WELCOME Words of Welcome from the President Dearest Delegates, This is probably the first time you have ever come across the acronym ‘EYP’, and I am sure you are already wondering what this ‘EYP’ will bring to you during those four days we will spend together in Strakonice. Practically speaking, Teambuilding, Committee Work and General Assembly will be the three main parts of the session. Get to know each other, work together and discuss; encounter, create and understand. This is what we will be doing, as easy as it sounds. However, let me reassure you: it won’t be anything special, or remarkable. Those four days will not teach you anything new, or reveal to you any hidden truth. During those four days, you will just do what people of your age have never done, and will probably never do; and this will make you special, and remarkable. The Officials Team and I can’t wait to welcome you to the 16th National Selection Conference of EYP CZ! See you in March, Lorenzo
Words of Welcome from the HOs Dearest Delegates, We are truly thrilled to welcome you on board of the 16th National Selection Conference of EYP Czech Republic that is going to take place in little over a month! We assure you that between 20 and 23 March you are going to go through something marvellous you have not experienced before. Even though at the conference you can get selected to attend regional and international sessions around Europe, we would like you to have in mind that it is only a small part of the whole picture! The session should be mainly about experience. We want every single one of you to have an unforgettable time, fruitful discussions, to have fun, to socialise, to have an intercultural experience and much more. All in all, we wish that you live the DRAMA OF ENCOUNTER, CREATION and UNDERSTANDING. And us, your Officials – Organisers, Chairs, Journalists and many more – are here to help you do that! So, will you take the chance to have the time of your life with us in Strakonice? We are looking forward to you already! And of course, do not forget to follow the latest news and information about the session on our web and our Facebook page! Yours sincerely, Kate & Lenka
Words of Welcome from the Editors Dear Delegates, Welcome aboard! The fact that you are reading this Welcome Booklet means that you were given the amazing chance to take part in the 16th National Selection Conference of EYP Czech Republic. First of all, we would like to congratulate you on this success. Even though what lies ahead might seem to be a tough competition, do not forget the fact that you are coming to Strakonice to learn something and enjoy yourself. Since you will not see us all that much at the session, let us explain to you our mission. Together with the rest of our Media Team, we will put our best effort into preserving all the memories you will gain throughout the conference. Videlicet, it is very likely that after you come back home, you will miss the unique atmosphere that only the EYP can build up. We do hope that the pictures, videos and newspapers we will provide you with will conjure up a smile on your face and bring up the joyful moments once again. As the session preparations are in full bloom, there is one important feature we would like you to get acquainted with – the session hashtag. We hereby present to you #strknc14. Do not hesitate to use it on any social-networking platform, be it before the session at home or on the spot during the conference. See you all in Strakonice. Forever yours, Klåra & Marek
DRAMA OF ENCOUNTER
DRAMA OF CREATION
DRAMA OF UNDERSTANDING
SESSION THEME
Some of you may have been wondering about the meaning of our session’s logo. Look no further, here it is. The logo has various meanings; however, it mainly represents the three parts of a session: Teambuilding, Committee Work and General Assembly. The heavy emphasis on the drama stems from Strakonice being the town where the nationwide famous play The Bagpiper of Strakonice by J. K. Tyl takes place. First we have the Drama of Encounter – Teambuilding, the moment of meeting one another and encountering their different viewpoints. That is also symbolised by the cross, where two different lines meet. Moreover, it also symbolises the fact that Strakonice lies on the confluence of two rivers and throughout history, it has been a place of encounter.
Then comes the Drama of Creation, symbolised by a star – the metaphorical symbol of the birth of ideas, the formation of something new and innovative. This represents Committee Work, where the delegates come up with ideas and solutions, resulting in the creation of their star resolution. Finally, we have the Drama of Understanding – the General Assembly where our delegates show deep understanding of their own resolutions as much as the comprehension of those of the others, share different viewpoints and try to find a common ground with the rest of the Committees. The tick sign shows exactly that – the approval and mutual understanding of everyone involved.
