Bloggers to Win Free Doha Climate Change Conference Trips this November: Adopt A Negotiator

The ‘Adopt A Negotiator’ project is looking for young bloggers and activists from the region to take part in the Doha Climate Change Conference this November

Are you a budding blogger with an interest in the environment? Or maybe a video journalist with a passion for social issues? Well, if you are and also happen to be between 18-30 years old, then the ‘Adopt a Negotiator’ project is for you. They are on the look out for talented people to join their delegation to the UN COP18 conference in the hope of securing a better deal for the climate and the world’s citizens at the next climate summit.

Sébastien Duyck from AaN explains more about the project: “We bring young (18-30) people and bloggers to the main meetings of the UN climate talks to push for stronger climate action, mainly through the use of social media. So as we are now seeking new candidates to join our delegation to the UN COP18 conference, we would like to invite several regional representatives to join us.

“Hopefully we can contribute to raising awareness at the regional level and build the capacity of local young people for the benefit of their networks after the conference.” AaN, which is a project of the Global Campaign for Climate Action, have a number of fellowships available so if you’re interested then do get in touch. Applications received before 22nd August will be given priority, so no time like the present!

BACKGROUND

Adopt a Negotiator (AaN) is a project of the Global Campaign for Climate Action, an alliance of more than 350 non-profit organizations working to ensure a safe climate future for people and nature, to promote the low-carbon transition of our economies, and to accelerate the adaptation efforts in communities already affected by climate change by mobilizing civil society and galvanizing public. AaN got its start with a group of passionate young climate activists publicly tracking their country’s climate negotiators during the lead-up to the Copenhagen Climate Talks (COP15) in 2009. The project has since continued to support activists in publicly tracking their government’s roles in international efforts to respond to climate change.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Here are some of the qualities we are looking for:

You understand the landscape – Our Fellows should not only understand climate change, they are also familiar with their country’s national and international climate politics; preferably with the UNFCCC itself: its history, its inner workings, and its roles in addressing climate change.

You are a great communicator – Our Fellows are excellent at turning the complex and hard to communicate developments happening during climate negotiations into compelling, accessible, creative, actionable communications across multiple channels and mediums. Our primary tool is blogging – and you must be a skilled blogger – but the ability to leverage other communications tools and channels with strategic and/or large audiences via new and traditional media is key to their success.

You’ve got informed empathy – Our Fellows seek out a deep understanding of how climate change affects people in different situations in different ways all over the world – security, health, livelihood, values, politics, business, etc – and can tap into that understanding to help them connect with with various audiences (including your negotiators).

You’re brave – In a short amount of time, each Fellow has to build relationships with experts in our alliance, members of the media, and their country’s negotiators and decision makers. Fellows must make and take public stands on complicated issues; get their ideas and opinions out to media in their home country in meaningful ways; and share those.

You’re fast – Our Fellows must be able to rapidly respond to events and opportunities inside climate negotiations and out.

You’re dedicated – Our Fellows understand the stakes and are dedicated to helping push for progress in addressing climate change in spite of any setbacks and challenges we face along the way. While we expect to count on our Fellows’ full-time participation during the Doha Climate Change Conference, they will also actively participate in the project throughout the remaining months of 2012.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Applicants will need to be:

• Aged between 18 and 30
• Be able to attend fully the COP18 in Qatar (from November 23rd to December 8th 2012);

• Be able to commit a few hours per week to prepare for the delegation in the coming months and act already as a negotiation tracker.

Fellows will be provided with:

• The opportunity to play a specific role to promote progressive climate policies in your country;
• The chance to be part of a team with many other amazing young activists/bloggers;
All support needed from our team and partner during the coming months (networking, capacity building);
• Transportation to Doha, accommodation and a generous per diem during the Doha Climate Change Conference

For the full details and to apply got to the AaN webpage.

: All images via ‘Adopt a Negotiator’ flickr.

Author: Arwa Aburawa

Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.

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