AEGEEans, that should be no problem!

We already selected over 25 participants, which means that there are only a few more spots left!

What activities have you prepared for this event?

Apart from the thematic activities, which include among others a Genderbread workshop and a tour through the very valuable, rich and unique LGBT collection of IHLIA (International Homo/Lesbian Information center and Archive), we have prepared a bunch of activities that will leave you just a bit more Holland loving at the end of the event. We will show you our city the Dutch way. Prepare for tongue twisting, bitterbal eating, nail pooping madness! Do not worry, you will discover that these are descriptions of very fun activities [she smiles, ed].

What do you think that people should get after this event?

Over 30 new friends, a lot to talk about at home, newly learned means of transport, some knowledge in a not so useful language, fun ideas for games at home, a deeper understanding of the issues faced by the LGBT+ community, and of course a big boost of AEGEE SPIRIT.

How and where can people apply?

The main open call has ended, but we have a few places left for those who apply first (given that you write a decent application). We thus encourage everyone who is interested to apply as soon as possible!

Apply through Intranet here AND this Google form.

For updates, visit our facebook event .

Do you have any future events planned regarding the topic of LGBT+?

Not at the moment, but our cultural committee, the CultCie, is soon organising a discussion evening about Gender Equality!

Written by Raluca Radu, AEGEE-Cluj-Napoca

AEGEE locals are very sensitive to LGBT+ issues, so much that Equal Rights is going to be one of the focus areas in the upcoming Strategic Plan 2017-2020. Out of all the countries where AEGEE has antennae, The Netherlands is definitely one of the most active in promoting LGBT+ rights and Dutch locals are actively organising events on the topic. AEGEE-Utrecht organised Colours Without Borders back in June and, for this reason, they were rewarded with the title Local of the Month of June. We interviewed AEGEE-Utrecht, more specifically Carina van Hoof, former Treasurer and Board Responsible of the LGBT Event and Bram van Os, President, to talk about this and future plans of the local. 

A moment during the LGBT event

The AEGEEan: Congratulations, AEGEE-Utrecht! How does it feel to be nominated as Local of the Month?

AEGEE-Utrecht: It feels great! It is really nice to see that our work is rewarded in this way, and that members from other locals can now also hear a bit more about it.

Please describe your local.

Our local is very active. We have many members in different local committees organising activities on a local level, and we organise several European events every year. There is always a nice atmosphere during our weekly social nights, where members enjoy a cheap beer at the bar, dance the night away till the early hours or look at our map of Europe to decide where to travel to next. If I could describe our local in one sentence, it would be ‘the local where everything is possible’.

You have been nominated for the LGBT event. How was it? 

The name of the event was Colours Without Borders. We had participants from seven different countries, which gave discussions about LGBT+ issues (for example during our dialogue workshop) an interesting turn, as situations regarding LGBT+ issues are very different in all countries. Think of Turkey vs. Spain for example. We organised several activities, we worked together with Utrecht’s Gay Student Association ‘Anteros’; we organised a pubquiz and a party together with their members. Another remarkable activity was a lecture that was featured on the programme of Utrecht’s 20th edition of the ‘Midzomergrachtfestival’ which is about Sexual and Gender Diversity. Of course, participants also came to our social night, we had sightseeing activities such as a boat tour through the canals, and enjoyed the biggest LGBT+ party of the year in our city.

AEGEE-Utrecht during Agora Bergamo

The event has been a big success for multiple reasons; it was the first time we worked together so closely with another student organisation and this was a very positive experience. We highly recommend other locals to also seek cooperation with associations that can help give your topic more depth. Moreover, participants learned a lot about the LGBT+ situation in the Netherlands and in each other’s countries, and they learned from each other’s personal stories.

In the nomination, you were defined as “always been a super gay-friendly association within Utrecht”. How important are the LGBT+ issues within your local?

It is very nice to hear that this definition has been attributed to us. I would definitely agree. We have quite some members who belong to the LGBT+ community, and as far as I know, the open character of our local has always provided a safe space for every member to be able to completely be themselves. LGBT+ issues are very important within our local, not just because many of us have friends who belong to the LGBT+ community, but also because, as a local, we stand for equal rights for everyone.

