Dear reader,
my name is Peter Matjašič (also known as Curlypeter), a 32-year old European, originally from Slovenia, currently residing in Brussels but mainly living and traveling around Europe.
During my studies of International Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Ljubljana where I graduated with honours on the issue of European Federalist Movement and the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, I joined my background organisation the Young European Federalists (JEF). After being active at national and international level for JEF-Slovenia I moved to Barcelona to do a European Voluntary Service (EVS) with JEF-Catalunya before taking up responsibilities as Board member (2005-06), Vice-President (2006-07) and Secretary-General of JEF-Europe (2008-10).
Moreover, in 2006 I helped set up the English version of Le Taurillon, an online magazine of JEF-France re-branded into thenewfederalist.eu and was its first Editor-in-Chief (2006-07).
In this blog I would like to present my motivation, my beliefs and ideas and outline some of the objectives I would like to implement together with you if you decide to entrust me with a second mandate as President of the European Youth Forum (YFJ) for the years 2013-2014.
Ever since I started my involvement in the European Youth Forum back in 2006 (first as Member of the Pool of Trainers 2006-07, then as JEF representative 2008-10 and finally as YFJ President 2011-12) up until now I've seen improvements in the way the flow of information has increased and the transparency enhanced.
Since personally I always favour a more open-style of governance, and a user-friendly and equal treatment of all member organisations regardless of their size or influence I want to continue presenting my ideas in this way and engage with all those who are interested in a discussion. I believe that transparency should be at the heart of an ethical youth movement that shouldn't merely imitate general politics, but aim to be a model for it.
In order to practice what I preach I have decided to set up this blog 2 years ago launching my first campaign to become YFJ President and want to continue it now when I seek a re-election. Exchange of ideas and opinions, access to information and freedom of speech as well as mutual respect and tolerance are the basis for a proper democratic election process. Moreover, being convinced of the added value of web 2.0 tools for the work of youth organisations I try to use all means available to engage in an information exchange with those interested.
Thus feel free to comment on my entries in this blog, challenge my ideas and provide constructive feedback. Thank you in advance for your inputs!
