Summer Internship Program June 23 – August 4, 2006 Application Deadline - March 3
The Bulgarian Gay Organisation Gemini is delighted to announce the Summer Internship 2006. Three international volunteers will be given the opportunity to spend six weeks in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia to receive training on work for a human rights NGO, to cooperate on project development, and to take part in research on queer life in Bulgaria.
About the Organisation:
BGO Gemini is a national, non-profit advocacy organisation, operationally based in Sofia, Bulgaria. The mission of the organisation is to reach inclusive social environment for homosexual, bisexual and transgender people in Bulgaria. The organisation works for diminishing of all types of legal, social, cultural and economical discrimination and victimisation against lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people. BGO Gemini maintains good partnership with Bulgarian, international and world organisations, Bulgarian governmental agencies and media.
BGO Gemini provides information on homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender issues. The organisation initiates and participates in national and international initiatives for promotion and defence of human rights and supports lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people and their families to receive equal legal, social and medical treatment. The organisation works for prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. Gemini cooperates with Bulgarian state authorities and institutions to ensure diversity inclusion and equality.
Highlights of the volunteer’s work:
- Gain experience working in a national non-governmental organisation.
- Witness the transformation of society in one of Europe’s most ideologically shifting countries.
- Benefit the lives of countless LGBT individuals in a country where this aid is greatly needed.
Program:
- After receiving training in project development and management, collaborate on creation of a national or international project.
- Lead research on the conditions of gay life in Sofia and the rest of Bulgaria.
- Report to Gemini and Bulgarian media on LGBT issues and human rights in Bulgaria and the West.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:
- be at least 18 years of age
- have fluent written and spoken English
- possess basic computer and Internet skills
- have begun progress in or completed a degree in higher education
- be knowledgeable about contemporary issues of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people
- have experience as an active member, volunteer, officer, or employee of an LGBT OR human rights organization (including university organizations)
- possess excellent organizational skills, dependability, and enthusiasm to work.
To Apply:
Visit Gemini’s webpage for more information, including FAQs and an application! All applications must be submitted by March 3, 2006. All applicants will receive written confirmation of receipt.
Internship FAQs:
How many applicants are selected? What are the details of the selection process? What is the situation regarding LGBT rights in Bulgaria, and what is gay life like? How can a foreign visitor help as an intern? What exactly will I be doing? Will I need a visa for Bulgaria? What financial provisions are given? Will I need to speak Bulgarian? Can I get college credit for my experience? How can I spend my free time? Where can I ask another question?
How many applicants are selected?
Gemini has space for three interns for 2006. Although we coordinate plenty of volunteer work, this is our first year with an official internship program, so we cannot estimate exactly how many applications will we receive. However, the selection process can be expected to be competitive.
What are the details of the selection process?
Once all applications are received by March 3, a committee consisting of our Board and several other individuals will review all applications, and applicants will be notified by March 17 by email.
What is the situation regarding LGBT rights in Bulgaria, and what is gay life like?
The circumstances for LGBT people in Bulgaria are truly in a state of change. Traditionally, Bulgaria is a very patriarchal nation, but after the fall of Communism and more exposure to the West, today’s youth are relatively more progressive than their parents or grandparents. Thus, the rights and opinions regarding LGBT individuals are very controversial.
In general, older adults will regard homosexuality as a disease or condition to be avoided, but youth and more progressive adults realize that they have homosexual friends and peers, and are generally not opposed to this. Apathy, though, largely prevents any kind of active political attack against the LGBT community, but at the same rate, queer people must work hard to better their situation, as the average Bulgarian is somewhat unlikely to take a firm stand either for or against gay rights.
Sofia has several gay clubs and bars, two gay sporting organizations, and a great deal of people participating in the LGBT social situation. However, most of them are not out to other friends or family, and quietly lead the other parts of their lives in the closet. In other cities, the situation is less optimistic, and openly gay people are a rarity. Although a queer person who decides to come out may face a great deal of ostracism from his acquaintances, any physical violence targeted specifically against LGBT people is highly unusual.
How can a foreign visitor help as an intern?
Gemini has a great use for interns from the West! Much of our work is done in English, as we cooperate with international organizations and the European Union, for both of which English is a natural lingua franca. Thus, interns can expect a great deal of experience corresponding with other international organizations and assisting in writing projects. We also hope to establish international ties with other organizations, and your outside experiences can add to our organization. Activities that another LGBT or human rights organization has taken part in can often be adapted for new ideas of projects and works to perform here in Bulgaria!
What exactly will I be doing?
This program will be very valuable both for Gemini and for our foreign interns in establishing connections between Eastern Europe and the West. Interns will be trained in project development, and during the course of the program, will be assisted in writing a project of their own to further ties with Western Europe and the United States. Additionally, interns will be conducting guided research on the current state of Bulgarian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender affairs, with relevance both to governmental laws and also to the actual conditions of life for queer people through interviews and conferences. This will help create an objective report for use by Gemini with the government and other organizations. Essentially, interns will be working as a relatively independent, but guided, team for the duration of the program.
Will I need a visa for Bulgaria?
Visitors from most countries of the European Union can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa; however, citizens of the United Kingdom, United States of America and other countries must obtain a visa for stays longer than 30 days. The visa application process for Bulgaria is generally not considered difficult, though. More information can be found at: http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/Consular%20Information/visa/visa.htm.
What financial provisions are given?
Unfortunately, an LGBT rights NGO in Eastern Europe rarely has a great deal of disposable funding, and we will be unable to provide a salary or reimbursement for financial costs of the experience. However, we will be happy to assist with arrangement of accommodation; a small studio apartment can be as low as 150 Euro per month, and a private room in a local residence can easily be found for as low as 50 Euro per month.
Will I need to speak Bulgarian?
No. Sofia is an extremely bilingual city; most people speak enough English to be able to help you with anything you might need, and many restaurants even have English menus. It might be helpful to learn Bulgaria’s alphabet in order to read signs, but this takes only about an hour. Additionally, all work done with the internship will be in English; you will not be thrown into a situation where Bulgarian is needed!
Can I get college credit for my experience?
Unfortunately, Gemini does not have the qualifications to grant such credit. However, some universities allow students to create a program within their university to which they can apply outside volunteer experience. Talk to your advisor or dean if you think you would like to try this option.
How can I spend my free time?
In the evenings, Bulgarians enjoy relaxing in bars and restaurants after work, and your weekends will mostly be free for whatever you feel like doing. You may decide to go hiking in the nearby mountains, take a day trip to nearby city or village, or see the many attractions around Sofia. As Sofia is a capital city, there will be plenty to do!
Where can I ask another question?
Please feel free to ask us anything else you might be wondering about at office@bgogemini.org
Download the Application Form from http://www.bgogemini.org/eng/Internship_Application.doc