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International Guide Changemaker! Summit ’17!
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Table of Contents !
A Global Community!
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Summit International Discount!
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A Quick Overview of Changemaker Summit!
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For Internationals, More Than Half Off Registration!
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Register for Changemaker Summit ASAP!
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Visa Information! U.S. Government Entry Requirement for Visa Waiver Program!
Letter of Invitation!
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What We Need From You!
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Who Do I Give This To?!
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What To Know About NYC!
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New York City Is A Melting Pot of Immigrants!
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Getting Around!
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Taxis!
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Weather!
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Wi-Fi!
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Survival Skills!
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A Special Note on Times Square!
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U.S. Info for First-Timers!
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Telephone Usage!
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Customary Meal Hours!
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Electricity!
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Emergency Information!
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Money Matters!
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Tipping!
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Time and Weather!
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Fundraising For Summit! Your Summit Fundraising Google Drive !
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A Global Community
That Welcomes All Changemakers.
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As the world’s memory of apartheid receded, Desmond Tutu responded to a stream of invitations to speak around the world on the practical implications of ubuntu. An excerpt from a speech to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva in 2001 is as follows. We inhabit a universe that is characterized by diversity. There is not just one planet or one star; there are galaxies of all different sorts, a plethora of animal species, different kinds of plants, and different races and ethnic groups. God shows us, even with a human body, that it is made up of different organs performing different functions and that it is precisely that diversity that makes it an organism. If it were only one organ, it would not be a human body. We are constantly being made aware of the glorious diversity that is written into the structure of the universe we inhabit, and we are helped to see that if it were otherwise, things would go awry. How could you have a soccer team if all were goalkeepers? How would it be an orchestra if all were French horns? For Christians, who believe they are created in the image of God, it is the Godhead, diversity in unity and the three-in-oneness of God, which we and all creation reflect. It is this imago Dei too that invests each single one of us — whatever our race, gender, education, and social or economic status — with infinite worth, making us precious in God’s sight. That worth is intrinsic to who we are, not dependent on anything external, extrinsic. Thus there can be no superior or inferior race. We are all of equal worth, born equal in dignity and born free, and for this reason deserving of respect whatever our external circumstances. We are created freely for freedom as those who are decisionmaking animals and so as of right entitled to respect, to be given personal space to be autonomous. We belong in a world whose very structure, whose essence, is diversity, almost bewildering in extent. It is to live in a fool’s paradise to ignore this basic fact. We live in a universe marked by diversity as the law of its being and our being. We are made to exist in a life that should be marked by cooperation, interdependence, sharing, caring, compassion and complementarity. We
should celebrate our diversity; we should exult in our differences as making not for separation and alienation and hostility but for their glorious opposites. The law of our being is to live in solidarity, friendship, helpfulness, unselfishness, interdependence and complementarity as sisters and brothers in one family — the human family, God’s family. Anything else, as we have experienced, is disaster. Racism, xenophobia and unfair discrimination have spawned slavery, when human beings have bought and sold and owned and branded fellow human beings as if they were so many beasts of burden. They have spawned the Ku Klux Klan and the lynchings of the segregated South of the United States. They have given birth to the Holocaust of Germany and the other holocausts of Armenians and in Rwanda; the ethnic cleansing in the Balkans and the awfulness of apartheid; and what we have seen in Sri Lanka, in Northern Ireland, in the Middle East, in the Sudan, where there has been a spiral of reprisals leading to counter-reprisals, and these in turn to other reprisals. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Where the law of an eye for an eye obtains, in the end all will be blind. If we don’t learn to live as brothers, we will die together as fools.” Religion, which should foster sisterhood and brotherhood, which should encourage tolerance, respect, compassion, peace, reconciliation, caring and sharing, has far too frequently — perversely — done the opposite. Religion has fueled alienation and conflict and has exacerbated intolerance and injustice and oppression. Some of the ghastliest atrocities have happened and are happening in the name of religion. It need not be so if we can learn the obvious: that no religion can hope to have a monopoly on God, on goodness and virtue and truth. Our survival as a species will depend not on unbridled power lacking moral direction, or on eliminating those who are different and seeking only those who think and speak and behave and look like ourselves. That way is stagnation and ultimately death and disintegration. That is the way of people in times especially of transition, of instability and insecurity, when there is turmoil and social upheaval, poverty and unemployment. Then people seek refuge in fundamentalisms of all kinds. They look for scapegoats, who are provided by those who are different in appearance, in behavior, in race and in thought. People become impatient of ambivalence.
