Instructions for GCJ Kashmir 2018 US Participants: Application and Financial Information
Applications are currently being accepted on a space-available basis.
ATTENTION Kashmiri and other Indian delegates: Application and financial information soon to be posted
A link to the online application form is located at the bottom of this page. Please complete and submit the electronic form as soon as you can after carefully reading the information below.
Congratulations on considering a bold move for building bridges of peace and creating a global neighborhood through grassroots connections. We look forward to considering your application to be a delegate on our journey to Kashmir, India 2018.
As a Global Citizen Journey (GCJ) delegate, you are embarking on a commitment to citizen diplomacy and service. A GCJ trip is very much a shared experience: you will be part of a group and most of your time in Kashmir will be with the group. You will participate in workshops and dialogue to develop skill and capacity as a citizen diplomat, including cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, compassionate listening, leadership development and environmental awareness.
WHEN: Dates: September 26 to October 12 (Delhi: Sept 26 -Oct 1: Kashmir Oct 1-12) Note: Arrive in Delhi on Sept 26, Leave Srinagar Oct 12th fly to Delhi and connect on to U.S.
MATERIALS TO SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION:
- Application Form (google form, online – link below)
- Two References (google form, online – link below)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (send by email to imichon58@gmail.com or snail mail to Global Citizen Journey, ℅Irene Michon, 6016 Palatine NW, Seattle 98103 )
- Mail a check payable to GCJ (preferable since avoids fees) or pay with Paypal – $300 send to Irene Michon, 6016 Palatine NW, Seattle 98103
Program Fees for Western participants: $3,150
Program fees include all hotel and town/village accommodations, program activities, administrative costs, trip costs only (no salaries) for one Project Director and Executive Director/Facilitator, guest speakers, field trips, entrance fees, tips, most meals and in-country transportation. We will also be supporting our host organization, ELFA, and the service projects. We supplement fees for Indian and Kashmiri delegate participation.
Program fees do NOT include the following: international airfare (arranged and purchased separately by each delegate, as travel plans may vary); personal expenses (including any alcoholic beverages); visas; inoculations; and travel insurance. Price is based on double room, shared accommodations. Single rooms are available at extra charge. Several meals will be on your own.
We accept payments by check and money order, or by credit card payment via our website. There is an additional 4 percent fee for credit card payments, to offset the convenience fee PayPal retains for processing the online transaction.
Fundraising materials are available to help you finance this trip. Delegates and their supporters have the option to designate amounts paid to Global Citizen Journey (a 501(c)3 non-profit) as tax-deductible when they donate funds to the project, with the understanding that such donations will not be refundable if the delegate is unable to participate for unforeseen reasons.
Schedule of Payments: Payments are due according to the following schedule:
- $ 300 ($50 application fee plus $250 commitment fee which is non-refundable once the application is accepted)
- $ 750 due by May 01
- $ 750 due by June 15
- $ 750 due by Aug 01
- $ 600 due by Sept 15
This schedule is needed as the expenses incurred by Global Citizen Journey to Kashmir begin long before October 2018. For example:
- Pay deposits for the Kashmir journey expenses – including accommodations, transportation, and other travel in the host country as soon as is possible.
- Provide funds to ELA our host organization, for the purchase of project building materials.
We have developed our payment schedule to balance delegates’ need for time to raise money with our need to meet these financial obligations. It is helpful if you can send in fees in advance of these due dates. And we want to work with each of you: If you feel deeply called to be a delegate on this journey, but find the payment schedule to be a roadblock, email Irene at imichon58@gmail.com to discuss and she will get back to you.
Fundraising: Some delegates will need to fundraise to cover a portion of their costs. In fact, GCJ encourages this strategy to increase the visibility of our work together. GCJ provides a list of fundraising suggestions.
Cancellation Policy:
Note: There can be no refund for any portion that is paid as a tax-deductible donation.
- Cancellation by June 01 50% refund;
- Cancellation by August 01 25% refund;
- Cancellation after August 01, 0% refund.
Certain types of trip insurance can be purchased that will repay funds forfeited in case you have to cancel for emergency reasons or if GCJ needs to postpone the Kashmir journey for any reason. This type of insurance is optional and purchased at your discretion, and is highly recommended.
Global Citizen Journey will screen your application to determine if your background and aspirations are a good match for the Kashmir journey. Participation is dependent on your ability to obtain a passport, visa, and airfare, and to deliver completed forms and payments to us by the deadlines.
