Alpi Toolkit v2
Alpi Toolkit v2
Alpi Toolkit v2
IN POLITICS INSTITUTE
(ALPI) TOOLKIT
THE ADVANCED LEADERSHIP
IN POLITICS INSTITUTE
(ALPI) TOOLKIT
1
Nkomo, Sibusiso and Eleanor du Plooy. “International Youth Day: Despite Interest, African Youth Not Connecting With Political Process.” Afrobarometer, 12
Aug. 2015, afrobarometer.org/publications/ad41-african-youth-not-connecting-with-political-processes. According to Afrobarometer’s 2015 survey, 55 percent
of African youth voted in the previous election, 34 percent attended a campaign meeting or rally, 23 percent tried to persuade others to vote a certain way and 15
percent worked for a candidate or party the year preceding the survey. The survey defined youth as between 18-29 years old. According to the UNDP, youths in
Southeast Asia (defined as under 30) are less likely to vote, and less likely to be formal members of political parties; however, they are just as likely as adults to
lobby key officials or petition local governments. “Youth and Democratic Citizenship in East and South-East Asia.” United Nations Development Programme, 17
June 2015, https://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/library/democratic_governance/youth-n-democratic-citizenship-east-n-se-asia.html
2
Power, Greg, et al. “Guide to Working with Parliaments and Political Parties for Sustainable Development.” U.K. Department for International Development,
2018, pp. 20, gpg-wp-media.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/22152333/FINAL-Guide-to-working-with-Parliaments-and-Political-
Parties-for-Sustainable-Development-Feb-2018.pdf.
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 2
WHAT IS ALPI?
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S
A professional-development program first launched RISING POLITICAL LEADERS ASK:
and implemented by IRI in Bosnia and Herzegovina “WHY NATO?”
(BiH) and now expanded to include Serbia and
Montenegro as well, ALPI brings together young
Following IRI’s module on North Atlantic
political leaders from different political parties. The goal Treaty Organization (NATO) and Euro-
of ALPI is to empower and create a space for young Atlantic integration — which featured
leaders, with opposing views or from different ethnic speakers from the EU delegation, the
backgrounds, who are active and currently shaping Office of the European Union Special
policies within their own political parties, to: Representative and NATO headquarters
— Discuss Euro-Atlantic integration processes.
in Sarajevo — Malik Garibija, from the
Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Amir
— Build consensus for democratic reforms.
Vrca, from Democratic Front (DF), found
— Promote social cohesion. that Euro-Atlantic integration is a topic
— Advocate for positive policy outcomes for their both of their parties could support. They
communities and countries. approached IRI with the idea of organizing
their own conference on the topic of
The program includes a set of modules, each covering NATO, as they wanted to share what
a topic relevant to the current political challenges the
they had learned during the module with
country or region is facing. For example, topics include
other members of their political parties.
security issues related to the rise of different forms of
extremism in the region and globally, such as populism, With support from IRI, which introduced
disinformation and malign foreign influence. Other the two organizers to NATO contacts,
modules include the role of the North Atlantic Treaty Garbija and Vrca organized a professional
Organization (NATO) in today’s European security event with NATO representatives and
structures and the future of Western Balkan countries national political leaders speaking. This
in the European Union (EU).
collaborative event was important for
Each module strives to enhance critical-thinking skills the impact and sustainability of IRI’s
of young leaders and raise their awareness of the ALPI program, as it indicated that ALPI
ongoing threats to liberal democracies. In addition, participants share knowledge gained
ALPI participants are encouraged to partner on during the modules and exchange views
initiatives between modules, in order to promote cross- and opinions with their party colleagues,
party collaboration that will help create a generation
friends and the public.
of political leaders who understand the benefits of
working together across party lines in promoting Euro-
Atlantic values.
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 3
THE PROCESS
IRI IDENTIFIES CHALLENGES BY:
1. Program design and partner engagement
— Discussing issues members perceive as
1.1. Identify key political challenges to be the most relevant throughout the life
addressed through the program. IRI of the program, including during the
collaborates with participants to identify selection process, as well as the base-,
timely issues to be discussed from different mid- and end line evaluation interview.
perspectives to encourage participants to
— Communicating with political parties
formulate their own educated opinions. For
and partners from parliament,
example, in Montenegro, one module focused
government, academia, media and civil
on anti-Western influences, an ongoing issue
society to identify and address issues in
in the country.
a timely manner.
1.2. Develop a module to address each key
— Reviewing IRI polling data from and
challenge. Each module focuses on a
related to issues in ALPI countries.
specific topic, bringing in topical experts
from government institutions, as well as
non-governmental experts, to discuss
the current situation, potential policy
solutions and their implications. In BiH, one
module was dedicated to EU integration 2. Identify speakers and trainers
and participants had the opportunity to
2.1. Identify speakers. IRI invites a diverse group
hear different views from political leaders,
of experts who can offer relevant insights
government officials, and civil-society and
and, at times, opposing views that contribute
academia representatives, and to engage in
to the discussion and create a constructive
discussions to find common ground. Good-
dialogue. The speakers should ideally have
governance principles are embedded in all
diverse backgrounds and represent different
program aspects, and the program design
sectors (government, media, civil society and
reflects the focus on improving accountability,
academia).
responsiveness and transparency.
