The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with Biji-biji Initiative and Me.reka, is back this year to ignite new ideas and innovations in civic engagement through YSEALI (Young South-East Asian Leaders Initiative) Boot Camp 2021: Sparking Digital Action - Sabah and Sarawak Edition, to be held in October 2021.
YSEALI Boot Camp 2021 aims to spark digital action among youth from Sabah and Sarawak by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to spur their civic engagement journeys. The program aims to empower youth to champion social issues facing communities in Sabah and Sarawak, with a focus on the themes of diversity and inclusion, the environment, and digital equity.
This four-month initiative includes a webinar series, a three-week Boot Camp, and a three-month mentorship program focused on providing a community of young leaders from Sabah and Sarawak with the opportunities and necessary skills to become impactful civic participants within Malaysia.
“It is in our mutual interest to support democracy and civic engagement by strengthening citizen-centered governance around the world,” said Brian D. McFeeters, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, “YSEALI is an excellent example of the U.S. government’s efforts to strengthen leadership development among youth and foster regional collaboration through exchange programs to the U.S. and across the region, by providing seed funding for community projects and other efforts.”
Find out more at https://www.mereka.my/ysealibootcamp2021
The first phase of the Boot Camp will take registered participants through a webinar series entitled “Sparking Digital Conversation” that invites key opinion leaders and industry experts to share thoughts, ideas, and innovative approaches through their unique civic engagement experiences. Participants will then be able to apply in teams of 2-4 to attend the three-week virtual Boot Camp which launches on October 4, 2021.
Interested members from Sabah and Sarawak can register for the webinar by visiting:
Sparking Digital Conversations Series:
September 18, 2021: The Importance of Digital Inclusion
September 25, 2021: Civic Engagement Case Studies
“We worked with local and international civil society leaders and industry experts within the fields of civic engagement, communications, leadership, and technology to develop modules that will guide our Boot Camp Participants through advocacy, lobbying, campaign building, strategy planning, project execution, marketing and communications, budgeting, fundraising, and partnership development, in an effort to kickstart their own civic engagement campaigns,” said Rashvin Pal Singh, Group CEO of Biji-biji Initiative.
Ultimately, four teams will be selected and have the chance to acquire seed funding totaling RM20,000 collectively, plus a three-month mentorship opportunity with a non-governmental organization to assist further with the implementation of their advocacy efforts.
“We hope that through our efforts, the youth of this region will be empowered to speak up against injustices and take action because again, you're never too young to lead,” said Brian D. McFeeters, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia.
YSEALI hopes to create a meaningful and engaging experience, uniting East Malaysian youths and encouraging collaborative work to solve common problems and champion civic engagement issues that concern youths and the public.
Register now for the YSEALI Boot Camp 2021:https://www.mereka.my/ysealibootcamp2021
Join a community of changemakers and spark your digital action now!
Contact: Jeyasudan Balasundran
Program Director
Email: [email protected]
This content is provided by Biji-biji Initiative.
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