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Official Publication of the 28th National Selection Conference of EYP Greece
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28TH NATIONAL SELECTION CONFERENCE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT GREECE
Editorial
Dear all, you're holding this Media Team's first attempt at a publication for this session. In this issue, we asked journalists to merely write an article that they would enjoy reading as first time participants in an EYP session, as many of you are. Therefore, eleven people provide insight for the very same experience; each of them making an effort to give you an idea on what to expect and what to hope for. The title of this publication makes reference to a 50-year-old story some of you may be familiar with. The elk on the cover bears no special significance. It is, however, our firm collective belief that animals staring are cool. We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed making it. Until the next issue, Vasilis Koutsomarkos Thanos Saitis
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Brought to you by: Ellie Adamoudi Myrto Apostolidou Eirini Daliani Dimitris Davris Rea Dika Eva Gouda Dimitra Karakioulaki Dimitris Krokos Stefanos Mantzarlis Eleni Soulioti Marta Sznajder Danae Tselou Vasilis Koutsomarkos Thanos Saitis
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28TH NATIONAL SELECTION CONFERENCE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT GREECE
Story time or the reason why we keep coming back.
We may have participated in many sessions; we may have been delegates more than once; we may have tried organising or chairing in sessions; I am sure that even the President of the session will admit it; never have we ever forgotten our very first impression of EYP, that feeling we had when we found ourselves in a circle, together with a bunch of complete strangers, being constantly challenged and pushed, for the first time, so far out of our comfort zone. We still all treasure the single moments of our hesitant, baby steps into the beginning of this completely new path, which seemed so strange yet felt so familiar. The sharpest image carved on my mind, which comes with this warm feeling of shelter, every time I recall my first session, is the way we, my co-delegates and I, developed, along with the session. We started off as strangers, total outsiders, evolved into teammates and ended up being friends, part of the large EYP family, earning from and with each other throughout the whole process. No one of us has ever managed and will ever manage to explain to a non-EYPer how one may eventually end up putting their trust on strangers and how distance can drive instead of divide. In the end, this is why we keep coming back; it is the effort of expressing our gratitude and trying to reciprocate to EYP part of what it has generously and genuinely offered us. We would be shallow, boring, with fewer stories to tell had we not seized the chance to continue this extraordinary journey. The real EYP cannot be understood unless experienced. On behalf of the Media Team, welcome on board and rest assured that, once the end of the session is reached, you will never be the same person again!
by Danae Tselou
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The Power of Teambuilding
It's Friday morning. The first day of a session that will change your life (you just don't know it yet). You have been allocated to your committee, you have found out who your chairpersons are and you can almost taste the excitement in the air. Oh, how much would you like to share that feeling of wonder with your friends! Too bad that there isn't a single one here... Or is there? Teambuilding is one of the most important parts of an EYP session and it is here to help you bond with the rest of your committee. But how exactly can activities that include moving like a ninja, lifting a teenager using one finger and walking blindfolded help you create new friendships and trust people that you first met just a couple of hours ago? The power of teambuilding lies in the great variety of skills that are required in order to achieve a common goal. The committee works together, combining forces in order to overcome the obstacles and succeed. In this way, individual delegates are quickly transformed into a team, specially bonded during the session and for a long time to come. So don't forget to hop on that Big Fat Pony and enjoy this session!
by Eleni Soulioti
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28TH NATIONAL SELECTION CONFERENCE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT GREECE
EYP Love “All you need is love”, the Beatles
find your other half (Seriously,
said, but sometimes finding that
the president at my last session
so much needed love, is not as
met his girlfriend through EYP
easy as it should be. Not in EYP
and now they’re married!). But
though.
let us not perceive love only in
To begin with, think about all
that way, love is also respecting
the work that is being put into
everyone’s opinion during CW,
EYP sessions all around Europe.
raising points during GA in or-
Hold that thought and, after you
der to help another committee
thank the next organiser you
improve their resolution instead
see, think that all this is done
of just attacking it and the list
voluntarily out of love for EYP,
goes on.
Europe and, actually, all of you.
