Annual Program Statement for Cultural Affairs

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Priority Program Areas : 1. Effectively Harnessing Social Media, Digital Media, and Promoting Media Literacy: Kazakhstan has a growing and diversifying media market and a demand for objective, professional journalism; at the same time, online consumption of news, stories, and information sharing is higher than ever, including through messaging apps. The United States supports a sovereign and independent Kazakhstan, which includes support for a well-informed, discerning public who can inoculate itself against disinformation, online bullying, and better understand how to effectively use social media (define goals, design and execute a plan or campaign to achieve those goals, and how to monitor and evaluate success). Preference/priority will go to programs that specifically address Kazakh-language media. Project Objectives (any of the following) : · Increase social media literacy skills, especially for youth and the general public so that they can better identify and critically analyze disinformation. · Train social entrepreneurs and/or young professionals on how to design and manage an online campaign. · Support media professionals in further developing their media skills, including digital and media skills, data journalism, and effective informational campaigns. Project Audiences: · Kazakh-speaking public · Youth, especially in regions of Kazakhstan outside of Almaty and Nur-Sultan · Social entrepreneurs, young professionals ·        Media professionals, including journalists, bloggers, and editors 2. Civil Society Capacity Building: The U.S. Government believes that a strong democracy supports key values, such as respect for civil and human rights, youth empowerment, social inclusion, empowerment of underserved communities, including women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI persons, as well as respect for the rule of law, social justice, and the promotion of grassroots problem solving. The U.S. Embassy is interested in supporting projects that share American best practices, experience, and expertise with Kazakhstani organizations also promoting these mutual values and to strengthen their ability and capacity to advance these important issues. Project Objectives (any of the following) : · Train civil society organizations on constituency outreach and effective messaging, including identifying and knowing your target audience, determining what motivates them, and creating effective messaging, especially social media marketing. ·        Increase the capacity of individuals and civil society organizations to better analyze government policies, budgets, and procurement in order to advocate for policies, budgets, and increased government transparency and accountability. · Increase civil society organization (CSO) awareness of various funding streams to promote self-sustainability through fundraising, selling merchandise, partnering with companies engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility, etc. Project Audiences: ·        Civil society organizations that promote the following: o Good governance and rule of law o  Human Rights and social justice, especially working with individuals from underserved communities o  Youth empowerment o  Air quality and environmental issues 3. Sharing America with Kazakhstan: The United States and Kazakhstan have rich cultural traditions as shown in the visual arts, literature and storytelling, theater and performing arts, film, music, dance, sport, and education. Educational and cultural activities are a great way to engage the public, especially at-risk youth, to bridge cultures, deepen cultural ties and understanding, and discuss topics of mutual importance. The U.S. Embassy is interested in supporting art, education, and cultural projects that strengthen understanding and cultural ties between the United States and Kazakhstan. Priority will be given to proposals and sustainable initiatives that seek to promote and raise awareness of values of freedom of expression, women’s empowerment, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, and youth engagement/empowerment. Project Objectives: ·        Conduct educational or cultural programming to increase exposure to and understanding of the United States, demonstrating the strong mutual values held by each culture. ·        Develop projects celebrating the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Kazakhstan bilateral relations (established on December 25, 1991). Project Audiences (any of the following) : · Kazakh-speaking public · Rural or underserved communities ·        Youth, especially in regions of Kazakhstan outside of Almaty and Nur-Sultan · Social entrepreneurs · University staff, educators, students · Artists/artisans · Athletes

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