Become a Member of the Bridge 47 Network

Are you active in the field of lifelong learning, transformative education and SDG Target 4.7? Then join our Bridge 47 global network!

What is the Bridge 47 Network?
The Bridge 47 Network brings together people who work with transformative learning and education for active citizenship from around the world. It was initiated in 2014, with the aim to create a learning forum for members and help them spot and create inspiring, out of the box opportunities for cooperation. So far Bridge 47 has facilitated numerous transnational connections and we strive to form a vibrant coalition for education that inspires hearts and minds across continents. What is unique about the Network, is that it represents the first such Network to facilitate multi-stakeholder conversations in the broader 4.7 community globally and in Europe.

What do we do?
We advocate for the target 4.7 of the SDGs, which is related to transformative education, e.g. global citizenship education and education for sustainable development. We also offer learning and networking spaces for transformative learning experts and enthusiasts to connect, share participatory educational methods and tools to inspire people to act and simply do things differently. Have a sneak peek in what our global gatherings look like: Unlocking the power of 4.7 (Brussels), Global Citizenship Education for Systemic Change (Belgrade) and Envision 4.7 (Helsinki).

Who can become a member?
Individuals who share our values and who are passionate about education, whether non-formal or formal, as a tool for achieving sustainable development and social justice, can join our story. Our network is very diverse – we represent civil society organizations and academia, we are policy makers, educators and activists, and some of us come from the private sector, too. For now, organisations/ institutions cannot become members, but they are very welcome to reach out and partner up either with us or our members on the different initiatives.

What added value would joining the Network bring for the members?

  • You can join forces with us for advocacy for the target 4.7 of SDGs. Reach out to us if you would like to collaborate on 4.7 advocacy, whether at UN or EU level (or other)
  • You will be able to get your stories, events and resources in the Bridge 47 spotlight in our comms channels with a solid outreach to the world of transformative education
  • You will be informed and at times invited to participate in our trainings, webinars, events and other online and offline learning and networking opportunities
  • We will be happy to hear from you about the work you are doing and help you find interesting organisations or individuals to partner up with
  • You can enrich your work with unique perspectives of members with very diverse geographical, cultural and professional backgrounds
  • Other ideas? Feel free to reach out!

How can you become a member? 
You can join by simply filling in a short form about your expertise, interests and needs from the Network. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and it helps us a lot getting an overview of the Network, and ideas how we can best facilitate discussions and cooperation. You can access it here: www.bridge47.org/join

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Dates: Thursday 10 July,10.00am-6.00pm and Friday 11 July, 10.00am-3.00pm Location: An Tairseach, Wicklow IDEA is thrilled to open applications for our second iteration of the IDEA's Lab. In this first of its kind residential Lab, we will create space where members can bring their ideas for projects and try out new planning and design methods. Participants will have the opportunity to work on an idea from scratch to (almost) finish with the support of expert trainers and learn through group exchange in a welcoming and inspiring setting. Participants will come out of the training with: An early project design proofed, tested and built through group feedback, iteration, trialling and support. New approaches in designing innovative projects they can apply to their workplace Headspace and time to work on the design of an innovative project A chance to actively learn through group exchange and strengthen the sense of an innovative community of practice in Ireland How? Please email anya@ideaonline.ie to request an application form. Requesting an application form does not commit you to applying. The deadline for returning application form (including organisational sign off letter) is Friday 23 May, midnight . You will find further details in the application form. Participants must register as a team of 2min.- 4 max. Participants without a team member will be asked to pair up with other individual participants or find a partner outside their organisation. Cost : This training is funded by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and offered at a reduced rate. This training is only available to IDEA members. Non-IDEA members can participant as part of an IDEA member team. Fees for members of IDEA is €50  Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas development programme which supports partners working in some of the world’s poorest countries. Irish Aid also supports global citizenship education in Ireland to encourage learning and public engagement with global issues the ideas, opinions and comments expressed in this training are entirely the responsibility of its author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect DFA policy. Timeline: Applications open: 07 May Applications close: 23 May, midnight Preparatory session with trainer (30min, online): Mid June Lab arrival: Where possible we advise arrival on Wednesday 09 July in the evening. Accommodation and food will be provided from 09 July, 5.00pm - 11 July, 3.00pm Lab: 10 July,10.00am-6.00pm. 11 July, 10.00am-3.00pm Please don’t hesitate to get in touch at anya@ideaonline.ie if any of the above pose a barrier to your participation, or if you have any other questions.