youth agvocate summit 2019 application guidelines & faqs · tell us why you’re passionate...

Youth Agvocate Summit 2019

Application Guidelines & FAQs

Youth Ag Summit 2019 – Application Guidelines & FAQs 2

Content

1. About the Youth Ag Summit ........................................................................................................... 3 2. Application ......................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Objectives and purposes ............................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Format ............................................................................................................................................ 4

2.2.1 Video pitch ............................................................................................................................ 4

2.3 Submission .................................................................................................................................... 5

2.4 Important dates .............................................................................................................................. 5 3. Participant Criteria ............................................................................................................................ 6 4. Assessment and Selection Procedure .......................................................................................... 7 5. Terms and Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 7 6. Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................................................................... 8


1. About the Youth Ag Summit The Youth Agvocate Summit (YAS) is a unique opportunity for young leaders (aged 18-25) from around the world to be inspired by global opinion leaders, create a vision for the future of food and agriculture, and deliver lasting actions to “feed a hungry planet”. The YAS movement started in Canada in 2013, together with the youth development and empowerment organization 4-H Canada; continued in Australia in 2015, in partnership with the Future Farmer Network of Australia (FFN); and was held in Belgium in 2017, in cooperation with the young farmers’ organizations Fédération des Jeunes Agriculteurs and Groene Kring. In 2019, the Summit returns to the Americas. This time, the Summit will take place in the capital of the largest country on the South American continent: Brasília, Brazil. Under the theme “How to Feed a Hungry Planet?” young adults are invited to submit an application outlining how their project idea could solve the agricultural, social and environmental challenges facing our planet. An ability to demonstrate original ideas, a passion for solving global burning issues, and strong “agvocacy”* skills will be the key selection criteria for this Youth Ag Summit. The key driver for the Summit is the fact that the world’s population is increasing by around 230,000 people each day, and is projected to grow from 7.6 billion people now, to 9.7 billion by 2050. Faced with spiraling climate change, a declining rural workforce and global pressure on resources, the next generation will need to come up with food solutions for both rural and urban communities. Many of these debates revolve around the use of modern agricultural technologies, which have found themselves under increasing scrutiny in recent years. In September 2015, the world’s leaders came together to agree on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): a roadmap to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Solutions will require visionary thinking, creativity and leadership to execute. As young leaders committed to the area of agriculture, sustainability and food supply issues, you will be responsible for defining, communicating and delivering these solutions of the future. The core purpose of the Summit is to build understanding and trust around these complex and challenging issues. We hope to create lasting global networks, and define real solutions – whether large or small – that you can implement in your future careers for the betterment of society as a whole. *Agvocacy is a combination of Agriculture and Advocacy. Agvocacy is simply advocating for agricultural issues or the ag-industry as a whole, whether it is on- or offline. An Agvocate has good communication skills, is passionate about promoting and informing about agriculture and food security, and knows how to identify relevant channels to amplify its messages.


2. Application 2.1 Objectives and purposes In order to attend the 2019 Youth Ag Summit, interested applicants are invited to submit an application to allow the best candidates for each participating country to be selected. The primary purpose of the application is to allow each applicant to explain their own project idea to help “feed a hungry planet”, to demonstrate their ability to communicate a clear and logical plan that can deliver results, and to demonstrate a network and “agvocacy” skills which can be used to grow a movement. This will allow the jury to select the applicants they feel can bring the most to the YAS and its community. The secondary purpose of the application will be to provide a starting set of documents and ideas that can be used during the conference. Depending on the balance of the selected applications, the conference program will be adapted to meet the interests of the delegates. Some of the best ideas will be highlighted during the conference to stimulate discussions. Applicants are asked to build their ideas based on their own experience, country, and community. This will increase their chances of defining actionable outcomes and delivering on their ideas after the Summit. 2.2 Format The application consists of (1) an application form and (2) a 3-minute video pitch. In the application form, you are asked to fill out personal details, tell us about your background, explain your motivation to join the YAS, and to showcase your networking and “agvocacy” experience. For the video pitch, you are asked to explain your project idea on “How to Feed a Hungry Planet?”. Directions and further information on the video pitch is available below. 2.2.1 Video pitch First and foremost, your application will be assessed on what you can bring to the Youth Ag Summit as a delegate, not on how creative your video looks – so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have any video editing experience. That said, feel free to get creative and have fun making it! This is your chance to showcase your achievements, and to highlight what you can bring to Brazil. Here’s what we want to learn while we’re watching your 3-minute video clip:

• Who are you? Introduce yourself, including your name, age and your country of origin.