2.2. Identify trainers. Trainers should be
1.3. Define skills-based learning goals for each
experienced and understand the value
module. Determine the learning goals for
of active participant engagement, as the
each module by identifying the specific skillset
workshops are designed to encourage
or knowledge that each participant will gain
dynamic participation. It is desirable for
through the module. For example, in BiH,
trainers to have a good grasp of the political
one module focused on current migration
situation and dynamics in the respective
challenges and included a training on crisis
country. If possible, aim to create a pool
communication with a simulation exercise.
of trainers that is both local and regional/
1.4. Adapt the program to current circumstances. international, allowing for a balance of context-
IRI revises its program modules to respond to specific trainings and foreign experience.
current events and emerging challenges in the
respective country.
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 5
3. Candidate selection
3.4. Review process and selection. Based on 4.2. Mentor participants. Between the modules,
participant criteria, the selection is made to IRI mentors participants, helping them
reflect the diversity of the country. It should define and implement outreach activities on
ensure gender balance and include minorities. issues covered by the modules. This allows
Participants should come from different the participants to directly apply their skills
geographic locations, including remote areas independently, with customized one-on-one
that are not usually prioritized by similar support, outside the classroom and in the real
programs. ALPI cohorts usually consist of world. Through informal consultations and
around 25 members. gatherings, participants are encouraged to
develop cooperation with their peers in the
program.
4.3. Encourage ALPI cross-party outreach
activities. Throughout the program,
During the first module participants are encouraged to partner on
we thought we could never find different cross-party outreach activities within
common ground…but with this the program scope. For example, participants
format, it turned out we can.” in BiH produced a joint podcast, wrote
blog posts and articles, hosted roundtable
— Bojana Dimitrijevic, ALPI member, BiH discussions, initiated social media campaigns
and conducted surveys on specific issues.
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 6
5. ALPI alumni
ALPI VALUES
— Authenticity
— Integrity
— Inclusiveness
— Collaboration
— Diversity
— Enthusiasm
— Commitment
— Respect
— Leadership
— Accountability
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 7
3
Countries in which the program
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
is implemented
SERBIA
90
Young political leaders
40
Local communities
MONTENEGRO
14
Cross-country initiatives
100%
ALPI I members who reported
25
Political parties
learning more about topics covered
23 100%
ALPI II members who reported
Partners engaged learning more about topics covered
155
3
100%
4
ALPI outreach activities implemented
9 31
Events
110 ALPI I members who reported
increased cross-party collaboration
Research Blog posts and
products articles
3
ALPI outreach activities take place between the ALPI modules. During the first module they are introduced to the program and they receive information about
illustrative activities – like writing blogs, hosting events or developing research products – they can work on between modules as examples.
4
The ALPI II end line survey did not ask this question.
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 8
IMPACT
ALPI MEMBERS MEMISEVIC AND SAKIC
IRI’s ALPI program targeted youths in BiH, Montenegro BRIDGE DIVIDES WITH NEW PODCAST
and Serbia who are politically active in their respective ALPI members Omar Memisevic and Malik
political parties but lack opportunities to work with Sakic used the skills and lessons they learned
their peers from different ideological backgrounds. IRI from ALPI to launch their own podcast entitled
tracked ALPI members before, during and at the end The Political Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
of their program participation, aiming to measure the Memisevic and Sakic, as members of different
increase in their knowledge and skills, the connection political parties, use the podcast as an
of youths across party, ethnic and geographic lines, and opportunity to discuss current political events in
the implementation of their own outreach activities. BiH through their respective partisan lenses and
in a manner that appeals to youth audiences.
IRI’s data demonstrated that all ALPI members have
It is critical that politicians find ways to engage
increased their knowledge about topics covered
Bosnian youth in political discussion. As young
throughout the program and feel more confident about
Bosnians become disinterested and disengaged
their future political engagement with the skills they
from politics in BiH, the country is being deprived
gained. During the follow-up interviews, ALPI members
of a key bloc of voters that would help to drive
said that the trainings have helped them “see the larger
and support the needed political and economic
picture, understand the context, the audience and the
reforms for BiH to continue its Euro-Atlantic
person” with whom they are debating. Additionally,
integration.
many of them had little knowledge about members of
other political parties, let alone cooperated with them. Additionally, Memisevic and Sakic set an
Through ALPI, they have implemented more than important example for youth in BiH with their
150 outreach activities, most of which were cross- podcast. Not only do they come from different
party, cross-entity, cross-ethnic and even cross-border parties, but they come from different cities in
initiatives. different parts of the country. By hosting this
podcast jointly, they demonstrate their ability
to overcome some of the deep divisions that
fracture the country, and collaborate on a cross-
party project that yields respectful and nuanced
political discussion. Moreover, the podcast has
been successful with listeners throughout the
region and even farther abroad.
