Empower2Change: The call for young researchers is open!

If you’re an academic citizen under the age of 30 and interested in researching public policies in the areas of social protection, labour rights, or social entrepreneurship, apply for the educational research program Empower2Change! This is the right opportunity for you if you want to learn how to analyze public policies, conduct public advocacy campaigns, connect with peers from other faculties, and collaborate with civil society organizations. Fill out the online application form and become one of 15 young researchers who will bring fresh energy to this innovative program!

The educational-research program is part of the wider Empower2Change! program, which the Trag Foundation implements in partnership with the Center for Social Policy and in cooperation with the Coalition for the Development of Solidarity Economy (KoRSE), with the financial support of the European Union. The goal of this part of the program is to involve young people in the work of civil society organizations, to encourage them to analyze public policies and advocate for changes in socio-economic policies that will affect the improvement of the position of vulnerable groups in society.

Who can apply?

• Final-year students, graduates, and postgraduates of social sciences faculties up to 30 years of age. Preference will be given to candidates from the Faculty of Political Sciences, Law Faculties, Economics Faculties, and Faculties of Philosophy (departments of Sociology and Psychology).
• Motivated young people who want to contribute to the improvement of socio-economic public policies in Serbia and be involved in the public advocacy process in cooperation with civil society organizations.
• Experience in working with civil society organizations and conducting research is desirable but is not a disqualifying factor.

What Does the 2023 Educational Research Program Include?

Participation in the 9-month program includes:

1) Training Sessions — Focused on adopting methodologies for public policy analysis, understanding the public advocacy process, and enhancing communication skills.
2) Izradu analiza javnih politika – ključna aktivnost programa i podrazumeva analiziranje postojećih javnih politika i kreiranje dokumenata koji osim pregleda relevantnih propisa na koje je potrebno uticati zagovaračkim kampanjama uključuju i jasne preporuke za njihovo unapređenje.
3) Participation in CSO Advocacy Activities — Gaining field experience and practical knowledge of conducting public advocacy campaigns.

Participants in this program will receive a gross monetary compensation of 800 EUR. Additionally, travel expenses for field visits to organizations will be reimbursed.

For more detailed information about the program, its components, application conditions, and the selection process, you can refer to the full call description for the Empower2Change Young Researchers program.

How to Apply for the Educational Research Program?

• Fill out the online application form.
• Upload a sample of your research work in the appropriate section of the form.
• Record a video (max 3 minutes) answering the questions listed in the “Video Story” section of the application form.

Application deadline: Tuesday, October 17, 2023, by 11:59 PM.

For any additional consultations or questions regarding the program and application process, you can contact us at politike@tragfondacija.org no later than Friday, October 13, 2023, by 5:00 PM.