• Why are you interested in agriculture, or passionate about food security?

• What is your (big or small) project idea for “feeding a hungry planet”? How can you contribute? The more details, the better. Sketches, samples, prototypes — it all helps us get as excited as you are. Make sure to link your idea to (one of) the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explain why it contributes to this/these goal(s).

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/


• How did you get to this project idea? Tell us how you got the idea, and how much you’ve accomplished so far. Sharing the project’s history helps us understand the kind of work you do, and how you go about it.

• What is your master plan and how does your schedule look like? What will your project look like in the future? Tell us about your rough timeline.

• Why do you care? Tell us why you’re passionate about your project and committed to making it happen.

• Finally, imagine you have already been accepted to join the Youth Ag Summit: How would you use this opportunity to make a change in your local community and how would you measure the impact?

2.3 Submission Applications must be completed online using this application tool. Applications submitted in any other format will not be considered. If you experience any difficulties in completing the application, please contact [email protected]. We will be happy to assist you! 2.4 Important dates Application submission closes: January 10, 2019, 11:59 pm (GMT)

All applicants notified: Early spring 2019

Successful applicants announced: Late spring 2019

mailto:[email protected]


3. Participant Criteria Participants must:

a. be a legal adult in the host country (Brazil) and not younger than 18 or over 25 years of age, as of November 4, 2019.

b. legally be able to travel internationally.

c. hold a valid passport, with at least 6 months validity after November 4, 2019. The participant is solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary travel documents to travel to and from their home country. Please note: Should you not hold a current passport when applying to the YAS, use another personal identification document number in the application field. However, kindly be aware that you need to acquire a passport should you be selected for the YAS. Otherwise, you will not be able to travel or gain a visa.

d. have a proficient level of English/able to communicate orally in English.

e. be comfortable with cultural diversity.

f. have strong leadership qualities (public speaking skills would be an asset).

g. have a demonstrated passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, sustainability, food, world hunger, biotechnology, and/or farming and/or animal husbandry.

h. NOT be an employee of a Bayer entity or direct family member (e.g. spouse, son or daughter) or live in the same household as a Bayer employee, consultant or Application Selection Committee member.

i. NOT be a previous delegate to the 2013, 2015, or 2017 YAS. Applications from previously unsuccessful applicants are welcomed!

j. comply with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction for participation in the 2019 YAS, including any and all laws with respect to obtaining a valid passport, visa or other government-required document or permission to attend the 2019 YAS.

k. enter an application that is solely the work of the entrant. Plagiarism will result in disqualification. Applications must not infringe on any third-party rights or intellectual property of any person, company or organization.

l. be aware that Bayer and (PARTNER) as sponsor reserve the rights to terminate, modify or suspend this application submit due to any cause.


4. Assessment and Selection Procedure The assessment and selection process will be run separately in each country. The following information is provided as a guide for applicants, as it may vary slightly from country to country. Selection will be conducted by a multi-person jury, including representatives from Bayer, the partner youth organization (where applicable), and additional independent topic experts. Please note that the decisions of the judges are final and binding. Selection will be based chiefly on the submitted application with both the pitch video and application form taken into consideration. A follow-up interview also may be conducted by the local jury.

5. Terms and Conditions Payment of travel and accommodation expenses for the 2019 Youth Ag Summit will be organized and paid for by Bayer, in accordance with Bayer’s then current travel policy for the Summit. Bayer will pay for economy airfare from the participant’s permanent address (as listed in the contact details provided in the online application form) to the Brasília venue, as well as for travel insurance and all accommodations and meals provided at the Summit. Delegates are responsible for incidental room costs (minibar, movies etc.) as well as any additional travel expenses incurred. Bayer may reimburse visa fees, where applicable, on presentation of receipts. Any variation to the dates and routes of travel to and from the Summit must be discussed with your local Bayer affiliate and payment for such expenses discussed and agreed upon in accordance with Bayer’s travel policy for the Summit. Please note that any extension to the specified travel dates will require the delegates to assume travel insurance costs for the entire period, including during the 2019 Youth Ag Summit. Participation is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and may be void where prohibited or restricted by law.


6. Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT When and where does the Youth Agvocate Summit take place? The Youth Ag Summit (YAS) takes place every two years. The next YAS will take place from November 4 – 7, 2019 in Brasília, Brazil. Who can attend the Youth Ag Summit? Young people, aged 18-25 as of the first day of the Summit, with a passion for sustainable agriculture, food security and innovation. We look for participants who are true “agvocates” (advocates for agriculture) and who have an innovative project idea on how to solve future food security challenges. During the YAS you will be supported to turn this idea into real action! Will one or more winning projects will be chosen? The Youth Ag Summit is not about winning a prize. It rather serves as an idea incubator, to support participants turn their ideas into reality and equip them with the skills needed to deliver on their projects once the Summit concludes. Delegates are invited to travel to Brazil to gain valuable experience and join a network of like-minded people passionate about the future of our global food system. Which language skills are required? Delegates should have fluent English skills, both written and oral. Both the application form and video application need to be submitted in English.

