This document announces a two-day seminar on "The Art of Being a Citizen" hosted by several Danish organizations in Vilnius, Lithuania from October 11-12, 2013. The seminar will explore how associations can contribute to an open and inclusive society through roundtable discussions and presentations from stakeholders in Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus and Ukraine. On the first day, the focus will be on innovation in association life, with a keynote from the president of the EAEA. The second day will discuss freedom of expression and the role of associations in promoting peace and community development. The goal is to inspire cooperation across the Baltic region and Belarus on specific projects.

1. DANISH CULTURE DAYS IN VILNIUS
October 11-12th
, 2013
The Baltic Sea NGO-Network, Denmark, The Danish Cultural Institute
and Danish Adult Education Association are hosting events on:
“THE ART OF BEING A CITIZEN”
How can we work actively together to form associations that could contribute to the development
of an open and inclusive society?
There is a great interest in Europe to form associations and learn from the good examples
already existing. It has been proved that associations improve interaction between
government, business and civil society, provide the skills needed in the labour market, and
take a crucial part in country’s cultural and civic life.
We invite you to a 2-day seminar with round table discussions to learn more about innovation
in association life and share both your experience and challenges you are facing in your local
communities. We will have a wide range of stakeholders from Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia,
Belarus and Ukraine invited. This includes NGOs, culture institutions, government, professors,
students and active citizens.
We offer a space where we can meet as people, not as institutions and have meaningful
conversations about the things that truly matter to us. A space where we can inspire each
other, establish supportive networks and make agreements of cooperation on specific projects
in the Baltic sea region and Belarus.
Please fill in the registration form in order to attend:
http://goo.gl/MzSbfN

2. Friday, October 11th
INNOVATION and ASSOCIATION LIFE
14.00 – 17.00 Centre for School improvement, Vilniaus gatve 39, Vilnius
Opening by H.E. Joergen Molde, the Danish ambassador to Lithuania.
Key note speaker: Mr. Per Paludan Hansen, president of the EAEA. From Danish experience of
association life to European challenges for civil society
Director Mr. Martinas Zaltauskas, NGO Information and Support Centre, Lithuania
Ms. Ilona Bicevska, AVANTIS. Creating Innovative Solutions for Social Issues, Latvia
Mr. Knud-Erik Therkelsen, leader of Border Association/Grænseforeningen. The Popular
Movements in the Border Regions
Mr. Jens William Grav, Coordinator of the Baltic Sea NGO Network Denmark and EU Strategy
HA Involve. Experiences with Public Consultation Processes
Ms Galina Matjushenko, specialist at Institute of Informatics Problems of the National Academy
of Science of Belarus
Moderators: IDEAL Lithuania, participatory leadership: Aurimas Ražanauskas,
Rygaudas Guogis, Lukas Benevičius, Mantas Žalkauskas, Julius Paplauskas
Saturday, October 12th
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND FREEDOM TO ESTABLISH ASSOCIATIONS
10.00 - 12.30 A round table discussion at the European Humanities University,
Valakupiu 5, Vilnius (the Belarusian exile university)
Mr. Flemming Thoegersen NETOP Network for non-formal Adult Education. Freedom of Speech
and Democracy
Mr Knud-Erik Therkelsen, director of Border Association/Grænseforeningen. Associations' Role
in Promoting Peace
Ma Galina Matjushenko, specialist at Institute of Informatics Problems of the National Academy
of Sciens of Belarus
Ms Tatiana Poshevalova, CEO of the International NGO EuroBelarus, Belarus
Ms Mariia Kalashnik, project coordinator at Institute of Socio-cultural Management, Ukraine.
Community Development in Ukraine
Moderator dr. Darius Udrys, pro-rector of the EHU

3. THE ORGANIZERS:
DANISH ADULT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
DAEA is an umbrella organization advocating for non-formal adult learning that can enhance
general and vocational knowledge and qualifications of each individual and enable them to take
active part in society.
DANISH CULTURAL INSTITUTE
The Danish Cultural Institute promotes dialogue and understanding across cultural differences
and national borders. It both generates and supports cultural activities in Denmark and
abroad. Its main focus is on: cooperation, innovation, welfare, sustainability and children.
BALTIC SEA NGO NETWORK, DENMARK
The Baltic Sea NGO-Network is working for widely furthering civil society‘s conditions and
development in the Baltic Sea region, also with a view to the cooperation with governmental
and international organisations of the region.
Sponsor: Folmer Wisti Fund for International Understanding