C/Maria Zurita 37. 2a
28044
Madrid
Spain
- Democracy and community development
- Human rights
- Youth and education
The Palestinian Youth Network (“PYN”) is an independent, nonpartisan alliance, founded by a group of young Palestinians scattered throughout the world as a result of the occupation of our homeland. Our belonging to Palestine, passion to preserve our Palestinian identity, and desire to contribute to the liberation of our land and people has driven us to build this network aimed at amplifying the voices of Palestinian youth and enhancing their role in building a better future for ourselves and our children.
- Vision:
To revive a legacy of Palestinian grassroots activism among all Palestinian youth around the world, promoting the youth’s active participation in our struggle and in the struggles of all oppressed and indigenous peoples. To uphold Palestinian collective consciousness and appreciation for our Palestinian national identity, and to assume responsibility towards achieving the political, social, economic, human, civic and environmental rights of the Palestinian people foremost among them the Palestinian refugee right of return.
- Objectives
A. To locate and connect Palestinian youth around the world to each other, and to create the means of communication between these youth through a support network that works to strengthen the efforts of local and regional youth organizations;
B. To strengthen the bonds between Palestinian youth around the world and their Palestinian national identity;
C. To promote the unity of the Palestinian people regardless of their places of residence, factional affiliation, political ideology, or religious beliefs;
D. To develop the leadership skills and capabilities of young Palestinians, and foster their spirit of initiative at all levels;
E. To support Palestinian youth in improving their political, social, cultural and economic status in the various places in which they reside, while raising the consciousness of Palestinian youth of their responsibilities towards the Palestinian people and their homeland;
F. To empower Palestinian youth everywhere to play a leading and effective role in realization of their inherent rights;
G. To inform and raise the awareness of the international community about Palestinian culture, history and struggle.
- Methodology
H. Organizing local and international forums and conferences to raise consciousness and awareness about the Palestinian struggle for freedom;
I. Organizing specialized Palestinian youth workshops aimed at developing leadership skills and capabilities;
J. Creating a Palestinian Youth Voluntary Program in order to promote civic engagement and community service;
K. Supporting and initiating solidarity campaigns aimed at supporting the Palestinian freedom struggle;
L. Distributing regular publications relating to Palestine, its history, culture and people;
M. Distributing regular publications relating to the activities of the PYN;
N. Creating and maintaining a database of demographic information about Palestinian communities around the world;
O. Utilizing a rights-based approach to political advocacy;
P. Developing other mechanisms as necessary to achieve the above-mentioned goals.
From the beginning of the PYN initiative three years ago, the following has been completed:
1) 1st PYN Conference Barcelona, Spain 2006 (40 participants)
2) 2nd PYN Conference Ven Dome, France, November 2007 (90 participants)
3) 3rd PYN Conference Madrid, Spain, November 2008 (140 participants)
a. Approval of three years in the making PYN Vision and by-laws by founding members
b. Development and approval of a two year strategic action plan
i. Summer camp- cultural exchange July-August 2009
ii. Collaboration with the Palestine International Institute summer camp summer 2009
iii. Speaking Tours of International Executive Board
iv. Development of National Chapters of PYN and increase membership
v. Summer school: summer 2010
c. Election of the first ever official international executive board
4) Delivery of Medical relief to Gaza in collaboration with Paz Ahora and ISM Spain in February of 2008
5) Several demonstrations, events, and campaigns PYN has co-sponsored worldwide including the academic boycott of Israel in the UK
6) 2 Follow Up Committee meetings: 1st Amman Jordan January of 2008, 2nd Madrid Spain July 2008
7) 1 International Executive Board meeting: Copenhagen Denmark February 2009
8) Several Media interviews and several press statements released on current world events