by Jeff B. White
Over the past two years, National Equality Action Team (NEAT), has been privileged to participate in a U.S. sponsored international fellowship program. The Fellowship brings community organizers from Eastern Europe and the Balkans to our New York office to see how we do our work, and learn new techniques and skills that they can take home and use in their own communities.
As part of the program, NEAT Executive Director, Brian Silva recently returned from Slovakia where he assisted our most recent Fellow, Jana Fuskova, with her project, as well as running multiple workshops, speaking engagements and trainings on organizing, LGBTQ+ issues and NEAT’s work. “This is an incredible way for NEAT to give back to our international community, and help solidify the movement for LGBTQ+ equality worldwide,” Brian said of the program.
Over the past two years, National Equality Action Team (NEAT), has been privileged to participate in a U.S. sponsored international fellowship program. The Fellowship brings community organizers from Eastern Europe and the Balkans to our New York office to see how we do our work, and learn new techniques and skills that they can take home and use in their own communities.
As part of the program, NEAT Executive Director, Brian Silva recently returned from Slovakia where he assisted our most recent Fellow, Jana Fuskova, with her project, as well as running multiple workshops, speaking engagements and trainings on organizing, LGBTQ+ issues and NEAT’s work. “This is an incredible way for NEAT to give back to our international community, and help solidify the movement for LGBTQ+ equality worldwide,” Brian said of the program.
Jana spent her time in New York with NEAT learning new organizing techniques, and assisting in the analysis of a major research project with our partner Family Equality. “In countries like Slovakia (post-communist countries) people do not think about themselves as someone who has a voice. That they have no voice that anyone would listen to - neighbors, politicians, representatives, companies, etc.,” Jana said. “As a part of my fellowship I have become so empowered, and I learned not only that my voice as a citizen, as a person, is not only strong, but that it should be listened to.”
Jana’s Fellowship project back home will create playgrounds that are inclusive of all types of people, including children with disabilities, as well as LGBTQ+ families. After facing some issues with bureaucracy and public opinion, Jana says, “We now have a plan to make the City Council dedicate the public promise to open our playground that was built by all families and serving all families. As first in line on the City Council’s list, we are hoping to open the first LGBTQ+ safe and inclusive playground in Slovakia by summer of 2020.”
Since joining the Fellowship Program, NEAT has hosted two organizers from Slovakia and one from Albania.
Jana’s Fellowship project back home will create playgrounds that are inclusive of all types of people, including children with disabilities, as well as LGBTQ+ families. After facing some issues with bureaucracy and public opinion, Jana says, “We now have a plan to make the City Council dedicate the public promise to open our playground that was built by all families and serving all families. As first in line on the City Council’s list, we are hoping to open the first LGBTQ+ safe and inclusive playground in Slovakia by summer of 2020.”
Since joining the Fellowship Program, NEAT has hosted two organizers from Slovakia and one from Albania.