In the end, what is special about
If you take advantage of that at-
EYP is that you’re able –given
mosphere of love, you’ll find that
that you have the motivation- to
in EYP you can be best friends
shape it exactly as you want it
with a person you completely
and make the most out of each
disagree with on the committee
session. So, in that spirit get out
topic, have fun with your chairs
there, have a blast and let that
and -who knows- maybe even
EYP love spread!
by Dimitris Krokos
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Welcome, welcome! It is Friday -and I am sure that -we are all in love! So, here we are! I have to welcome all of you to this awesome session and wish you to have the time of your lives as well as to fall in love with the crazy world of EYP. During this weekend (today included) you’ll live life to its fullest. You will get to know people from all over Europe, make new friends, discuss current European issues, participate in debates and on top of that, you will get to know better how the EU works and how you can be an active member of it ! So get ready, leave the real world behind and join our EYP spirit! The question that most of you might come up with is: “What EYP is all about?” Well, EYP is not just about some committees trying to find out solutions about European issues in order to “save the world” .EYP is a passion! Once you’ve experienced it you cannot have enough. It is about a family. It is about friends that come together in order to organise and to contribute their part to amazing sessions like this. It is about having the will to communicate with others by spreading your team spirit and your smile. It is, it is, it is… I think that IT IS enough for now! You have to open your mind and heart and enjoy this session. On Sunday you will tell me what EYP IS for you! Welcome, again, to this magic world!
by Eva Gouda
by Marta Sznajder
Lovely delegates, welcome to EYP! However strange, weird or crazy EYP may seem to you at the moment, believe me that you will remember it as the experience of your lifetime. There are a few reasons for it, like the fact that it is now your chance and opportunity to spend three marvellous days in an atmosphere of debating and discussing serious stuff with even more marvellous people around you. There is no doubt the best people you are ever going to meet are those who participate in EYP. It is also stated that during this event you will be surrounded by many wonderful personalities who may have a huge influence on you if you only wish to. What I’m trying to say is obviously to stay open-minded to novelties and try to make as many friends as possible-or even more than friends; who can say?
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28TH NATIONAL SELECTION CONFERENCE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT GREECE
I will never forget my first national Session! Full of anxiety and shaking from cold, I was surprised to see all the Officials being extremely happy and energetic, welcoming us to the “amazing world of EYP”. But what is truly this “amazing” world? The EYP is a non-governmental organisation, which involves more than 20,000 young people at more than 100 national and international events annually. During these events, either in the position of a delegate, an organiser, a journalist, a chair, an editor, a vice-president or a president, young people have the chance to learn to cooperate in a team, to discuss and develop their international understanding and to engage in fruitful discussions, expressing their opinion and developing their personal skills. Here are some useful tips for your better integration to this magical world:
•
Get to know as many people as possible!
•
The more you put in it, the more you get out of it!
•
At least once a day try to get into a conversation with someone
you don’t know!
•
Be daring with your ideas!
•
Don’t be shy!
•
Good can turn into great, if you know a lot about your topic and
are well prepared for Committee work!
Be aware of personal differences and take them as a starting point
•
for debate! Also, never forget the 5 Golden Rules:
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Never interrupt a person who is speaking!
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Respect the opinions of others!
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There is no “right” or “wrong” way!
•
Be open-minded!
•
Work as a team!
Relax, study and have the time of your lives!
by Dimitra Karakioulaki
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Note from Editors: Rea, quite unconventionally, sent us her article already formatted as you can see above. We thought we shouldn't let all that effort go to waste.
by Rea Dika
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The first and foremost reason I love EYP is its peo-
Why I love EYP & you could love it too
ple. It is the very reason why I was attracted to it from the first moment. Even at my first session, I met some of the most inspiring, well-educated, searching-the-beauty-in-struggle, wanting-to-livebeyond-the-norms people among EYPers. When it gets down to what I love about EYP in respect of an organisation that “promotes the european dimension in education”, it is totally the fact that it promotes active citizenship. EYP strongly urges session participants to be active throughout the session, opting for cultivating a sense of citizenship to follow the participant to his/her everyday life. But what really delights me in EYP, in comparison to many other youth + politics organisations, is its dedication in delivering on young people’ s needs. EYP does not enhance young people’s sense of responsibility by just forcing them into formal political debate (see GA). EYP sessions also iclude informal (in terms of structure) political debate (see committte work), but also songs and games (see teambuilding). What I have always admired in EYP is its people devotion. About 200 EYP events take place every year. Each and every event requires a tremendous amount of work and time from all of the participants. And all this is done voluntarily. Last but but most important, comes opportunity for personal development. EYP involvement refines many skills, language, communication, organising, leadership, to mention a few. Of course, more than anything else, EYP experiences become a lifelong treasure alone.
by Myrto Apostolidou
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Ready, set, go.
