The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section in
Dublin, Ireland solicits proposals for a cooperative agreement that
meets the specifications stated in Section II from legally-recognized
non-profit, non-government organizations that meet U.S. technical and
legal requirements to develop and implement public diplomacy programs.
U.S. Exchange Program
The U.S. Embassy builds mutual understanding between the United States
and Ireland through carefully designed professional visits to the United
States for current and emerging leaders. Through these encounters, they
gain a greater understanding of the cultural and political influences
in U.S. society and enjoy a firsthand experience of the United States,
its people and its culture. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S.
Embassy in Dublin, Ireland invites proposals to implement a U.S.
exchange program for current and emerging leaders from both the Republic
of Ireland and Northern Ireland in support of a core tenant of U.S.
foreign policy—the protection of universal human rights. The U.S.
Embassy in Dublin, in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate in Belfast,
will sponsor a 2017 U.S. exchange program entitled “Advocating for Human
and Civil Rights for the LGBT Community.” The project is designed
primarily for civil society activists and legal experts involved in LGBT
advocacy work, as well as developing human and civil rights laws,
policies and programs. Academics and government officials working in
the area of LGBT advocacy may also be considered. Participants must be
fluent in English. Half of the participants will be nominated by the
U.S. Embassy in Dublin, while the other half will be nominated by the
U.S. Consulate in Belfast.
Rationale for project:
Following the Republic of Ireland’s May 2015 referendum that extended
civil marriage rights to same-sex couples, many observers viewed this
referendum as a major shift in Irish society, marking the advent of a
new, more socially liberal generation of young people. However
challenges remain on many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
advocacy issues, including preventing bullying in schools, access to
health services, difficulties in adoption and parenting issues, and
workplace diversity. In Northern Ireland, same-sex marriage remains
illegal. In a recent roundtable discussion with LGBT activists hosted by
the U.S. Consulate in Belfast, participants cited similar challenges
with respect to access to healthcare and fertility treatment,
difficulties in adopting children, bullying in schools, and concerns
that Brexit could potentially impede progress on LGBT rights.
This U.S. exchange program will focus on addressing some of these human
and civil rights challenges for members of the LGBT community, while
also building cross-border relationships and collaborations between
participants from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Specifically, it will explore U.S. advocacy efforts, at the local,
state, national, and international levels, to support the equality and
dignity of the LGBT community. Participants will examine the legislative
framework surrounding LGBT issues and political, societal and judicial
perspectives on LGBT rights.
The project will also highlight the impact
of the increasingly visible, open and active role of the LGBT community
in political, economic and cultural life. Topics will include the
history of the movement, the contemporary debate on LGBT rights and same
sex marriage, workplace rights, the support needs of LGBT youth and
families, as well as general social inclusion and diversity in the
United States. Participants will learn how LGBT advocacy groups counter
discrimination and defamation and how they engage religious leaders to
create wider social acceptance and understanding.
Particular emphasis
should be placed on challenges regarding access to health care, adoption
issues, bullying in schools and workplace diversity.
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)