Differences of opinion are not tolerated and simplistic answers are the vogue, whereas the reality is that the issues are complex. We need so much to work for coexistence, for tolerance, and to say, “I disagree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to your opinion.” It is only when we respect even our adversaries and see them not as ogres, dehumanized, demonized, but as fellow human beings deserving respect for their personhood and dignity, that we will conduct a discourse that just might prevent conflict. There is room for everyone; there is room for every culture, race, language and point of view. *** What would our world look like if we encourages all traditions, dress, genders, religions, sexual orientations, abilities/disabilities, races, and ethnicities, among other differences? Respect for all people would be a leap toward equality and peace. This small act of accepting each other as we are without wanting the other to change could be our individual act that leads to larger change. This Changemaker Summit, our focus will be on bridging friendship across borders. We want you to extend your circle so far and wide that you will have allies scattered across the globe, eager to support and uplift your vision into reality. One of our goals for Changemaker Summit NYC is to have representation from over 50 countries and showcase the many backgrounds we bring to the table through art and storytelling. As a collective, we are a greater force to move our causes forward and spread our ideas further than we ever could alone. Together, Changemakers can become smarter, faster, and stronger to be able to solve the impossible. I hope you will join us this September in New York City for one of the most incredible experiences of your life. We will do everything in our power to help you get there.
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Lots of Love, Tara Byrne Founder of Under 30 Changemakers
Summit International Discount One of our goals for Changemaker Summit is to have representation from over 50 different countries. We plan to showcase our different backgrounds through our programming– from an around-the-world selection of teas to our afterparty, ChangeFest: An International Affair. Our hope is to make Changemaker Summit accessible to any member of Under 30 Changemakers through a partial scholarship for lower-income and international members.
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A Quick Overview of Changemaker Summit Changemaker Summit is a full three-day conference that teaches hard skills needed for social impact leaders to scale and financially sustain movements of change. We teach classes like Non-Violent Communication and How to Build A Website in A Day, with the hopes that these skills last a lifetime. Summit is also a chance to connect with new allies through our Connect Workshops, facilitated groups to give you and your peers a personal insight into who you are and what you want to create. Changemaker Summit is an investment in your future with new connections, opportunities, and skills to level up your current venture.
For Internationals, More Than Half Off Registration All international attendees qualify for discounted tickets at $90 total. We also offer payment plans for as little as $10/month if you are unable to pay the full amount. We will work with you to make sure it is affordable with airfare. Our optional events like ChangeFest (our epic after-party) and our guided NYC Social Impact Tour in Manhattan are also discounted for international attendees and scholarship recipients. You can apply for all these discounts here.
Register for Changemaker Summit ASAP The longer you wait to register for Changemaker Summit, the higher the cost of your ticket. Grab your ticket as soon as you can, because it will be more affordable and you’ll be able to plan and connect to other Summit attendees sooner via our online community of 350+ attendees.
