[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "How%20can%20I%20join%20and%20get%20involved%20with%20the%20European%20blind%20union"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a detailed guide on how you can join or get involved with the European Blind Union (EBU), tailored to different roles and types of participation:\n\n---\n\n## What is the European Blind Union (EBU)?\n\n- EBU is a non-governmental, non-profit European organisation founded in 1984. It represents the interests of blind and partially sighted people throughout Europe. It operates through national member organisations across 40 European countries. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-organisation?utm_source=openai))  \n- Their work includes advocacy, promoting accessibility, supporting inclusion in society, policy influencing in areas like digital access, transportation, education, and human rights. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-organisation?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Ways to Join and Get Involved\n\n### 1. Become a Member\n\n**National Membership**  \n- To be a *national member*, your organisation must represent blind and/or partially sighted people in a country recognized as European. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/members?utm_source=openai))  \n- National members have voting rights and participate in EBU decision-making through the General Assembly. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-constitution?utm_source=openai))  \n\n**Associate Membership**  \n- If you're an individual or an organisation that doesn\u2019t fulfil the criteria for national membership, you can become an *associate member*. You will still be a part of EBU, though without full decision-making powers. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/members?utm_source=openai))  \n\nIf you are interested in membership, contact EBU via their website or the contact addresses listed on their \u201cMembers\u201d page. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/members?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 2. Join Forums, Committees, or Working Groups\n\nEBU has various internal structures you can get involved in:\n\n- **Forums** (open to individuals):  \n  1. Women and Gender Issues Forum  \n  2. Low Vision Forum  \n  3. Youth Forum (for those under 35)  \n  4. Older Persons Forum (60+)  \n  5. Members Exchange Forum (open to all)  \n  To join a forum, you typically send a request to membership(at)euroblind.org. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-organisation?utm_source=openai))  \n\n- **Working Groups**: themed groups focused on key strategic areas such as Mobility, Accessibility, Digitalisation, Braille, Communication, etc. Member organisations can nominate representatives to participate. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-organisation?utm_source=openai))  \n\n- **Leadership roles**:  \n  - Chairs of Working Groups are visually impaired persons selected for up to 4-year terms. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/newsletter/2025/april/en/update-implementation-ebu-strategic-plan?utm_source=openai))  \n  - Forum coordinators are chosen by their forum members, also for 4-year periods. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/newsletter/2025/april/en/update-implementation-ebu-strategic-plan?utm_source=openai))  \n\nThese are good ways to have influence and get involved in shaping the work.\n\n---\n\n### 3. Volunteer or Contribute\n\nEven if you're not part of a member organisation, there are contributions you can make:\n\n- **Advocacy and awareness**: Support EBU\u2019s campaigns, share information, or join public consultations where EBU engages. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Communications or content contribution**: EBU runs podcasts (\u201cEBU in Action\u201d), webinars, newsletters etc. ([ebuinaction.podbean.com](https://ebuinaction.podbean.com/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Project collaboration**: EBU often works with member organisations or partners on grants, policy projects, training activities. If you represent an organisation, you might initiate or participate in those. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-organisation?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### 4. Find Job, Internship or Partner Opportunities\n\n- EBU often has job openings\u2014roles like Advocacy Officer, Communication roles, etc. Keep an eye on their website. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Sometimes internships or volunteer roles are offered. If you\u2019re passionate about their mission and have relevant skills (communications, policy, accessibility etc.), reach out to ask what opportunities might be available.  \n\n---\n\n## What Steps You Should Take\n\nHere\u2019s how you might go about getting involved:\n\n1. **Identify your role/interest**: Are you with an organisation wanting membership? An individual aiming to join a forum or contribute?\n\n2. **Reach out to EBU**:\n\n   - For membership: check EBU\u2019s \u201cMembers\u201d page for details. Full or associate membership. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/members?utm_source=openai))  \n   - To join a forum: email membership(at)euroblind.org expressing interest in a specific forum. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-organisation?utm_source=openai))  \n\n3. **Prepare your application**:\n\n   - If a national organisation: make sure you meet the criteria (organisation representing blind/partially sighted people, recognised nationally, etc.). ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/members?utm_source=openai))  \n   - If an individual or smaller organisation: find out how to apply as associate member or for involvement in forums/working groups.\n\n4. **Nominate or volunteer**:\n\n   - Participate in forums or working groups.  \n   - If you have experience, consider running to be a Chair or Forum Coordinator.  \n   - Contribute to EBU projects, webinars, or campaigns.\n\n5. **Attend General Assemblies or events**: These are held every four years. Good opportunities for networking, seeing what's going on, influencing policy, and meeting people from national members. ([euroblind.org](https://www.euroblind.org/about-us/structure/ebu-organisation?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which country you\u2019re in or whether you're part of an organisation or acting independently, I can give you more specific steps or help to connect you to your national EBU member. Would you like me to do that for you?"
    }
]