Indonesian Delegates to travel to
United States

RELIGION AND SOCIETY: A DIALOGUE - Indonesia/United States

The Center for Civic Education Indonesia is taking applications from community leaders interested in an international dialogue exchange in U.S..  The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. State Department sponsors Religion and Society: A Dialogue (RSD), a two-year, two-way exchange between religious scholars, clerics, and community leaders of Indonesia and the United States.  The year 2008, represents year two in the exchange. Twelve Indonesians and six Americans will travel in 2008, visiting two-three distinct regions in each other’s countries, where prestigious institutions will host them.  This exchange will provide participating professionals with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of the counterpart country; to establish a dialogue about the scholarship and practice of religion (particularly Islam) in both countries; and to examine the compatibility of religious practice with democratic social and political values. Over the course of two years, 26 Indonesian participants and 12 U.S. participants will visit each other’s countries. Discussion forums, or open dialogues, will occur in both nations reaching an audience of over 3,000 in Indonesia and 2,000 in the United States. The possibility of ongoing and long-lasting intellectual exchange will be fostered between Indonesian and US  Islamic Institutions and American research institutions and universities.

RSD is administered by Legacy International, a Virginia based NGO. Legacy International specializes in strengthening civil society by conducting exchanges and trainings, which center around skill building and education.  The four main areas of work include civic participation, conflict prevention and reconciliation, leadership development, and community development. Established in 1979, Legacy has hosted 145 inbound and outbound delegations, international conferences, training events, and training-of-trainers programs, including more than 20 major projects funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.   Legacy partners with Center for Civic Education Indonesia (CCEI) which conducts the selection process of delegates and coordinates the Indonesian study tour for the US delegation.

Applications for Indonesian Delegation due December 3rd (for Malang and Lombok), December 6th (for Jakarta) 2007:   CCEI  has selected several organizations, universities, and individuals to submit applications.   Applications will be reviewed by Center for Civic Education, US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Embassy officials in Jakarta.   The Indonesian delegation will include 12 people.

Plans for travel to U.S.     

1. Proposed Dates
   - April 2-4 – Indonesian delegates meet in Jakarta for Pre-departure Orientation
   - April 5:  Depart for U.S.   
   - April 6:  Arrive Washington DC.
   - April 20: Depart  US
   - April 22: Arrive Indonesia
2. Travel to 2 regions: Washington DC/Northern Virginia and Bloomington Indiana
   
3. Itinerary:  In each city, there will be panels and roundtable discussion with US community leaders and visits to Universities and NGOs.  Topics to be addressed include:
   - The practice of interfaith work and dialogue in US
   - Democracy and religious pluralism
   - Dialogue amongst Indonesian and US religious leaders
   - Life for Muslims in US
   - Islamic and non-Islamic NGOs in US and NGO management – mission, structure, funding, etc
   - Comparative studies programs on university campuses – how to design and implement
   - Relationship between American people and US government
   - Separation of church and state in US – theory and practice

Expenses:   This program is funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Your international airfare, Indonesian domestic airfare, accommodations, meals and ground transport are all covered as part of the program.

Would you like to be considered as a candidate? 

1. Requirements for participant in Indonesia:has a master degree in Theology, Religious Philosophy, Comparative Religions study or is in a Theology, Religious Philosophy, Comparative Religions study doctorate program study or has an Intellectual capacity to discuss about Islam in a academic and scientific ways.   
   
2. is a university based.
   
3. is 32 – 48 years old. 
   
4. has a minimum or five years professional experience and a foundation of knowledge in a relevant field OR is a community leader of good reputation and moderate views, or a published and/or respected religious scholar.
   
5. is able to communicate effectively before an audience.
   
6. is able to tolerate misunderstanding and to effectively field criticisms of one’s country, religion and/or ethnic group if that should occur.
   
7. is able to convene colleagues for briefings, presentations, and follow – on project work.
   
8. has a specific interest in or professional venue in which to apply what is learned.
   
9. is able to dedicate full attention to project activities during the needed time periods.
   
10. delegations will be comprised to represent various ethnic groups and religious affiliations.
    
11. is fluent in English (Other language added might be better, e.g  Arabic).   
    
12. has never been to US.

How do I apply?

Complete an application form and submit it to the Center for Civic Education, Gedung Jiwasraya, Lantai2, Jalan Gondangdia Lama 41- Menteng Jakarta Pusat 10350 by CCE.  Take special care in answering the essay questions.
Submit two letters of recommendation along with the application.
from your universities official, organization leader, Islamic institution leader , or a community leader.
Interviews: Center for Civic Education will contact the applicants selected for interviews. Individual and small group interviews will take place in each of the participating cities in the early  month of December. The list of 20 finalists and alternates will be notified not late than a week after interviews.

And after that….?

• Staff from CCE will assist the finalists to obtain passports, and visas from the US embassy
  
• The selected participants will be receiving orientation materials in the weeks prior to departure for the U.S.
  
• Staff from CCE will conduct a pre-departure orientation with participants in Jakarta and the group will depart together for the United States

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