Open call for participation in the School for LGBTIQ+ Leadership

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights – Skopje, in partnership with LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and the Coalition Margins, invites you to apply for the School for LGBTIQ+ Leadership – a unique opportunity to develop your leadership skills and actively contribute to the advancement of the LGBTIQ+ movement in North Macedonia. 

 About the School 

We are looking for 15 motivated LGBTIQ+ leaders, aged 18-30, from all over North Macedonia to join this transformative program. During the school , participants will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills through four interactive modules. The modules are designed to provide deep dives into key topics that will equip emerging leaders with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact in their environment . Participants will explore the multifaceted issues of sexual orientation and gender identity / gender expression , gaining a stronger understanding of the challenges facing the LGBTIQ+ community. 

The program will offer insight into how state structures function and how to effectively advocate for changes in those systems. Participants will learn the art of campaigning and public speaking, skills necessary to change public perception and advance rights. In addition, they will gain vital knowledge about maintaining safety while organizing for change, encouraging them to lead movements with greater confidence. Finally, the training will focus on electoral processes, preparing participants to engage in political systems and build pathways for political representation of LGBTIQ+ people . 

This is a rare opportunity to network and connect with other generations of LGBTIQ+ leaders, fostering long-term collaboration and supporting the continuity of the movement’s efforts. 

 Structure of the program 

Each module will be spread over two days, with 6 working hours per day. The training will be held in the socio -cultural center Committee in Skopje. The terms are: 

• Module 1: Advocacy and Structure of the state – October 12-13 

• Module 2: Communications – October 26-27 

• Module 3: Security – November 9-10 

• Module 4: Electoral processes – November 23-24 

 

 Who should apply? 

We encourage young, proactive individuals from the LGBTIQ+ community with a clear vision for advancing the movement to apply, especially those who: 

• S are passionate about developing their leadership skills, political activism and want to be part of change 

• They have leadership potential and are eager to build relationships with political and non-governmental organizations organizations working in these fields 

• They can and are willing to attend all training modules 

We strongly encourage applications from lesbian and bisexual women, transgender and intersex people, LGBTIQ+ people from ethnic minorities, people living with HIV, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups in the LGBTIQ+ community. 

What is covered by the organizer? 

Costs for participation in the school, accommodation, travel expenses, meals and school materials. 

 How to apply ? 

Submit your application by completing this form before September 30, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by October 2, 2024. 

 For any questions, please contact the project coordinator, Ljubomir Faizov, at ljubomir.faizov@lgbti.mk.