| |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Why is AED, a U.S. non-profit organization, supporting this project?
Does this project only involve Arab youth in the Middle East?
How will you promote the web cast?
How will you reach youth that do not have access to the Internet?
How do you ensure that all Arab (rich and poor, male and female) are objectively selected?
I am an Arab from Israel, am I eligible for the program?
Will all the youth selected to train together for two months receive grants?
How will you monitor the grants given to the participants?
What kinds of skills with the participating youth learn?
How will community work in the Arab world help change the image of Arab youth in the West?
Are donations tax deductible for individuals?
Why is AED, a U.S. non-profit organization, supporting this project?
AED is the leading nonprofit organization in the world that combines both a commitment to youth development with a commitment to international leadership and exchange. With more than 40 years experience working in the Arab Middle East, the opportunity to support the youth directors of this program seemed unique in its ability to give a new voice to Arab youth around the world. Our goal is to ensure that the youth directors receive the technical support they want and to ensure donors the financial integrity and transparency of a large and well-respected non-profit organization and to help initiate an independent Arab youth organization capable of continuing the work.
Does this project only involve Arab youth in the Middle East?
No. This project welcomes all Arab youth. But it is aimed at facilitating positive changes in the local communities of the Arab world. We will make a specific effort to reach Arabs in the Arab region, in the U.S., and Arab-Americans wishing to participate.
How will you promote the web cast?
A number of organizations have agreed to help us make the process as open to all as possible including, universities, existing list-serves and local media, plus Ministries of Education, associations, and organizations throughout the Arab World, Europe, and the U.S.
How will you reach youth that do not have access to the Internet?
The goal is to reach out through schools, universities and community centers, and Internet cafes. We also will publicize through a poster campaign, print ads, and public service announcements on radio and television.
How do you ensure that all Arab (rich and poor, male and female) are objectively selected?
To ensure objectivity, the jury selecting the proposals will only have a “blind proposal document” unidentified by author. All selection will be made upon objective criteria.
I am an Arab from Israel, am I eligible for the program?
Yes, this program aims at giving a voice to all Arab youth.
Will all the youth selected to train together for two months receive grants?
Not necessarily. We feel it is impossible to judge the ability of any one person to manage a small grant based solely on a short proposal. The proposals are an initial screening device that allows the selected youth to come together, receive additional ideas, and work together on developing a full proposal which will be submitted during the last week of training. Based on the quality of this proposal plus their ability to work with others demonstrated throughout the six weeks, decisions will be made by the youth directors, working with the technical advisory board and policy committee, on who will receive the small grants. All, however, will returned home having spent six challenging weeks focusing on positive changes in their communities as defined by them and their peers.
How will you monitor the grants given to the participants?
The youth will be linked to local associations, NGOs, or educational institutions who will provide continued guidance to ensure accountability and transparency in the expenditure of project funds. We will monitor and support their weekly progress through this network.
What kinds of skills with the participating youth learn?
There are three types of leadership skills youth will have the opportunity to develop. The first is the process of peer review -- how to critique and learn from other youth. Secondly, they will learn how to develop an effective proposal to raise money which is clear, compelling and successful. Finally, youth will have specific training in the development of:
• Micro-enterprise,
• The social marketing of change,
• Youth mapping strategies,
Technical training in any one of the following areas:
• Education - gender equity, improving school performance, and tutoring
• Health - primary health care, managing chronic disease and patient advocacy
• Environmental protection – water quality and conservation, air pollution, solid waste management, or biodiversity
• Civil Society – conflict resolution, fostering greater community participation, forms of decision-making.
How will community work in the Arab world help change the image of Arab youth in the West?
Through media coverage, website postings, and the publication of projects results, we hope to give a new “voice” to Arab youth – the voice of positive action, not angry words.
Are donations tax deductible for individuals?
AED is a 501(c) (3) organization; donations are tax deductible in the U.S. to the extent provided by U.S. law.
|
| |
|