How important is this issue, according to you, to AEGEE as a whole? Do you think we are in a good situation in our organisation now, or should we take other steps?

I think giving more attention to LGBT+ issues is very important for AEGEE as a whole; both internally and externally. Internally, I think we are quite okay, but in many cases it still can depend heavily on the country you are from; the level of knowledge on LGBT+ issues and its acceptance. With more workshops or a project we could help educate our members, and create a safer space for everyone to be themselves. Externally, I also think it is very important for AEGEE to take a stand on LGBT+ matters.

AEGEE-Utrecht promoting their antenna

The current (political) situation in Europe shows that LGBT+ rights, as well as human rights in general, are not always getting better, but instead risk to get worse in quite some countries. AEGEE, as a European student association, could give an important message by giving importance to LGBT+ rights, but also to equal rights in general.

What are the new plans of AEGEE-Utrecht?

Well, there is a lot of them, because we are celebrating our VIth Lustrum [30th anniversary, ed.]! We are going to organise a congress with the theme: “Mental Health and Youth”, a European School, a spectacular Gala and many more events and activities. So be on the lookout for us!

Define your local in three words

”Gezellig” [a typical Dutch expression for warmth, cosiness and fun, ed.], Awesome, Active!

Written by Erika Bettin, AEGEE-Verona

To participate in an Erasmus project is amazing, but the team spirit and the atmosphere is what truly make it an Erasmus + project. Back in April 2016, Elinne Mertens and Ioana Duca attended “Captivating Europe”, and Erasmus + Programme by the EU in Berlin, and this is their amazing story:

The project

From the 16th until the 24th of April, me and Ioana Duca took part in the training “Captivating Europe” in Berlin, funded by the Erasmus + programme of the European Union. Captivating Europe was a week-long training course hosted by the organisation OneEurope. Six partner organisations from Italy, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Lithuania and (of course, AEGEE-Europe was partner) Belgium took part in it. The aim of the training was to develop innovative communication strategies for the dissemination of pro-European ideas to larger audiences. Moreover, we explored European citizenship and reflected on European identity. Additionally, the project provided guidance for the programs that promote the development of European identity, for example Erasmus+. As Communications Team member of Your Vision for EUrope, I represented this project, while Ioana presented some general AEGEE materials.

Professional benefits

Since all the previous trainings I took part in were organised by AEGEE-locals (and it were never Erasmus+ projects, this was my first), it was very refreshing to participate in a training like this one. It was interesting to observe the organisation and to learn from it and to take new experiences with me on how to – and how not to – organise a project. Since we had participants from six different organisations/countries, the project was great to network and to get contacts outside of AEGEE. Afterwards I contacted some of these new contacts for the Erasmus+ application that we, the Your Vision for Europe project, submitted. I encourage AEGEE-Europe, but also AEGEE locals to (continue to) be partner organisation of other Erasmus+ projects. You will gather a lot of inspiration andcontacts and you will learn a lot. Even plans to cooperate in the future and to organise an Erasmus+ project together can originate from it. This is the great benefit of these kinds of projects: they offer a platform to share, discuss and network on the spot, but moreover, they bring ideas, experiences and contacts that you can benefit from later on. Besides, another reason to participate in Erasmus+ projects: travel costs and costs for the project are fully reimbursed by the EU! What do you want more?

Personal benefits

However, I have to admit that the team spirit and the atmosphere created are maybe even more important than these professional benefits. I gained a lot of new friends – outside of AEGEE. I experienced some kind of outsider perspective at AEGEE by meeting people who don’t do our typical AEGEE things, like dancing Tunak Tunak or doing our typical energisers. But, as we also have this great AEGEE network, me and Ioana met friends from AEGEE-Berlin and people from other AEGEE-locals who visited Berlin during the same period.

So in short: if you have the chance to participate in an Erasmus+ project or to cooperate as partner organisation, don’t hesitate, just do it. It is a great opportunity!