STRAKONICE + VENUES
Introduction of the Town The beautiful South Bohemian town of Strakonice will become the centre of EYP activity at the end of March. It is the place on the confluence of the rivers Otava and Volyňka as well as the meeting place of all of us participating in the session! The town itself has a rich history dating all the way back to the 12th century. It has since become best renowned for the so called Strakonický dudák or The Bagpiper from Strakonice. It is also a place where the world-renowned International Bagpipe Festival takes place every other year. Apart from this, Strakonice has several beautiful sights such as the Castle, the Marian Column on the Palacký Square, historical houses located on the Main Square, several churches and much more. There are many people who were born and/or spent time in Strakonice during their lifetime, most notably the revivalist writer F. L. Čelakovský or the first Czechoslovakian president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.
STRAKONICE CASTLE
Two parts of our session will take place in the dominant feature of the city, the Castle. Its foundation dates back to the 13th century and features of various architectonic styles varying from Romanesque and Gothic to Baroque and Renaissance can be found there. The Opening Ceremony will take place in the Knight Hall and the Czech Village in the medieval cellar called Katovna. Both are located on the newly renovated historical premises inside the castle complex.
THE VILLAGE OF ŘEPICE
This beautiful village located 3 kilometres from the town of Strakonice will host us for the CJO Training. It was voted the Czech Village of the Year 2012. It has both historical buildings set in the beautiful South Bohemian countryside and modern facilities we will make use of for the trainings.
DŮM MLÁDEŽE SPŠ, PLÁNKOVA STREET
This youth residence is where we will be accommodated and spend our precious hours of sleep. We will also continue the CJ trainings there.
GYMNÁZIUM STRAKONICE
The school, whose history comprises more than 90 years, will host the session’s Teambuilding and Committee Work. Even though it is a school with a rich history and has changed its location a few times, it now resides in a building constructed in the 1980s, which has gone through extensive renovation and is now a modern facility with classes equipped with projectors and touch boards.
THE HOUSE OF CULTURE
The representative premises of this building, which is usually used for hosting big events such as balls, theatre plays or concerts, will turn into our GA venue for a day.
SESSION
PROGRAMME
THURSDAY 20 MARCH Morning Untill 12:00 Afternoon 14:00-18:15 18:15 18:35 Evening 19:00-20:00 20:00-21:00 21:30-…
Arrival of Delegates and Teachers – Accommodation Teambuilding – Gymnázium Leaving school for Opening Ceremony – Strakonice Castle Czech Village preparations – Katovna of Strakonice Castle Opening Ceremony – Knight Hall of Strakonice Castle Czech village – Katovna of Strakonice Castle Evening Programme – Accommodation
FRIDAY 21 MARCH Morning 8:00 9:00-12:30 Afternoon 12:30-13:30 13:30-18:30 Evening 19:00-21:30 21:30-…
Breakfast Teambuilding/Committee Work – Gymnázium Lunch – Cafeteria of Gymnázium Committee Work – Gymnázium Committee Dinners – Various Restaurants EYP Café - Spring party – Music Club ‘Inferno’
SATURDAY 22 MARCH Morning 8:00 9:00-12:00 Afternoon 12:00-13:00 13:00-17:00 Evening 17:30-18:30 19:00 20:00-21:00 21:30-…
Breakfast Committee Work – Gymnázium Lunch – Cafeteria of Gymnázium Committee Work/GA preparation – Gymnázium Treasure Hunt Dinner – Restaurant ‘The Paradise’ Free Time – Accommodation EYP Café - Farewell party (‘Drama’) – Music Club Inferno
SUNDAY 23 MARCH
Morning 8:00 8:45-12:00 12:00-12:30 12:30-16:00 16:15-17:15 17:15-…
Breakfast – SPŠ General Assembly – House of Culture Lunch General Assembly – House of Culture Closing Ceremony – House of Culture Departures
Dress code CASUAL
This dress code applies to informal evening activities. It gives you the freedom to choose any type of clothing you feel comfortable wearing.
