Writers for Women’s Rights 2008 – Applications Open

Thanks Dina:

Are you a young woman between the ages of 18 to 32? Are you interested in what’s happening around you? Do you have a passion for writing? Do you want your voice heard in the mass media? Have you been thinking of getting involved in activism but not sure where to start?

If you are, then the Writers for Women’s Rights Programme may be just what you have been looking for.

Organised by the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM), the programme will help develop your understanding of gender and social justice issues, writing and analytical skills, and media relations.

If selected, you will attend a live-in workshop from the 13–16 November 2008, where you will receive training from experienced AWAM writers and trainers on those areas. You can look forward to connecting with a motley crew of inquisitive young women who are passionate about social justice and social  transformation.

Keen? Apply now!

Write or email a short statement (500 words) explaining why you are interested in the programme and what you hope to gain from it. Include a brief biodata or CV, write ‘WWRP’ as your subject heading and send it before 30th September to:

Snail mail: AWAM, 85 Jalan 21/1, 46300 Petaling Jaya (fax: 03-7874 3312)
Email: advocacy-programs@awam.org.my

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview. Selected applicants will be notified by 15 October 2008. Selected participants are required to pay a workshop registration fee:
Students or unemployed: RM 50
Others: RM 100

If you need a waiver or a reduction of the fee, please write to us explaining your circumstances with your application. Waivers or reductions may be granted based on the discretion of the organizers.

I did this program two years ago and it was fantastic. It introduced me to the idea of writing Letters to the Editor to create change, and the people that run it are passionate and knowledgable about feminism in Malaysia. Give this a go.

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Nat.Geo Glimpse Correspondents – Get Published & Paid While Studying Abroad

Are you studying abroad between August and December this year? Do you have experience in writing, photography, or video? Here’s your chance to make use of your experiences and skills – and become famous internationally.

National Geographic has launched the Glimpse Correspondents Program, whereby students aged 18-30 who are studying abroad for at least 10 weeks will be able to tell their stories of their experiences for publication in the National Geographic Glimpse magazine. Selected participants will also receive a $600 stipend and a professional editor to help them through the process.

Applications open mid-May, but you can sign up to express your interest. Those of you in The Star – BRATs that are studying abroad, I suggest you investigate this as well.

BRATs Recruiting Again, ESUM Public Speaking Competition, Essay Competition 2008

Quick updates (using Deepest Sender):

1) The Star’s BRATs are recruiting again for 2008! I get a lot of comments from would-be BRATs asking about the next recruitment, so here’s your chance. Workshops will be held on:

• Taiping, March 9 – 12
• Penang, May 24 – 27
• Kuala Selangor, August 16 – 19

If you are aged between 16 to 19 and you’re interested in journalism, the BRATs would be a great foot in the door for your media aspirations. To participate, just write a 1000-word essay about yourself, your family, your inspirations, and your preferences, and send it to:

BRATs Star Youth
Menara Star
15, Jalan 16/11,
46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor OR
email to brats@thestar.com.my .

Include a bio with contact details, family details, and academic background. Doesn’t have to be crazy complex though. Don’t forget to indicate which workshop you’re interested in. (And don’t worry if you don’t get your first choice – I didn’t get my first choice of workshop but got drafted into the next workshop in Lumut). The participation fee is RM120, but you only have to pay that if you are accepted.

Be quick – applications close February 2 2008!

2) If you’re more interested in speaking than writing, the English Speaking Union of Malaysia (ESUM)’s Public Speaking Competition is right up your alley. Two finalists of this competition will be sent to London in May to represent Malaysia in the International Public Speaking Competition.

Preliminaries and semi-finals will be held on the 8th of March. The preliminaries consist of a 5-minute delivered speech on “New Frontiers, New Horizons” as well as a 3-minute impromptu speech. Those in the semi-finals would then have to talk about how they could change the world.

Applications are open to those aged 16-20 and forms can be found in the Sunday Star Education pullouts (which are another good resource for this sort of thing).

3) If you wish to change the world through essays, check out The World Bank’s International Essay Competition 2008. This year, they would like to know your practical ideas for shaping the
 City of your Dreams. This competition is open to anyone 18-25, and the prizes include up to USD1000 cash, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to the ABCDE conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Send your essays online in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese. The closing date is March 23, 2008.