Written by Elinne Mertens, AEGEE-Leuven and Your Vision for Europe

When we ask AEGEEans to nominate someone who did something important during a specific month, we often received nominations with the same name from five/six people. We never experienced an overwhelming number of nominations like we did with the Member of the Month of March: 25 in total! All with the name Naira N. Pérez Rodriguez from AEGEE-Tenerife. She was the main organiser of the Spring Break event in her local and her devotion towards participants impressed them, but also us. Here you have her honest and brilliant interview!

The AEGEEan: Tell us something about yourself.

Naira: My name is Naira N. Pérez Rodríguez, I’m 22 years old and I studied Law at the University of La Laguna, a warming (but not warm) and lovely city. Now I’m preparing the public examinations for being a judge. I’m in love with the law and the legal world. I know it can sound freaky, but I enjoy studying and arguing about the regulation of our country. I’m in love with the Canary Islands, which I consider a paradise. I was born in La Palma, the beautiful island, the jewel of the Atlantic. I’m in love with the sea and I love to swim: a way to be connected with nature where I can think without interruptions. But, among all, I’m in love with travelling. My trips’ philosophy is that the world is too big for repeating destinations. That’s why I don’t visit the same place twice; except for Turkey, thanks to AEGEE-Ankara, since I fell in love with that country, so I have to go again. I’m in love with music, as a way to express myself. Despite that I have no time for it now. I played drums and violin, but now I compensate with partying. I love to dance, above all, Latin rhythms. As you can see, in general, I’m in love with everything. And really, I’m in love.

How, when and why did you join AEGEE-Tenerife?

My relationship with AEGEE-Tenerife began with the Summer University campaign. Yes, of course, I was captured thanks to it. It was my first year in university and I saw a poster that said “Do you want to enjoy the best summer of your life?” and who could say NO to that proposal? In 2012, my adventure in Europe began with a Summer University organised by AEGEE-Cluj-Napoca, AEGEE-Gliwice and AEGEE-Pilicsaba. However, despite that I got back with too much willingness to get active, I couldn’t do much until I got back from my second SU, organised by AEGEE-Ankara. Just a few months later, I became president of AEGEE-Tenerife and I’m in my second term now. As I always say, AEGEE has given me more than I can give back.

How does it feel to be elected member of the month?

I don’t know how to define it. I didn’t expect it (and it is not the typical sentence of the Oscar’s winners). One of the participants of our European event “Spring Break in the limit of Europe” told me that she had nominated me, but of course, I didn’t expect that more people had done it. I really appreciate this award, but even If I hadn’t received it, just the nominations make me feel proud. I feel how my work has been recognised and, it has been a stimulus to go ahead. The funniest thing is that I almost did not realize that I had been awarded, because the email went to the spam folder and I don’t look in that one usually. Luckily we are in the Summer University campaign and the intranet registration of new members go to that folder too, so I enter it every day.

One of the reasons of your nomination was the event in Tenerife. What was it about? And when?

“Spring Break in the Limit of Europe” was an European event focused on the sustainability and environmental conservation, taking advantage of the endemic peculiarities of Tenerife, one island with an unquestionable and infinite natural heritage. This event was created because one of the basic features of the islands and AEGEE-Tenerife: only a few of the members from this antenna are from Tenerife or they don’t stay on the island during summer. So if we couldn’t organise a Summer University, we had to show our beautiful island in other times of the year.

It took place from the 18th to 23th of March, enjoying the Easter holidays. During this event, participants and a marvelous, fantastic, awesome group of 11 organisers, went, on the same day, to the highest point of Spain (our volcano Teide) and to a beach, changing gloves for swimsuits. We went across the North part of the island by hitchhiking and finished in a butterfly museum. We enjoyed a water park and had lessons about conservation and empowerment of local and natural heritage. We had a debate about the future of Europe and met La Laguna, an university and World Heritage city, and the capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. All of that with their suitable doses of traditional Canarian food and party.

People who nominated you said that you were very committed and you gave all for your participants. How important is for you this aspect when organising an event?

Besides a compact and punctual timetable, to assure that the participants are pleased and enjoying the activities, it is one of the most important aspects of organising every event, because happy participants means motivated organisers with the will to work more. This creates an atmosphere where, if something goes wrong, the event doesn’t get ruined. As all the people that have met me know, you are my “dear Europeans”, so for me the human component comes always first.