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Visa Information U.S. Government Entry Requirement for Visa Waiver Program The Visa Waiver Program allows many countries (check to see if your country if listed) entry into the United States without a Visa but with Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval from the U.S. Government. You can apply for ESTA here. If you are not from a country that includes the Visa Waiver Program, then you will apply for a Non-Immigrant Visitor Visa by filling out a DS-160 Form. You will also need to submit a photo of yourself. After the form and photo is complete, you must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. It is strongly recommended that international participants apply for visas at least 3 months prior to Changemaker Summit. Note: Some embassies or consulates may have delays in scheduling visa interviews; therefore, applicants should first contact the consulate to determine the wait time for an interview. You may or may not need to pay a Visa issuance fee, which can be free. Check here to find out for a B-1 Visa. If it is a sizable sum you should add it to your budget and fundraising goal for Changemaker Summit. The U.S. Department of State maintains a comprehensive website containing information about traveling to the United States that should help answer any questions you may have.
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Letter of Invitation If you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, then we are more than happy to write you a Letter of Invitation after you have gotten your Changemaker Summit ticket via our International/Low-Income Registration.
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What We Need From You Full Name (as seen on passport): Date of Birth: Passport Number: Country: Name of Your Project/Organization:
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Feel free to include any extra information you would like us to add about your current project, school, employer, or business. Please email this information to u30change@gmail.com and we will email back a formal Letter of Invitation. If you have specific dates in mind that are more than September 7-11, 2017, please let us know so we can include that in your document.
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Who Do I Give This To? 
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Once you receive your Letter of Invitation, you must print or email it to your consulate with your Visa registration. We recommend you try to get your Visa approved at least 3 months before your flight in case their is an issue.  
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What To Know About NYC New York City Is A Melting Pot of Immigrants Historically, New York was a hub for immigrants, and it remains so today. As many as 800 languages are spoken throughout the five boroughs and about 36% of the population is foreign born. Meeting someone from another country is commonplace. And often, as excited as foreigners are to embrace New York as their new home, they’re eager to share stories from their past, too. Regardless of where you eat, shop or walk, to live and breathe in New York City means coming into contact with people from all over the world all the time. You can see this cultural melting pot in certain neighborhoods, like KoreaTown (commonly referred to as K-Town) or Little Italy. All of these micro-communities have entirely different languages, smells, tastes, and cultural traditions. With a simple question—Where are you from?—it is possible to unlock the stories of our city’s colorful faces, all of which contribute to the city’s greater narrative. All are welcome here.
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Getting Around New Yorkers like to walk — quickly — and once you glimpse the traffic snarl that paralyzes Midtown for the bulk of the business day you'll know why. If you're heading more than 10 blocks away and public transportation doesn't intimidate you, you can't do better than the MTA subway system (get maps from the booth attendant). Subway rides cost $2.25, payable with a MetroCard, available from attendants or machines at every station; a 7-Day Unlimited Pass costs $29.
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Taxis Cabs are a dependable — and relatively inexpensive — way to get around the city, though it's best to avoid taking one crosstown during the middle of the day. Also, since many Manhattan streets run one way, you'll save time by hailing
a cab in the direction you need to go; typically, a taxi from Times Square to the West Village will cost $8–$10.
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Weather September continues to be a warm month in New York City, but many of the summer crowds have left and evenings can be a bit cooler as the month wears on. The month’s average high temperature is 76°F (24°C) and the average low temperature is 61°F (16°C).
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Wi-Fi NYC was a pioneer in offering free Wi-Fi in public meeting areas. Bryant Park, which you can enter West 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue, is connected, centrally located — and a great place to people-watch. Other Wi-Fi hot spots include the tip of Battery Park (Manhattan's southernmost end) and at Lincoln Center Plaza, bounded by 62nd Street, 65th Street, Columbus Avenue and Amsterdam Avenue, on the Upper West Side.
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Survival Skills New Yorkers seem always to be in a hurry and don't take kindly to tourists lollygagging on their streets, so keep up the pace. Unless they're checking out attractive members of the opposite sex, New Yorkers rarely make eye contact. That said, they're quick to help and offer directions when asked, so don't be shy.