APPLICATION Do you accept applications from any country? Yes, as long as you are proficient in English and can obtain a valid passport and visa prior to traveling. How can I apply for the Youth Ag Summit? Applicants need to submit an application through this online application tool, consisting of (1) an application form where you answer several questions on your experience and motivation, and (2) a 3-minute video pitch where you explain your specific project idea on “how to feed a hungry planet”. We do not accept handwritten applications. All applications need to be submitted in English. You will find more information and directions in Chapter 2. How long should my video pitch be? The video pitch has to be anywhere between 0 and 3 minutes long. Submitting a video longer than 3 minutes may be counted against you. The video does not need to be of professional quality, and the style and content are entirely up to you. However, make sure to


address the topics mentioned in Chapter 2, as not to do so could adversely affect your application. How do I submit the video pitch? The video should be uploaded as a private video on YouTube, and submitted by providing this private link when prompted in the application form when prompted. If it is not possible to access YouTube in your country, you may upload your video directly in the application tool. I’m currently living or studying in another country. From which country should I apply? You should apply as a participant from your home country or the country for which you hold a valid ID/passport. When can I submit my application? The application period opens on September 17, 2018 and closes on January 10, 2019 at 11:59pm (GMT). Do I need to finish the whole application at once? No, you can sign into the application tool as often as you like to enter and update the requested information before submitting. Just make sure that you finalize and submit your application by 11:59pm (GMT) on January 10, 2019. We strongly recommend against waiting until the last minute to submit your application in case of any technical problems. Once you have submitted your application, it is no longer possible to change any part of it, except for your personal details. What will happen to the data I provide in the application? All data from unsuccessful applicants will be deleted following the selection announcement. If during the application process, you have agreed to receive the Youth Ag Summit newsletter, we will keep your name and email address for this purpose. All data from successful applicants will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy. I applied for the last Youth Ag Summit but was not selected. Can I apply again? Yes, previously unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply for the 2019 Youth Ag Summit if they are still between the ages of 18-25. I’m a Youth Ag Summit alumni and I’d like to be an alumni mentor. How can I apply? A number of “alumni-mentors” will be invited to the 2019 Youth Ag Summit. More information on how to apply for one of these slots will be available soon. Who do I contact if I have questions or problems with my application? For any problems during the application process, please email us at [email protected]. Please note that we will not be able to provide updates on the progress of your application once it has been submitted.

SELECTION

https://apply-yas.com/auth/privacyStatement



How are Youth Ag Summit participants selected? We establish a selection committee in every country. This includes up to five jury members from Bayer, a local youth ag-organization, university or other partners and organizations. The selection is based on specific criteria and a scoring system, with each country selecting its own final delegates. When will I know if I have been selected? You will be notified via e-mail in spring 2019 if you have been selected. For this reason, please apply using an email address which you will still have access to next year. We will also inform unsuccessful applicants around the same time. Please note, that we cannot provide individual updates on the status of your application during the evaluation period.

Which costs will be covered? The costs for attending the Summit are covered by the Youth Ag Summit organizers. These include: flight tickets, transportation, accommodation, and catering. Any other travel costs unrelated to Youth Ag Summit activities will not be covered. What documents do I need to enter Brazil? You need a passport. If you already have a passport or if you are applying for a new passport, make sure that it will remain valid for at least six months after November 4, 2019. You are solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary travel documents to travel to and from Brazil from your home country. If you also need a visa, Bayer will assist you with the visa application. What if I’m not able to obtain a passport by the end of the application date? You are solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary travel documents to travel to and from Brazil from your home country. Should you not hold a passport when applying to the YAS, you can use another personal identification document number in the application field. However, kindly be aware that you will need to acquire a passport as soon as possible, should you be selected for the YAS. Otherwise, you will not be able to travel to the Summit or obtain a visa. What should I do if I need special medical assistance to attend? Please let us know in advance if you have a particular disability or have any medical needs that would require assistance, by emailing us at [email protected]. We will do our utmost to accommodate your specific needs at the Youth Ag Summit.


youth agvocate summit 2019 application guidelines & faqs · tell us why you’re passionate...

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