Job Description

The Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) is looking for young people who enjoy writing and keep up to date on current issues for a volunteer blogging position. GYAN is a network of youth organizations, and strives to connect young people around the world and provide them with the tools and resources they need to enact change locally, nationally, or globally. GYAN also has special consultative status with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and accordingly works to increase youth participation in the United Nations.

To this end, the staff and interns at GYAN regularly attend briefings, meetings and conferences at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and write about them in our online blog. GYAN is now looking for a dynamic, motivated and knowledgeable young person to write in our blog about issues that affect young people in their local communities, and what is being done by and for youth. The blog is available at http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports.

Blogger Responsibilities:

- Write one blog per month minimum about one of the topics detailed below
- This position will last for 6 months; during this time you must write 6 blogs
- Work to publicize the blog in your local or national community, and urge more young people to read and comment on the entries

Blog topics:

Currently, our blog focuses on issues and events taking place at the UN. Your blog must relate to one of the following topics:

1. Write about the UN’s presence in your local area. Feel free to choose a specific policy or program to analyze. Are there any helpful programs that the UN is implementing in your local community? What do people think about the UN’s efforts? Give your opinion on the policies of the UN, and whether you can see their effect in your local area. Are their efforts working? Check out the UN News Centre to keep up to date on issues, and to find ideas to blog about: http://www.un.org/News/


2. Discuss critical issues facing young people in your community, and what young people can do about them. Discuss a problem and offer a solution.


3. Highlight some of the positive contribution of youth. What are young people in your area already doing to help others and to enact change?


4. Read and respond to previous blogs written by GYAN staff and interns regarding UN programs, events, and policies. Are those measures actually being implemented? Is anything happening on the ground, and are UN policies creating tangible change? Is there a difference between what the UN is saying, and what is actually getting done? Post your responses and observations in the blog.


5. Write about how young people can increase their voices and participation in the UN, and what young people can do to get involved and make a difference in their communities. What opportunities do you see for young people in your area, whether within the UN system or outside of it? Discuss any opportunities you find out about – e.g. fellowships, programs, conferences, workshops, etc.

Skills & Requirements

- Basic knowledge of United Nations activities and policies
- Interest in social justice issues and in learning more about the UN
- Strong writing skills
- Fluent in English, Spanish or French
- Knowledge of youth opportunities locally and nationally
- Previous experience or involvement in working with youth, or working to make a difference in your community is helpful

Application

E-mail us: 1 previous writing sample of your choice, and a brief essay stating your interest in the UN system. Please send us this material by the application deadline of September 15, 2008. E-mail all application materials to gyan@youthlink.org.