I just received the following information from the Formosa Foundation. The Ambassador Program is a great opportunity for young people who are passionate about Taiwan and human rights to get training and experience in lobbying and activism. Furthermore the program is held in Washington D.C. and there are opportunities to meet face to face with politicians and government officials and discuss issues related to Taiwan. I encourage young people in Taiwan and the United States to apply. 

===========================================================

2011 Ambassador Program

The Formosa Foundation is accepting applications for the 2011 Ambassador Program from now through March 15, 2011. The 2011 Program will take place in Washington D.C. from June 13 through 24.

Application forms are now available. Applicants in the U.S. use this 2011 Form; Applicants who are currently in Taiwan use the 2011 TW Form.

The Ambassador Program, in its 9th year, has graduated over 200 young people, giving them the skills to help change the hearts and minds of our elected leaders in Washington about Taiwan . Formosa Foundation ambassadors have received praises as being Capitol Hill's most articulate and effective advocates for U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relations.

Detailed program description and past year program reports are here.

Amy Lin
Program Director
Formosa Foundation
www.formosafoundation.org
213.625.1991

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Ambassador Program

The Ambassador Program offers three factors critical to social movements: political opportunity, organizational capacity and framing ability. Through its Ambassador Program the Foundation provides unparalleled hands-on training for students to develop grassroots and campaign skills and to become leaders.

The Ambassador Program combines in-house training with on-the-ground activist work. Participants in the Program develop the expertise, analytical framework, and network they need to effectively promote Taiwan . Up-and-coming activists can learn about the issues affecting Taiwan first-hand.

The 2011 Ambassador Program will take place in Washington D.C. June 13- 24. The Formosa Foundation will provide for participants' training, workshops and lodging for the duration of the Program. Participants are responsible for their own meals and travel expenses. See the 2010 Program report and former ambassadors in action here.

BECOME EFFECTIVE ORGANIZERS FOR JUSTICE 

The Formosa Foundation seeks to preserve the American values of democracy and human rights through broadened involvement of future leaders in the making of U.S. policy. The Ambassador Program uses U.S. foreign policies on Taiwan and China as case studies to provide participants with opportunities to:

• Understand the intricacies of US foreign policy making and its impact;
• Gain insight from experienced professionals on the art of advocacy;
• Acquire skills to effectively present views to policy makers, media and the public.

MEET FACE TO FACE WITH U.S. LAW MAKERS

The Ambassador Program is a unique training program of its kind.  We recruit students from the United States and Taiwan , who will work together to help develop a closer relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan .  The Program provides opportunities to meet with United States Congressmen and Senators to discuss U.S. policies toward Taiwan .

DEVELOP GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN SKILLS AND NETWORKS

The Ambassador Program has demonstrated results from participants that extends beyond the two-week program. The Program prepares tomorrow's leaders towards building a pro-Taiwan community on and beyond the college campus. These congressional visits put Taiwan on the forefront of America 's political agenda, and change the hearts and minds of American policy makers about Taiwan .

QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION

The Program is designed primarily for recent college graduate or current college and/or graduate students who support the advancement of human rights, democracy and the right of self-determination for the people of Taiwan .  Selection criteria include academic excellence, extracurricular activities, participation in community affairs, and interest in promoting U.S.-Taiwan relations. 

Up to 30 applicants will be selected for the 2011 Program, including up to 7 to be recruited from Taiwan . Applicant can be US citizens, permanent residents, or Taiwanese national.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Program application package includes the following requirements. See page 4 of application form for mailing instructions.

1. 2011Application Form (Applicants who are currently studying/residing in Taiwan , use the 2011 TW Form.)
2. 500-word Personal Statement
3. Copy of most recent Transcript
4. Two Letters of Recommendation