Did you passed the exam you had the days after the event?

It is a hard question. Actually no, but it is not something to get worried about. For my public examinations, I have oral exams every Monday and Thursday where I have to recite, every time, one of twelve possible lessons, so actually if I don’t pass it one day, I can repeat it the next day. The final exam will be later on. In that moment I’m supposed to not fail, wish me luck.

What are your future plans in AEGEE?

I would like to get active on the regional and European level, as well as participate in an Election Observation Missions. However, I will have to wait until I finish with my public examinations. In AEGEE-Tenerife, I want to organise non-formal education activities, for facilitating and encouraging the training of members and non-members. In addition, after one year fighting with the University, now we can open our new office.

Name one good thing and one bad thing in our association. 

In my opinion, the best of AEGEE is the opportunity of opening your mind, meeting new cultures and getting out of your comfort zone in every activity, event, etc. It is achieving a completely educated person, not only education wise, but personally too. A negative aspect is that (however, sometimes this is inevitable) is the favouristims and cronyism that can be observed in the assignment of particular positions, without keeping in mind the training and background of people. I think that, as a democratic association, we should decrease the non elective positions.

Let’s play a game. Describe yourself by using adjectives that start with the letters that compose your name.

NIMBLE: my mind is always hatching something.

ACTIVE: I can’t stay at home. I always need to have something in my “to do” list.

IDEALISTIC: Ideas move the world and I want to move it.

ROMANTIC: I really love to love, despite maybe I’m not the best loving.

AUTO-DIDACTIC: something totally required in AEGEE.

Written by Erika Bettin, AEGEE-Verona

Thirty years ago, a dream was born. A dream conceived by a man who wanted to see a better Europe for its citizens: Franck Biancheri. With this aim in mind, and after a conference in Paris (EGEE 1) about overcoming Europe’s integration paralysis, the Association des États Généraux des Étudiants de l’Europe (AEGEE) was created. Up to this day, it brings together more than 13000 students from all around Europe. This year, AEGEE-Paris, one of the founding antenna, wants to celebrate this fact by organising an event about it. With the cooperation of the Association des amis de Franck Biancheri, a promising event is presented. The AEGEEan asked Léa Charlet, main organiser of the event, about it.

The AEGEEan: What will the main topic of the event be?
Léa: Nowadays, the EU is going through the most serious crisis in its history, and it seems that if it fails to rebuild itself, helped by the European citizens, there is no way out of this situation. Just like Erasmus would not have been possible without AEGEE-Europe members, we believe that our democratic, influential and sustainable Europe, will not see the light of day without the Erasmus generations of which we, in AEGEE, are the representatives. Our event will therefore be an occasion to discuss the future of Europe as AEGEE, the Erasmus generation.

What can the participants expect from the event?
To discuss a lot on subjects of which we are not always talking about in AEGEE, but it doesn’t mean that as citizens we do not have an opinion. To get out of their comfort zone in terms of ideas and debate about essential subjects which might get us further in our emphasizing project. To meet a lot of people from all over Europe. And of course to celebrate the 30 years of our amazing association in the beautiful city of Paris!

Tackling the situation of the future of Europe is always a difficult point, how is it going to be presented?
The idea is to tackle the different problems by theme: Europe of jobs, Social Europe, Europe of the Media, Political Europe etc. We also want our participants to prepare their own recommendations on saturday (following the same good practice from Y Vote 2014). The recommendations will be presented to the whole assembly on Sunday during the final conference. A speaker will then give his arguments and we will have small debates. We do not pretend to redress Europe in one conference, but want to state that it’s time that politicians, journalists, european citizens, civil society and many more actors start working together.

What do you, as main organiser, expect the outcome of the event to be?
For people to enjoy the discussion and feel that they learned something during this weekend, to enjoy the whole event and Paris, and also to feel part of this big 30 year anniversary celebration!

AEGEE-Paris was one of the founding antennae of AEGEE. How do you feel to be part of this milestone, and how do you think it influences the members of AEGEE-Paris?

