Eleven Tibetan Americans are participating in the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT)’s Tibetan Youth Leadership Program (TYLP) being held in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to 7, 2013. The participants are from California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Massachusetts.
“We are excited to have these young Tibetans here and are preparing a robust program for them,” said Tencho Gyatso, Coordinator of TYLP at ICT.
This program aims to nurture young leaders who could become the leaders of the Tibetan-American community in the United States and internationally. Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will be taught the art of leadership.
The program will instill in its participants the knowledge and confidence required for leadership roles. Participants will hear from speakers on issues ranging from US policy formulation process, empowerment of Tibetans, US-China relations, American policy towards Tibet, etc. and also learn the skills and tools, including crucial media and communication skills (including field visits to Voice of America and Radio Free Asia).
They will visit Capitol Hill and meet with Members of Congress and their staff and know about the legislative process. They will also meet with officials at the State Department and learn about the implementation of the policies.
On the final evening, the Capital Area Tibetan Association will host an interaction between the participants and local young Tibetans as well as a dinner reception.
Beyond individual leadership training, the program will provide enthusiastic young Tibetans the opportunity to establish relationships with, and learn from other young Tibetan-Americans.
Since the program was first started in Washington, D.C. in 2001, it was held annual until 2006, including in Brussels in 2003 and Amsterdam in 2005.