Background
Following lots of interest in the working of the European Parliament, Gina Dowding, Green MEP for North West England is organising a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels for climate activists from the North West of England. This opportunity is available to young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who have participated in the climate strikes or can demonstrate they actively campaign on climate issues. Participants must be EU citizens (this includes UK citizens) who are either resident in the North West of England or who attend a university or college in the North West of England.
The visit will take place from Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th September 2019; travelling to Brussels on Monday, returning on Wednesday with a full day’s programme in the European Parliament on Tuesday. Participants will visit the Parliament building and learn about how the parliament functions and about the role of MEPs. They will have the opportunity also, to meet Gina and other Green MEPs who are working to place climate action at the top of the Parliament’s agenda.
We hope also that there will be an opportunity to meet young climate activists from Brussels. Travel, accommodation and reasonable subsistence will fully-funded, mostly with sponsorship from the European Parliament and topped up by a crowdfunder.
How to apply
1) Write a 250-word statement explaining why you want to participate in the visit, what impact the visit will have for you, and how this might help your campaigning for the climate. We also want to know how many climate strikes you have participated in and where or how you you actively campaign for the climate. If possible, please provide evidence of your participation, e.g. photographs or statement from referees.
2) Provide a very brief CV including your first and last names, date of birth, nationality, address, email address, telephone number, place of study and course or place of work and job title, ethnicity and names and contact details of two referees.
Once completed, please send your application to: Kai Taylor, mersey-lancs@ginadowding.org.uk by Sunday 18th August 2019. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Thursday 22nd August.
Selection Criteria
Participants must be EU Citizens (this includes UK citizens) aged between 18 and 25 years and have participated in at least one climate strike.
We will select applicants who can demonstrate a strong commitment to taking action to fight climate change and who will ensure that this experience has a significant impact on the cause to ensure local, national and/or global action on climate change.
Travel, Accommodation and Subsistence
Your travel, accommodation and reasonable subsistence will be fully paid. The sponsorship from the European Parliament will cover most of the costs but we expect you to help launch a crowdfunder to meet the shortfall.
You will be required to arrange and pay upfront for your own travel to London. If you provide the tickets, this will be fully reimbursed (coach or second class rail travel).
Group travel via Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels Midi will be organised.
Accommodation in Brussels will also be organised for you. You will need money in Brussels to pay for reasonable subsistence (food and drink, no alcohol) for up to 25€ per day. If you keep the receipts you will be reimbursed.
Documentation
You will need a valid passport with an expiry date which extends at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Brussels (11th December). You will also need your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You may wish to take out private travel insurance.