Day 2
TIME
08:00 – 09:30 Breakfast
Opening Remarks
09:30 – 10:00 Borislav Spasojevic, Resident Program Director, IRI BiH
Anesa Omanovic, Program Officer, IRI BiH
Presentation: ALPI Outreach Activities: Halfway There
At the mid-point of the program, ALPI members present the cross-party activities they have
10:00 – 11:00
implemented so far within the ALPI program.
BiH NGO Mediacentar.
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break
Panel: Migration Crossroads: In front of the EU gates – the Bosnian Route
Adnan Rondic, Al Jazeera Balkans (Moderator)
Mario Janecek, Ministry of Security of BiH
11:30 – 13:30
Aida Barucija, BiH Parliament
Peter Van der Auweraert, Institute of Migration (IOM)
Marija Arnautovi, Slobodnaevropa.org
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
Presentation: Introduction to Crisis Communication – Why Being Crisis Ready is Smart?
Adnan Rondic, Al Jazeera
Rondic will lead ALPI members through a discussion to answer the questions:
14:30 – 16:00
— What is crisis communication?
— How should political leaders communicate through crisis?
Day 2 Wrap-Up
16:00 – 16:30 IRI will lead a session to allow ALPI members to reflect on the main takeaways from Day 2 of the
module.
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 11
Day 3
TIME
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
ALPI interviews are conducted with ALPI applicants over the phone. The approximate duration of each interview
is 10-15 minutes. Listed below are questions to guide each interview. Depending on interview dynamics, IRI can
decide to add additional questions or skip some of the questions below.
Introduction:
Hello (insert name). Thank you for taking the time to participate in today’s interview as a follow-up to your ALPI
application. This interview will take up to 15 minutes and will be conducted as a conversation with applicants.
Please speak freely, as we would like to get to know you better.
1. To kick off, could you please briefly introduce yourself? Please feel free to mention some things that you
did not mention in your application.
2. What would you say is the main reason why you applied for this program? What are your expectations?
How did you find out about ALPI?
3. How do you see your political engagement so far and how do you envision your political future? (If
applicable) Do you plan to run in the upcoming elections?
4. What are the three things you think your political party should improve and why?
5. Have you had a chance to collaborate with colleagues from other political parties? If not, are you willing
to?
6. If you had to choose one person who is your political role model, who would that be and why? There are
no limitations on your selection: it can be a personal connection, celebrity, well-known leader or not, dead
or alive, etc.
7. How do you see the current political situation in your country?
8. What do you perceive as the most critical issue in the world at this particular moment?
9. In your opinion, what are the main threats/challenges to democracy in your country?
10. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge your country is facing when it comes to Euro-Atlantic
integration?
Thank you very much. Do you have any questions for us?
(Give details about the process. For example, when the applicant can expect feedback and what are the next
steps.)
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The Advanced Leadership in Politics Institute (ALPI) is a professional-development program for young leaders
from different political parties, implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI). The program offers
possibilities to better understand the current political, societal and economic situation in the country and the
region, as well as foreign influences in the Western Balkans, Euro-Atlantic integrations and security challenges.
We invite all young politicians (younger than 30) who speak English and are active in political processes and/or civil
society and have interest in the above-mentioned topics to apply.
* Required
BASIC INFORMATION
1. Name and surname:*
2. Town / city:*
3. Telephone:*
4. E-mail address:*
5. Date of birth:*
6. Sex:*
a. Male
b. Female
c. Other
7. What is your gender identity?
a. Man
b. Woman
c. Transgender
d. Non-binary
e. Prefer not to respond
f. Other
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ABOUT ALPI
1. Why are you applying for this program and what are your expectations?*
2. How do you plan to implement what you have learned upon completion of the ALPI program?*
3. I can participate in all ALPI modules:*
ALPI program has six modules that will take place every two to three months in the form of weekend
workshops (Friday to Sunday).
a. Yes
b. No
c. Yes, if it is not in conflict with my other obligations
d. Other
YOUR EXPERIENCE
1. I am currently:*
a. Employed - full time
b. Employed - part-time and freelance
c. Unemployed
d. Student
e. Other:
2. I am a member of:*
a. Democratic Party of Socialist (DPS)
b. Democrats
c. Social Democratic Party (SDP)
d. Bosniak Party (BS)
e. United Reform Action (URA)
f. Social Democrats (SD)
3. I was a candidate in one of the previous election cycles:*
a. Yes
b. No
4. Which election cycle and for which level:
5. I plan to run in the upcoming elections:*
a. Yes
b. No
c. I do not know
IRI | ALPI Toolkit 15
6. Do you currently hold office at any level of government (Councilor, Member of Parliament, etc.)? If your
answer is yes, please specify the function and level of government.*
7. Do you currently hold any position within a political party (President of the Youth Forum, Secretary for
International Relations, etc.)? If your answer is yes, please specify the function.*
8. Highest education level completed:*
a. High-school diploma
b. Bachelor degree
c. Master degree
d. PhD
e. Other:
9. Please indicate if you are active in any other civil-society organization:
10. The name of organization and your role.
11. How would you rate your English language level:*
1 - lowest / 5 – highest
12. Please upload your CV*
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