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BAD WOLF Loads of papers, tables placed somewhere in the front, unknown people waiting outside, some of them walking around, some others shouting instructions, staring at you with a smile on their face, others holding a camera or a laptop. You are waiting in a long line so that you register, maybe holding a laptop or some notes that are linked to your committee topic, some of you nervous, some others keeping cool. This is typically the atmosphere when an EYP session begins. In less than three days you will have gotten to know some of these strange people that run from one place to the other, trying to fix things and keep the session running smoothly, most of the unknown people who have been waiting with you in this line, with some of whom you will have played a number of games, shared and discussed interesting ideas on important European topics and exchanged means of keeping in touch after the event. During the next three days, you will laugh, cry, get angry, stay tuned or remain indifferent, express yourselves or remain silent, respect your fellows or ignore them, listen to other people's views or think of your Christmas holidays... What the people behind the scenes and all those between us that have been preparing this event for you, we, say is: enjoy the games, burst out laughing, stay tuned, have your say, listen to your fellows, be productive, have discretion, be smart, wonder, have courage, be relentless, have fun. An EYP journey starts today for each of you, whether you realise it or not. It's your choice whether you will keep it real and decide to live in this crazy but wonderful world of EYP or live your normal life!
by Ellie Adamoudi
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28TH NATIONAL SELECTION CONFERENCE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT GREECE
Survival by Dimitris Davris Howdie stranger, It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 28th National Selection Conference of EYP Greece in Thessaloniki. In the next few days, you are going to experience some of the most amazing moments you have ever lived. Therefore, I feel I am obliged to present a list of things that you should NOT do during the session. •
Ignorance of your topic
If you have not read about your topic and your preparation kit, I have some bad news for you. •
Disrespect your fellow delegates
You all belong in a team, you have set a common goal and through cooperation you try to achieve it. Being rude is not going to help you. •
Fall asleep during the General Assembly
Some of you have witnessed it, some of you haven’t. The GA is one of the most rewarding but tiring things in EYP. In any case, no matter how tired you are, stay awake. •
Vote against your resolution
After everything you will do during these days, you’re aiming for a good resolution, a resolution worth voting for. Under no circumstances should you vote against your committee’s resolution. •
Be boring
Come on. EYP is not an everyday experience. The session has just started. Get excited. Be enthusiastic. Go!
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28TH NATIONAL SELECTION CONFERENCE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT GREECE
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Guide by Stefanos Mantzarlis Dear reader, you are now holding the best tool a new EYPer could use. This survival guide aims to protect each and every one of you from making fatal mistakes that could drive other delegates crazy, give you savoir-vivre tips and boost your confidence. First and most important: listen to your committee members. This is the principle your work is going to be based upon for the next three days. There is nothing more irritating than a delegate who thinks that they’re always correct. Which brings us to the next tip: be flexible, but not a pushover. As we mentioned, every opinion must be expressed but if you feel that what you say is really important then stand up for it! On a relevant issue, many delegates often feel uncertain about their language skills. That is nothing(sic) to be ashamed of. Apart from the fact that likely nobody will notice, you will find out it’s all about what you say and not about perfect grammar or pronunciation. Last but not least.... enjoy yourself !! You have spent a lot of time researching your topic and, believe it or not, this is the time where you turn theory into practice! So grab your gear, put on your best smile and let the session begin!! In Salonica we trust, Stefanos
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28TH NATIONAL SELECTION CONFERENCE EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT GREECE
Letter from Eirini by Eirini Daliani Dear delegates, I am sure that when you first heard that you are going to participate in the 28th national selection conference of EYP Greece you had definitely no idea what EYP is. You still have no idea what EYP is about. Same happened to me when I first participated as a delegate. I thought that they would torture me or I would be crucified and then fed to the dogs. Don’t worry, I am still alive. I guarantee that as soon as the conference ends, you will ask for more. What I can share with you is that this experience changed my life. I was very shy. In the beginning, I was standing in a crowd of strangers playing different games. I could never imagine that these strangers would be my friends now. You never know what to expect but these sessions always have their way to offer you memorable moments of joy, cooperation, hard work and a wide smile. So, don’t be shy, seize the chance, enjoy the games, express your opinions, be extrovert and make new friends. Generally, make the most out of it, because this session is made for YOU! You are in the beginning of a magic journey. You are the ones who will decide what the destination is going to be for you. Fully yours, Eirini
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Feeling worried?
Now you have nothing to worry about.
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