SMART CASUAL
During Committee Work you will be required to dress smartly. You will not be expected to wear your suit, but worn-out jeans with sneakers do not quite fit the smart-casual clothing either. Preferably, wear something in between. For example, black trousers with a shirt or a nice pair of trousers/skirt for girls suit perfectly for Committee Work.
FORMAL
During the General Assembly you will be expected to dress formally. This means suits with ties for boys, and dresses or skirts and shirts for girls.
COMMITTEE WORK
Session overview TEAMBUILDING
In order to get to know your committee members, you will play lots of games during Teambuilding. These strangers will become your friends and at the end of Teambuilding, a team where everyone can rely on one another, will be formed. Dress Code: Casual
OPENING CEREMONY
This is the official welcome event of the session. Many speakers, not only the President, but also the Head Organisers, the Editors and guest speakers will make a speech before the event officially opens.
During Committee Work you will debate your topic and try to find solutions to problems it poses. In the end, the Committee should be able to reach a consensus and write a resolution that all members agree on. Dress Code: Smart Casual
EYP CAFÉ
When the sun goes down and the stars come up, that’s when EYP Café happens. It is time to enjoy yourselves and socialize. On Friday night, we will be having the Spring Party. You are not required to bring any costumes; however, flower patterned clothes are warmly welcome.
Dress Code: Smart Casual
On Saturday the Farewell ‘Drama’ Themed Party will take place. Get dressed in style of your favourite movie, book or drama character and have the time of your life. Don’t hold back and be creative!
CZECH VILLAGE
Dress Code: Casual/Costumes
This traditional event involves food – lots of food. Every school delegation is expected to prepare foods which represent the region they come from. It does not matter whether it is sweet or salty, just bring what you and the others may like. Do not forget about drinks as well. (Please note that only wine and beer is allowed, any other alcohol will be confiscated.) You can be creative so don’t hold back as you can bring promotional materials, flags or even regional costumes and traditional clothing. Bear in mind that no dinner will be provided on Thursday. There will only be the food that you and the others bring. Dress Code: Casual
COMMITTEE DINNERS
This is the time for you to have fun and enjoy a lovely dinner with your fellow committee members. Please note that this dinner is not paid for by EYP CZ; therefore, do not forget to bring money. Dress Code: Casual
GENERAL ASSEMBLY During the General Assembly (a.k.a. GA) all the resolutions will be discussed. The proposing committee will attempt to defend it, others will ask about unclear points and after a heated debate, a vote will be taken to determine whether each resolution has passed or not. Dress Code: Formal
THE OFFICIALSTEAM
Even though you as Delegates are the most important people at the session, a proper EYP session could not happen without the Officials. The Officials Team is divided into different groups, which are going to work towards the success of the session. So who are these people and what are their tasks?
THE CHAIRS TEAM
THE MEDIA TEAM
THE ORGANISING TEAM
THE JURY
The Chairs Team consists of Chairpersons a.k.a. Chairs. They are the people who will help you to get to know your fellow committee members. During Committee Work, they will motivate you, encourage you and support you in order for you to have constructive discussion and a wonderful resolution. The Chairs Team is led by the President. Together with the Vice-Presidents, they form the Board which chairs the official events of the session.
The team consists of the Head Organisers who lead and guide the Organisers a.k.a. Orgas. They are the people who provide you with coffee when you are tired and thirsty, with food when you are hungry, simply with everything that is essential for the session. So in case you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask them. They are there to help you.
The Editors are in charge of the Media Team. Together with their Journalists a.k.a. Journos, they produce the session newspaper. They not only write, but also take pictures at the events to preserve the unforgettable moments of the session. There is also a Video-Editor on the team who creates videos that document all the interesting and funny things that happen during the session.
