| SVU |
CZECHOSLOVAK SOCIETY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES |
Memorandum to Young People
One of the most important aspects of the recent highly
successful SVU World Congress in Washington (August 8-13, 2000) was the participation of
young people. They all made a very good impression and, to my knowledge, they enjoyed our
Congress as well. Some of you were there. Several sessions were actually organized by
young people, thanks to Bruce Berglund and Anna Vysoka
We would obviously want you, as well as other young
people, to participate in our future activities. In order not to lose the momentum we are
in the process of establishing a special database of interested and promising young folks
who have roots or professional interest in Czechlands or Slovakia. Your input into the
database is welcome.
Without waiting for its completion, we are considering
creating a smaller nucleus of interested young persons who would put on their thinking
caps to advise us how to get young people involved in specific SVU activities. One option
is to establish a special section within SVU, a sort of "SVU Yuppies," which may
sound corny but it may attract other young people to join. In this connection, I would
welcome any volunteers who would like to help us in this endeavor.
I am pleased to say that several other young people
are already involved in SVU activities, including Jiri Eichler of Prague who is helping us
build a new SVU Web Site and Karel Zastera of Plzen/Prague who has taken the initiative of
establishing a new SVU Chapter in Plzen. The latter will also play an important role in
the next SVU World Congress.
By joining SVU (Dues for students are only $5), young
people can benefit a lot. For example, they have an opportunity: 1. to present papers in
SVU conferences and world congresses; 2. to submit papers to the SVU English periodical
Kosmas; 3. to periodically report on their progress and work in SVU Newsletter (actually
we have a special column entitled "Focus on Our Younger Generation for which we
solicit success stories); 4. to participate in student essay contests; 5. to consult with
many of our knowledgeable members at universities and other institutions throughout the
world; 6. to assist in organizing future SVU congresses and conferences; 7. to work on
special projects; 8. to become active on various SVU Committees or become SVU officers.
You may, of course, have additional ideas. We welcome
specific suggestions on how else SVU could be helpful to students and young people
starting their careers, on both sides of the Atlantic.
In connection with special projects, it would be
useful, for example, to prepare a student guide, one for students in CR and SR planning to
study in the US and Canada; and another for Americans planning to do research in Czech or
Slovak Republics. A listing of available grant agencies may be of definite use. Perhaps
some of you may be interested in working on this with us.
We are also thinking of launching a new SVU Forum on
our Web Site and consider establishing a new electronic publication series.
The possibilities of your involvement are unlimited
and your initiative is encouraged. Send your comments to: rechcigl@aol.com
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Mila Rechcigl, SVU President
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