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A Special Note on Times Square New Yorkers have a love-hate relationship with Times Square — they love to hate it. Because it's the heart of so much business activity, many of them work there. But it's also the primary destination for tourists and, consequently, notoriously overcrowded. It's a volatile mix: New Yorkers single-mindedly rushing to work (or fleeing after 6 p.m.) constantly thwarted by the human barricades swelling in the streets. If you're treated rudely here, don't take it personally. It's just a local's way of welcoming you to the city.
U.S. Info for First-Timers Telephone Usage To make international calls from a telephone in the United States, dial the international calling number (011), followed by the country code, then city code, then phone number. For instance, to reach Harrod's in London, dial 011-44-20-7730-1234. If you require operator assistance, an AT&T International Operator can be reached by dialing 00.
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Customary Meal Hours Breakfast: 6:30 – 8 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dinner: (Main Meal) 5:30 – 8 p.m.
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As with other services, extended restaurant hours for meals are readily available in the United States. On weekends, many Americans combine the meals of breakfast and lunch into a single "brunch." Many full-service hotels offer brunch buffets on Saturday and Sunday.
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Electricity Electronics in the United States operate with a voltage of 110-120 volts, 60 cycles. If your equipment requires 220 volts, you will need to bring a transformer and plug adapter; converters can be difficult to find once in the United States.
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Emergency Information In general, one can dial 911 from any phone for emergency services, including police, ambulance and fire department. However, hotels and convention centers have their own emergency numbers, which will be posted on the phones and in the guest directories.
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Money Matters Cash machines are also known as automatic teller machines or ATMs in the United States. They are easily found in the United States near banks and in malls, shops and large hotels, as well as on the street in major cities such as San Diego. The exchange rate is generally better at an ATM than at a bank currency exchange counter. Foreign currency exchange service is provided at the international airports through Travelex. Most retailers in the United States accept cash, credit cards and occasionally traveler's checks.
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Tipping Tips or gratuities are optional payments given in addition to a required payment, usually to express appreciation for excellent service. How much to tip is a personal judgment; the information below serves only as a guideline to typical amounts. One should never offer a tip to police officers or government employees; such an offer might be considered a bribe.
• Waiters/waitresses normally receive 15-20% of the amount of the food bill for good service.
• Porters receive $1 or $2 per bag. • Taxi drivers receive 15-20% of the amount of the fare. • Room service personnel often receive an automatic gratuity that is listed on the food bill after the subtotal. Otherwise, $2 per meal is acceptable.
• Hotel maids normally receive $1 to $2 per night for cleaning the room. • Any other visits from hotel personnel (for more towels or pillows, for instance) can be appropriately tipped with $1 to $2.
Time and Weather New York City is in the Eastern Time Zone. In September, the Eastern Time Zone is -5h UTC/GMT. September continues to be a warm month in New York City, but many of the summer crowds have left and evenings can be a bit cooler as the month wears on. The month’s average high temperature is 76°F (24°C) and the average low temperature is 61°F (16°C).
Fundraising For Summit Your Summit Fundraising Google Drive After you have officially finished your International Summit Registration, we will send you a Google Drive full of fundraising, sponsorship, and crowd-funding materials to help you make the Summit as affordable as possible.
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New documents will be added to from now until April and will include the following documents: • Request Letter for Travel Funding from Company/University
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Opportunity Levels for Sponsors Changemaker Summit One-Sheet Crowdfunding Campaign Setup Guide Finding Sponsors/Funders FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Crowdfunding Timeline and Checklist Email Templates for Sponsor Outreach Contact List of Who Can Help Full Summit Budget and Savings Tricks
All fundraising materials will be created for beginners and first-timers in mind, so no worries if you have never done it before. We also have volunteers from Changemaker Relations to support you along the way so you don’t have to do it alone.
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Thank you so much for taking the leap to join us in New York City. Please email us at u30change@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. We hope to see you in September for Changemaker Summit!
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