This small group of people consists of experienced members of the EYP community who will observe and evaluate your work throughout the session. However, do not get distracted by their presence in your committee and act as you would normally.
COMMITTEE TOPICS
LIBE
With its recently adopted Recommendation for Roma inclusion in December 2013, the European Union seems more determined than ever to end the deep-rooted social exclusion and human rights violations of its largest ethnic minority. What measures should the EU take in the future to ensure that Member States would pursue the aims of this non-binding legal instrument?
AFET
Following the repressive measures that have been taken by the Ukrainian government to stop pro-EU and anti-government rallies, protesters occupied government buildings and called for President Yanukovych's resignation. Taking into consideration the political split Ukraine is currently facing, and the particularly strong Russian influence on such matters, which measures could the European Union adopt in order to resume an active dialogue with Ukraine?
ECON
On January 1st 2014 Latvia became the 18th European Union Member State to join the Eurozone. Despite speculations against the common European currency and frictions between the oldest Euro area member states, newer EU Member States continue to press for membership. Should the Eurozone enlargement process be promoted or stopped? Which measures could the Member States take in order to prevent another Greece?
AFET II
The biggest man-made disaster of a generation: in light of the recent Geneva II Conference and the number of Syrian refugees registered or awaiting registration eclipsing the 2.2 million with no end in sight, how can the EU facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people both in Syria and abroad?
CULT
In January 2014 the new European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport, "Erasmus+", was launched, and one of the aims of the programme is to increase the learning mobility of students. Is it time for the EU to call upon Member States to start a more determined harmonisation process of their schools curricula? If so, which measure should be taken?
ENVI
The human toll for poor air quality is worse than for road traffic accidents, making it the number one environmental cause of premature death in the European Union. So far, many Member States are failing to enforce existing EU air quality standards, even though the rules are less rigorous than those set by the World Health Organization. How can the new Clean Air Policy Package be implemented in the most effective way, in order to achieve the desired level of air quality?
JURI
The digital sphere offers great potential for a new era in which creative and expressive activities will be at the heart of our societies, but it also calls for new means of regulation of intellectual property. In light of the European Parliament's rejection of the ACTA Treaty in 2012, how should the EU act in shaping a Copyright Reform that balances the cultural rights of the public, the protection of authors and the interests of publishing and production houses of all sizes?
AFCO
The 2014 European elections represent a step towards ending the democratic deficit of the EU, given that political parties will nominate their candidates to the post of European Commission President, who will be elected by the European Parliament. What other steps should the EU take to increase the role of its Parliament and to eliminate the democratic deficit?
Don’t forget to bring ESSENTIALS •
Valid identification document (ID) / Passport
•
Money or a debit/credit card (for Committee Dinner and evening programme)
•
‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Parental Consent’ forms
•
‘Parental Consent’ form/’Consent Form 18+’ – filled out and signed
CZECHVILLAGE •
Food and beverages typical for your region
•
Cutlery, plastic cups, paper plates, napkins
•
Promotional (optional)
•
Regional costume (optional)
materials
about
your
region
COMMITTEE WORK •
Smart casual clothing
•
Printed preparation material (the overview, your own research and notes) – Note that there are no printers available at the session!
OTHER •
a towel
•
a mug
•
costume for the Farewell Party (The theme is ‘Drama’. You can take the topic in its broadest meaning. Feel free to dress up as any character or in style of any drama, book, movie, TV series etc. Be creative!)
•
accessories/costume for the Spring Party (It is not really a theme party; however, we would like to celebrate the first day of spring in style, so feel free to bring anything spring-related to enliven the spirit of the evening!)
