Tibetan Youth Leadership Program

Participants of the 2005 Tibetan Youth Leadership Program.

Following inquiries from Tibetans in Canada about participation in this year’s Tibetan Youth Leadership Program (TYLP) in Washington, D.C. the International Campaign for Tibet has decided to alter the program and to invite Tibetans from Canada. Subsequently, the deadline for application has been extended to May 1, 2006 and Tibetans in Canada are particularly encouraged to apply.

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 and Canada.

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. and Canadian 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 and Canada.