Strait Talk Symposium - Applications Now Being Accepted!

Strait Talk is now accepting applications for college-age student delegates from the U.S., Taiwan, and China.

Strait Talk is a weeklong symposium on the Taiwan issue that invites a total of 15 delegates (5 each from mainland China, Taiwan, and the United States). Each year Strait Talk runs a program at Brown University in November and, beginning this year, a program at U.C. Berkeley in March. During each program, Strait Talk strives to:

* Promote Constructive Dialogue: At the core of the week's activities is of dialogue sessions. These are facilitated, intensive dialogue sessions used to encourage mutual understanding of each participant's point of view. Delegates are aided in these sessions by a trained conflict resolution facilitator. Any viewpoints shared during these sessions are strictly confidential to allow for genuine discourse.
* Bring In Expert Information: Complementing the dialogue program, Strait Talk arranges distinguished speakers to share their experiences on Cross-Strait relations and exchange ideas with delegates in closed room meetings. Past speakers have come from all areas of expertise, including academia, business, art, and policymaking.
* Build Lasting Connections: While the focus is on the dialogue sessions and speakers, there are also social activities throughout the week that are meant to foster closer bonds among the delegates that will extend beyond their week together. This is the time to relax and explore attractions near the symposium's venue.
* Give Youth A Voice: The week culminates in the Consensus Recommendation presentation, where the fifteen delegates share their report on how they believe cross-Strait relations should move forward. This report will be published and circulated to scholars and policymakers in the United States and Asia.


Please note the following dates for application submissions:

China delegates, deadline: Jan. 27, 2009
Taiwan delegates, deadline: Jan. 27, 2009
U.S. delegates, deadline: Feb. 10, 2009

For more information please visit www.straittalk.org.