Workshops

 

December 4, 2007 - State Representation of Thuringia

This symposium is the fourth in a series of symposia organized by the U.S. Embassy Berlin under the theme “Building Bridges - Brϋcken Bauen”. This format was designed to provide German and American youth with a platform to discuss issues that are of interest and concern for them. These discussions will hopefully lead to mutual understanding, as well as the development of new projects and partnerships among the young generation of both countries.

The symposium, hosted by U.S. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and the State Representation of Thuringia, will take place on December 4, 2007. “What is German? – What is American? Youth Exploring their Place and Identity in Society” will compare the day to day situation, challenges, and problems of youth in Germany and the U.S. About 150 high school students from Germany (Berlin and Thuringia) and the U.S. will enter into a direct discussion with experts from different fields. This direct contact between youth and subject experts is a hallmark of the “Building Bridges – Brücken Bauen” series, which seeks to engage youth in active discussions about the issues affecting them. Three topics will set the general agenda in which the students are given the opportunity to talk about those issues that most concern them:

“Public Perception”
-Presentation of youth in the media
-Youth as media consumers/contributors (television, radio, print, internet/blogosphere, etc.)
-Influence of the media on youth

“Social Responsibility"
-Youth contribution to society
-Volunteerism
-Advantages of social networking for personal and professional development

“National Identity”
-Global youth culture (e.g. Hip Hop)
-Identification with neighborhood, city, country, etc.
-Integration of minorities
-Extremist influences

We will start off the day with welcome remarks by the hosts and a short presentation on “Intercultural Relations,” followed by a panel discussion with experts on each of the three topics.  After lunch, the students will divide into three breakout sessions to exchange their views and ideas in more detail. Delegated students will then present the results of these discussions in a general closing session.

After the official end of the conference and the students’ departure, the panelists/experts will reconvene for a brief evaluation of the event.

This is an invitation only event! 

For more information, please contact Daniela Schilling-Mühl, Alumni Coordinator, at (030) 8305-1172, or schilling-muehld@state.gov, or Heike Mead, Youth Outreach Coordinator, at (030) 8305-1163, or meadhs@state.gov.