I personally always felt it was fun to be able to speak French during Agora(she laughs). More seriously, I don’t think it’s changing anything except that we can brag about it sometimes.

The Association des amis de Franck Biancheri is cooperating with you on organising the event. What is their role going to be?
First, in the framework of the Franck Biancheri year, we received a consequent financial help, without which this event could not happen. The help is mainly for the final conference: speakers, venues, content. They will also be present for a little while during the preliminary debate, in order to bring the ideas supported by Franck Biancheri to the debate.

Franck Biancheri was certainly a role model in most aspects regarding this AEGEE life, how is he going to be present during this event?
As I mentioned, some of the members of the association, who worked with him for twenty years, will be the representatives of his ideas saturday morning. He will also be part of the celebration retracing 30 years of AEGEE!

If you want to apply for it you still have time untill the 15th of February. For more information, check their event on Facebook!

Written by Ruben Navarro, AEGEE-Tarragona

This year, the Leadership Summer School (LSS) was organised by the local committee of European Medical Students’ Association (EMSA) in Yeditepe University, Istanbul, between 16th and 25th of July. More than 30 international youth organisations were represented by more than 60 participants interested to be trained on different leadership skills and competences. Among them were also six enthusiastic AEGEEans, Alessandra Dehò, Balázs Kovács, Bozhidara Evstatieva, Isi Boriga, Lia Tuska and Tsveti Stoycheva, and The AEGEEan got the chance to interview them.

The AEGEEan: Who are you?

Alessandra Dehò: I am Alessandra Dehò, HR responsible of AEGEE-Brescia and Medical student.

Balázs Kovács: My name is Balázs (Bali) Kovács from AEGEE-Debrecen and I am also a member of AEGEE’s Network Commission.

Bozhidara Evstatieva: Bozhidara (Dara) Evstatieva from AEGEE-Sofia.

Isi Boriga: Isi Boriga, former member of AEGEE-Cluj-Napoca, and current board member of AEGEE-Maastricht.

Lia Tuska: I’m Lia, member of AEGEE-Sofia, Network Commissioner, PR of The AEGEEan and Democracy in Practice, Secretary of Human Rights Working Group and Vice-Speaker of information Technology Committee.

Tsveti Stoycheva: Tsveti, AEGEE-Sofia.

The AEGEEan: Why did you decide to apply for LSS?

Alessandra: Since I have joined AEGEE, I feel that I have started a process of self-growth. I saw LSS as an important part of this process. It was necessary for me to be the best version of myself, to grow up as a person, as student and as citizen.

Balázs: Since I joined AEGEE, I have met with several fellow youth activists and volunteers who have somehow been involved in previous editions of this one-of-a-kind event. After hearing many stories from these people, I have become totally inspired and I knew that I had to see it for myself. Heartfelt thankings go to AEGEE-Cluj-Napoca for giving me the initial enthusiasm pushes back in the days!

Bozhidara: LSS was the next sequential step  after European School 1 (ES1). For the past one year I have been challenging myself, my knowledge and skills. What is more, LSS was the perfect playground for exploration of the limits of one’s comfort zone.

Isi: I knew that LSS is an event not to be missed ever since I heard amazing stories about it from the organizers of the 4th edition (Cluj-Napoca, 2011). Because I am now in a transitional and decisions-making phase (at the end of my studies and preparing for my first real job), I thought this summer was the perfect timing for me. So when a friend notified me that the application period has opened, I went for it.

Lia: I first heard about LSS when AEGEE-Sofia applied as hosting local and I told them I was sure they would make it and that I would be there. I applied as participant and I got rejected, but that is what motivated me to be more active on European Level in AEGEE, so last year I was at LSS as helper. When it was over, I challenged myself to apply again and I got accepted!

Tsveti: I got involved with this event last year when our antenna hosted it. The atmosphere of LSS is very special and unique – one of the main reasons for it is that participants come from various organizations. I have a passion for trainings so I wanted to go through the real experience as participant this year and when the open call was out there was no moment of hesitation whether to apply or not.

The AEGEEan: What is leadership to you?

