Description
Funding Opportunity Title: Exploring American Values Exchange Program Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY21-04 Deadline for Applications: August 23, 2021, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $150,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Seoul of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to plan and execute a twelve-day exchange program to the United States for up to 10-15 program participants representing social media content creators and journalists targeting youth audiences from the Republic of Korea (ROK). Please follow all instructions below. Program Objectives: Youth outreach is a priority for Embassy Seoul. We seek an exchange program that explores American values and cultural issues that shape the American identity and deepen ROK youth audiences understanding of the United States in the 21st century. Participants will explore American issues and themes that inspire (i.e. freedom, innovation, the American dream, and American culture), as well as issues that frustrate ROK youth (i.e. gun violence, racism (particularly hate crimes targeting Asians), social inequality, etc.). This program should take place in summer 2022, and social media journalists/influencers, bloggers, and youtubers would travel to cities to explore different aspects of American culture and values. The locations should be carefully chosen to be geographically and culturally diverse and reflective of the differing social experiences throughout the United States. Participants would meet with state and local officials, government agencies, civil society groups, U.S.-based bloggers, digital marketers and social media experts, civic activists, educators, health care workers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to learn how communities exploit opportunities, deal with tragedy, and address a myriad of community issues to move the narrative about their cities to more positive elements of the American experience. Please plan for dietary restrictions, such as awareness of halal or vegetarian requirements. In addition, please budget for one or two local Korean language interpreters to accompany during the twelve-day program. One Embassy Seoul employee might plan to accompany to engage, liaise, and troubleshoot. The applicant organization should plan to include the Embassy staffer in making logistical arrangements, including any cultural activities or ground transport. However, please note funding for the Embassy staffer’s flights and hotels will be borne directly by the Embassy (i.e., not included in the award budget). Participants and Audiences: Social media journalists/reporters (SMR) & influencers (bloggers, youtubers, etc.) in ROK