[New-imc] Travel Stipend for Indymedia Organizer: Applications due by Nov 1, 2003.

[Sascha Meinrath]

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Hi all,

I am writing to let folks know that the Urbana-Champaing IMC (UCIMC) is
soliciting applications for a travel stipend to an Indymedia Organizer who
is willing to help with the Indymedia Growth in Africa Project (IGAP).

If you are interested, more information about the project and how to apply
is available at:

http://brainstorm.ucimc.org/ucimcWiki/igap

Briefly, the strategy behind IGAP is to help solidify two current African
IMCs (Nigeria and South Africa) so they can act as hubs for Indymedia
growth throughout sub-Saharan Africa. New Indymedia initiatives in
different areas (e.g., Congo and Zimbabwe) would be greatly advanced if
they could rely on more-established IMCs in their region.  The project
funding was applied for by the UCIMC Grantwriters in collaboration with
South Africa and Nigeria IMCs and funded by the Threshold Foundation.

The ideal candidate has:

1. Experience starting an IMC in their own community.
2. Experience helping IMCs start up in other communities.
3. Excellent English writing skills and is a personable communicator.
4. Familiarity with Global Indymedia Network processes.
5. Familiarity and/or expertise in multiple media formats (print, web,
photo, audio, video, tech); ability to teach others skills in multiple
media formats.
6. Knowledge or willingness to learn about the struggles in Africa.
7. Comfort traveling and ability to transport equipment.
8. Adequate time to accomplish project goals.
9. Dedication to the ongoing documentation and growth of the Global
Indymedia Network.

Below are some of the tasks we are hoping the candidate will help
accomplish:

Tasks (before trip):

1. Prepare packets of information explaining Indymedia and some tips on
how to start a new IMC in a community.
2. Become familiar with IMCs working in Africa and contact the people
involved.
3. Research and study ongoing struggles that in African IMCs' communities.
4. Plan trip itinerary including obtaining necessary visas & vaccinations.
5. Research and purchase the right equipment to bring to IMCs in Africa.
6. Prepare translations of important documentation.


Tasks in Africa:

1. Deliver equipment.
2. Listen to the needs and learn first-hand about local struggles and
situations.
3. Conduct workshops & skills training with equipment and/or software.
4. Conduct discussion forums on the Global Indymedia Network, its
principles, how it works; and provide examples of best practices in
various IMCs around the world. Also share insights into common development
problems shared by IMCs around the world.
5. Guide forming IMCs through the New-IMC process.
6. Facilitate ongoing communication among IMCs and forming IMCs in Africa
(especially those one is unable to visit).
7. Create a list of further needs and wants from existing and forming IMCs
in Africa.  Foster integration of African IMCs into the Global Indymedia
Network (e.g., create "sister-IMC" relationships; Global North-South
mutual aid pacts).

Tasks post trip:

1. Write a detailed report on the status of IMCs in Africa including:
local context, needs fulfilled by this project at each site, remaining
needs, suggestions for future collaborations, and best practices learned
from African IMCs. Appendices should include research reports and other
documentation prepared for this project.
2. Follow up on helping to establish mutual aid relationships.
3. Distribute the prepared report.

In solidarity,

--Sascha Meinrath
Urbana-Champaign IMC