Alessandra: Leadership means to create a connection between people and let them express themselves in their best way. Leadership has many different aspects, but the one I prefer is to inspire and motivate people and let them to inspire and motivate you.

Balázs: Leadership is a complex concept and it always depends on the given circumstances. This event has ultimately aimed at focusing at the question of “How can one become the most effective, responsible leader of his/her own life?” I would define the term “leadership” as a never-ending series of challenges.

Bozhidara: A leader is one who can motivate others not only by talking and sharing experiences, but by merely standing and smiling for example. For a leader, even the little things in life matter and one should take all the opportunities we are presented with. To know how to become a leader is no easy task and requires loads of skills, experience, the right attitude, and in my personal opinion- optimism.

Isi: Ability to inspire, ethical behavior, commitment, trust, tasks distribution, diplomacy, adaptability to change, communication, feedback-seeking and receiving, awareness, empathy.

Lia: Everyone has their own view of what leadership is. For me, it is to inspire, to help (sometimes without knowing it), to care and to support people around you. Leadership is also being able to lead yourself before you lead others.

Tsveti: It is hard to put this in a sentence or two. For me leadership is knowing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and acting upon that. And of course showing the same understanding for others.

The AEGEEan: Why should other AEGEEans attend LSS?

Alessandra: Because it is a challenge. You start taking awareness about who you are and what you want, but above of all WHY? And they show you the way to find your answers, testing yourself in many ways. The most important thing is that during this process you are not alone.

Balázs: Let me just give you all a couple of hints about this year’s event. Imagine an 10-day-long, “non-formal education meets informal learning” kind of youth event with circa 100 youngsters from 30+ countries from all over the Globe representing some dozen of (I)NGYOs where we all participate/deliver and actively engage in many trainings/workshops, discussions and we share and exchange our knowledge and experiences. It is impossible to briefly describe this event but it is definitely meant to be lived!

Bozhidara: LSS is the needed ingredient for everyone who is on the personal development path, looking for answers, inspiration, and motivation. It is also for all the dreamers who wish for change on a bigger scale. The LSS atmosphere is so open, sharing and one can feel the breeze of understanding and acceptance in the air.  It is also a great way to explore and enhance oneself on every possible levels.

Isi: There’s no general answer to this question, because I think that everyone attending LSS is seeking for something different. But no matter what that may be, one thing is certain: you will be sharing this educational and emotional experience with dozens of people who will inspire you, accept you, and who will make you dig a little deeper into yourself. You won’t only get what you came for – you will get much more.

Lia: Having the chance to be at two versions of LSS, I can say that every year was special. You do not only learn some new methods or improve your skills on public speaking, group dynamics, conflict management, etc. but you also meet people from other NGOs that you wouldn’t have met in any other case, you make new friends and even Project ideas are born.

Tsveti: Join LSS and you will make true friends from all over the world and know what it really means to care for others and being cared for. It is a life-changing experience after which you will hopefully be more mindful, develop your social skills and have the courage to put your ideas and dreams in action.

The AEGEEan: What have you learned from the event?

Alessandra: It could be easier to say what I haven’t learnt. The most important thing that I will take with me is that a leader without other people to support him, is nothing. You can be a good leader only if you keep in mind that other people are all important in the same way and that you have to take care of them.

Balázs: Although, the event provided me with quite some learning points but, as I said, neither them nor LSS can be described shortly, they are simply meant to be lived. I would still pick a quote from the Queen of Denmark saying that “Maybe the reason for all the war and conflict in this world is all the conversations that were never held.” This idea has meant a lot to me in the past years and it came very handy now as a mantra.

Bozhidara: I learned a lot about Life, Universe and Everything else. ;) But no, LSS reflection is still in process and so far I do not have a proper answer to this question.

Isi: Many, many things. I have learnt the huge impact that sharing, connecting and opening to others can have, I have been amazed by the beautiful people around me, by their ideas, projects and philosophies, and I have developed skills important not only for a leader, but for any young professional. Most importantly, I was reminded that life should be lived doing things that make you happy, and that are meaningful. Find your own dream, and make it happen! It is as simple as that. :)

Lia: LSS is not just an event, it is a process! People who weren’t there won’t understand, LSS is not just an Summer School on Leadership, it’s a place where you leave some parts of yourself (fears, doupts, etc.) and get new ones (courage, confidence, etc.).

