Over the span of 3 months, Generation M’s team of young leaders, 4 of which who will be participating this year, and 5+ alumni held Birthright Macedonia Info Sessions in their respective cities in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. to spark interest and answer burning questions from participant hopefuls. The alumni showcased how this amazing experience has shaped them and discussed what they are up to now!
Birthright Macedonia is a three week program in Macedonia that helps young professionals rediscover their roots, or discover them for the first time through an internship, weekend excursions, and other activities throughout the country.
Toronto, Canada
On February 3, 2019, and May 12, 2019, Emilija Dimitrievski, Generation M’s Vice-Chair of Canadian Operations, and Jana Savevska, Generation M’s Greater Toronto Area Representative, held hour-long informational sessions and discussed concerns to prospective young adults and parents at St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral after Sunday service.
Mississauga, Canada
On March 16, 2019, sixteen interested students and parents attended the Birthright Info Session. Excellent conversations were sparked and ended in separate discussions between the parents with Birthright Parent Ambassadors, and the youth and Generation M’s Representatives and alumni.
Melbourne, Australia
On April 19, 2019, Stefani Taskova, Generation M’s Australia Country Representative planned the Melbourne Info Session (also Generation M Australia’s first event!) with a committee member, Marija Anevska at Sv. Petka Macedonian Orthodox Church in Mill Park. They were interviewed by Simon from the Facebook group Viva Macedonia/Да Живее Македонија.
Eight people attended, including Birthright alumni James Cvetkovski and Jeremy Drossinis. The Birthright alumni shared their experiences and provided insight into the program, specifically about the incredible opportunities and people you have the chance to meet, such as the President and various government officials, which one would not have the opportunity to do so if it was not for the program.
They discussed the internship opportunity that comes along with Birthright Macedonia and why the program itself is beneficial not just to the individual but, to Macedonia. The Gen M Representatives and Birthright alumni also discussed the application process and fees, as well as the weekend excursion opportunities, which provide a once in a lifetime experience were also discussed.
Moreover, the Macedonian cause and current issues were discussed, which highlights the importance of organizations such as UMD and Generation M.
Chicago, USA
A small gathering during Easter festivities was held in the Crown Point church community in Indiana. Generation M Chicago Representative, Francesca Metlov reached out to peers who were interested in participating in the program in the future and had the opportunity to answer questions and discuss Birthright Macedonia with everyone in attendance.
Windsor, Canada
Generation M’s Windsor Regional Representative planned two Windsor information sessions on April 27 and 28, 2019 at St. Nicholas Macedonian Hall in Windsor, Canada along with committee member, Vanessa Owen. They met with numerous members of the Macedonian community in Windsor and generated interest in Generation M among younger Macedonians. In addition, Vanessa shared some of her most memorable experiences from last year’s program. President Mende Taleski welcomed the group and accommodated them and ensured they had everything they needed for the event to run smoothly. Overall, it was a great session and they were able to promote Generation M and UMD.
Many thanks to all of those who attended and those who helped out with the planning, tabling, and answering questions. We are delighted to announce that we’ll have 10 participants for this year’s Summer Session – our largest group to date!
Follow along on Generation M’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as UMD’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates as this year’s group embarks on the journey of a lifetime.