Hundreds of photos and Many Documentary Films now available!

33405_471852479777_655339777_6465546_3644209_n.jpgdocfilm.jpgClick Photo and you will find scores of albums, many have new pictures added, e.g. misc. and Civic Engagement.
New albums added August 1

Click Video - Student and Professional Documentary short BFTF films

In stories below, click pictures for larger versions

Kenneth Sydhagen Honored in State Dept Alumni Newsletter

STATE ALUMNI MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Kenneth Sydhagen, State Alumni Member of the Month
State Alumni Member of the Month, Kenneth Sydhagen.
Kenneth Sydhagen from Norway
The September 2010 State Alumni Member of the Month is Kenneth Sydhagen from Norway. Since participating in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute (BFTF) in 2008, Sydhagen has initiated a number of programs to advance transatlantic relations, foster people-to-people exchanges, and develop youth leadership skills among his peers in Norway. Together with fellow youth from the BFTF and the Fulbright Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students, he organized and administered the “Young Ambassadors” program for motivated high school students who are seeking leadership education beyond what their schools offer. Sydhagen credits the BFTF program with providing him “lifelong friendships, invaluable knowledge and great memories.”

Login to State Alumni to read more about Sydhagen.

YUP Program featured on State Dept Web site

img_1924_414_310_90.jpgBRUSSELS, Belgium — The 2nd Youth Understanding Politics (YUP) was hosted by 2008 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute (BFTF) alumni in Belgium August 2-12, 2010.  The alumni are hosting 36 youngsters from six European countries to inspire these participants through intercultural dialogue, debate, and conflict-resolution  to initiate positive change in their communities.YUP is a summer exchange program initiated by BFTF alumni to facilitate mutual understanding in Europe and to ensure a concrete continuation of the ideals of the BFTF program. YUP unites 36 participants from six different countries, including Germany, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Belgium and Slovenia. Designed after the BFTF program, YUP is geared towards 15 to 18 year old European students who are interested in debating and politics. This year, there was a BFTF alumni mentor from each participating country involved, as well as one from Macedonia. Read More »

REVIEWS COMING IN

youth-leadership.JPGAs the BFTF 2010 Fellows return home and meet with the people at the U.S. Embassy, articles are being written about their trip.  This is the first one from Estonia. We ask all BFTF 2010 Fellows to please send us any links to any articles about their experiences while in the U.S. Once we receive the link we will publish them.

BFTF Greetings - Fellows Release New Film

Daniel (Moldova) and Hillary (Malta) released a surprise post-BFTF video, full of the spirit of the summer institute.  Impressive work guys, thinking ahead and making it happen.  Congratulations.

Bound By Haiti website now available

undefinedThe official website of the documentary, Bound By Haiti, is now available online here.

Bound By Haiti is a production of BFTF instructor Jon Bougher and highlights the problems facing Haiti before, during and after the earthquake.For more information on Bound By Haiti make sure to visit the previous post on BFTF.org, located here.

Environment Group Videos Featured

34513_1485923117603_1519666551_31193190_689695_n.jpgfilm-ecologic1.jpgThe civic engagement environment and sustainability group’s videos are featured on Moldova environmental web site, Green Media Moldova. the biggest Moldavian portal the covers ecological issues.  Way to go Daniel Vod?.

.

Information for Follow-on Projects Grants Available

For those considering to submit proposals for Follow-on Grants to develop new projects or bring to life some of the incredible programs developed by the Civic Engagements groups at Wake.  You will find information on making application by following this Link.

The group pictured is the 2010 YUP Group meeting now in Belgium. The YUP program is a great illustration of how Follow-on project can grow to make a real difference.yup2010small.jpg

BFTF Featured on WFDD Radio


BFTF Alumni Host 2nd YUP Debate Workshop in Belgium

27538_112553635454124_5147_n.jpg39021_1574781728881_1215710079_31664332_6853088_n.jpgThe 2nd Youth Understanding Politics (YUP) is being hosted in  by 2008 BFTF alumni in Belgium August 2-12.  They are hosting 36 youngsters from 6 different countries (Belgium, Germany, Moldova, Slovenia, Romania and Ukraine) are meeting in to inspire these participants through intercultural dialogue, debate, and conflict-resolution  to initiate positive change in their communities. Check out their dynamic web site. Read More »