Tsveti: I learned that being open is the best favour you can do yourself.

Written by Svenja van der Tol, AEGEE-Nijmegen, with the help of Lia Tuska, AEGEE-Sofia

It was a YES! The Speak Up team were hoping for it, longing for the answer from the French National Agency of the Youth in Action Programme, and they said YES, and approved their project! « Speak Up – Bouge ton Europe » is not just any project. It is one which has been built and supported by members coming from all of the French antennae and joining Lucille Rieux, project manager, in this incredible adventure.

How did it all start?

A few months ago, while thinking about the situation in France, the weaknesses of the Network, and the difficulty of having young people get involved, an idea occurred. Lucille decided that what was needed was a huge project which would promote youth participation, and at the same time, would finally give a lot of visibility to AEGEE, in several cities all together.

When considering what the special thing about AEGEE is, what field of expertise they have, and what could catch the attention of French youngsters, Lucille came up with this answer: AEGEE is a learning space and the members believe in the possibility of transforming their ideas into reality, AEGEE people are Europeans and they know that whichever European country they may come from, they share the same values, and they respect each other. Moreover, AEGEE people have an understanding of the importance of raising their voice in order for their needs to be taken into account. They understand that ideas have to be shared, that young Europeans have to express themselves and get involved in what is important for the future of every single one of them, and of each one of us: Europe.

This gave Lucille the idea of making a train tour with a lot of active AEGEE members and go through several French cities, in order to encourage young people to give volunteering a chance, to participate, to get to know a new face of Europe: AEGEE-Europe.

But let us go deeper.

Imagine a train filled with 40 young AEGEEans, coming from a wide range of AEGEE antennae, crossing eight of the biggest French cities in just 15 days. These cities will be Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Grenoble, Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux and in each city, several activities will be organised  (AEGEE presentations, participation in workshops, visits, street actions, video shooting and more) in collaboration with a local association, in order to encourage young French people to become active, to discover what it means to work in an association, and to live an experience of active participation!

Through this project, which will take place from September 15^th till September 30^th 2012, the Speak Up team hopes that young people will become more aware of the cultural diversity which characterizes Europe, but also that the actions which they will participate in will inspire them to continue to be locally-engaged, whether it is in AEGEE or in another association.

Now, let us go behind the scene and see WHO are those making this possible:

Together with Lucille, quite a few French AEGEE members have signed up for the experience and there is no doubt that you will meet some of the representatives soon, at the upcoming AEGEE fair of Agora Enschede, for example. The team is made up of Léa Charlette from AEGEE-Paris (Social Network Responsible), Thomas Bonnefoy from AEGEE-Lyon (Corporate Relations), Pauline Letard from AEGEE-Toulouse (Local Events Responsible), Marie Chicaud from AEGEE-Paris (PR Responsible), Youness Touzani from AEGEE-Paris (Treasurer),  Nefeli Roubaka from AEGEE-Strasbourg and Mathieu Savary from AEGEE-Bruxelles (Content Development Responsible). Actually, the team keeps growing and growing. Very soon, a French volunteer service (Service Civique) will also be working on this project and helping the team to make it possible.

The team has decided to get hold of YOUTH PARTICIPATION and to increase the knowledge about it. It is one of the most important issues, being among the three thematic topics of the AEGEE strategic plan of last year. Therefore, you can be sure you will be asked for your opinion about youth participation very soon!

And now…

The team is set on working a lot harder, on searching further for funds, on developing the implementation of this very ambitious project, and on giving it some more visibility! This visibility is being increased through their Facebook page, activity on Twitter and they are also working on launching a blog in the near future. Most importantly, if you have any questions and you are one of the lucky ones going to Enschede in less than two weeks, you will have the opportunity to approach the team at the AEGEE fair, where they will have a few surprises for you!

Written by Lucille Rieux, AEGEE-Toulouse & AEGEE-Las Palmas.