DELEGATE SUPPORT Thi Anh Tuyet Nguyen nguyen@eyp.cz +420 775 080 196
Travel guide Unless you will be travelling from the South Bohemian Region or Pilsen, the most convenient way to the session is certainly with a stopover in Prague from where you can take a direct bus to Strakonice. IMPORTANT: Please fill out the Travel form as soon as possible in order for us to be able to pick you up! For the international Delegates:
TRAVELLING TO PRAGUE BY PLANE
Václav Havel Airport Prague (Letiště Václava Havla Praha) is extremely well connected to the world and has a large number of direct flights from other European capitals.
TRAVELLING TO PRAGUE BY COACH
There is also a huge number of coaches arriving to Prague from the whole of Europe, mostly to Prague, Bus Terminal Florenc (ÚAN Praha Florenc). For instance Student Agency (www.studentagency.eu) or Eurolines (www.elines.cz/en/) offer reasonable prices and various connections.
TRAVELLING TO PRAGUE BY TRAIN
You can also find loads of trains heading to Prague from many directions with arrival at Prague, Main Train Station (Praha, hlavní nádraží). To pick the best option for you, consult www.idos.cz, which can be switched into English.
TRAVELLING WITHIN PRAGUE
You need to find your way to the Bus Terminal Praha, Na Knížecí in order to catch the direct bus to Strakonice. If arriving by plane: Bus number 100 from Airport Prague to Zličín, then change to metro line B (direction Černý most) and get off at Anděl. If arriving by coach: Metro line B (direction Zličín) from Florenc to Anděl. If arriving by train: Metro line C (direction Letňany) from Hlavní nádraží to Florenc, then change to metro line B (direction Zličín) and get off at Anděl. For another connections within Prague please consult www.idos.cz.
TRAVELLING PRAGUE – STRAKONICE
Firstly, you need to find your way to the metro station Anděl (more information above). You may take two exits out of the metro station, but only one of them (in the map below named as EXIT 2; in the metro the direction will be markes as ‘bus’) leads straight to the Bus Terminal Praha, Na Knížecí from where the direct buses depart to Strakonice. When you exit the metro premises, you will find yourself in an underground passage. Go straight to the very end of it and take the last exit on the left. The buses to Strakonice leave from Platforms 4 and 5. Recommended bus connections on March 20 (Please note you are required to arrive in Strakonice by noon. You will be picked up by the Organisers.) 07:45 Praha, Na Knížecí, Platform 5 – 09:25 Strakonice, Bus Terminal 09:00 Praha, Na Knížecí, Platform 4 – 10:30 Strakonice, Bus Terminal 10:00 Praha, Na Knížecí, Platform 5 – 11:25 Strakonice, Bus Terminal 11:00 Praha, Na Knížecí, Platform 4 – 12:25 Strakonice, Bus Terminal For other connections (South Bohemia, a train from Pilsen) please consult www.idos.cz.
TRAVELLING STRAKONICE – PRAGUE
Recommended bus connections on March 23 18:00 Strakonice, Bus Terminal – 19:30 Praha, Na Knížecí 18:20 Strakonice, Bus Terminal – 19:40 Praha, Na Knížecí 18:30 Strakonice, Bus Terminal – 20:00 Praha, Na Knížecí 18:40 Strakonice, Bus Terminal – 20:10 Praha, Na Knížecí 20:00 Strakonice, Bus Terminal – 21:20 Praha, Na Knížecí (note: last bus connection of the day) For other connections, please consult www.idos.cz, which can be switched into English. In case of problems with booking your tickets, any travel-related problems and/or questions, extra night queries or simply in need of an advice on the transport, do not hesitate to contact the Travel Support Michal Koláček (kolacek@eyp.cz).
The 16th National Selection Conference Strakonice is organised under the auspices of Mgr. Jiří Zimola, the Regional Council President of the South Bohemian Region and in cooperation with the Town of Strakonice and the Cultural Centre of Strakonice.
STRAKONICE
ŘEPICE
Projekt je podpořen Zdravým městem Strakonice na základě rozhodnutí občanů na VII. Fóru zdravého města
Layout by Klára Scholleová (scholleova@eyp.cz)