Participants of the 2005 Tibetan Youth Leadership Program.

Participants of the 2005 Tibetan Youth Leadership Program.

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) invites young Tibetans in the United States to apply for its sixth Tibetan Youth Leadership Program, to be held in Washington, D.C. from May 20 to 24, 2006.

Since 2001, the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) has run an intensive training program for Tibetan youth in the United States. The first such leadership program was held in March 2001 with successive sessions held in Washington, D.C. in 2002 and 2004, and in 2003 ICT in Europe held its inaugural training program for young Tibetans living in Europe. The most recent TYLP was held in Amsterdam in December 2005.

These programs have provided participants with the opportunity to build professional and social networks, enhance their skills and to become familiar with important institutions and leaders.

This program aims to train youth leaders who will not only become the leaders of the Tibetan community in the future, but who will also act now to convert their energy and convictions about issues affecting Tibet into a powerful force for activism and change. Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will learn the art of leadership. The training will be specifically geared to meet the needs of the Tibetan community for a core group of young, articulate Tibetan leaders in the United States.

Participants will learn the skills and tools required to become a successful youth organizer, including crucial media and communication skills. Participants will hear from and interact with many distinguished guest speakers who will deal with issues such as lobbying tactics in context of U.S. politics. They will also visit Congressional offices on Capitol Hill.

Beyond individual leadership training, the program will provide enthusiastic young Tibetans the opportunity to establish relationships with, and learn from other young Tibetans.

Program Date: May 20 to 24, 2006. ICT will provide food and arrange for accommodation during the training period. We would strongly encourage those able to bear their own travel cost to do so, but ICT will not preclude anyone from participating in the program due to their inability to bear their travel costs.

Eligibility: Open to all Tibetans age 18-28 and applicants must be legal residents of the United States.