Commonwealth Day is held annually on the second Monday of March and this year will be held on 11 March 2019. Each year a theme is chosen for Commonwealth Day which informs events held on the day and throughout the year.
To mark Commonwealth Day 2019, the CSC alumni team are inviting alumni to apply for funding to organise events or engagement activities on or around Commonwealth Day which promote or address this year’s theme ‘A Connected Commonwealth’.
Alumni can apply individually, or as an alumni association.
2019: ‘A Connected Commonwealth’
Info about the theme and logo
Previous Commonwealth Day events
A number of alumni events have been held previously to mark Commonwealth Day for a wide range of audiences, and you may wish to organise similar events and activities. Examples of events and activities held last year are listed below.
2018: ‘Towards a Common Future’
Alumni in Barbados held a join breakfast with the Royal Commonwealth Society
- Barbados Commonwealth Day breakfast, held by Commonwealth Alumni and the Royal Commonwealth Society
- Alumni in Saint Lucia marked Commonwealth Day by organising a roadmap planning meeting to discuss the priorities and future activities of the association. This was the first alumni event held in Saint Lucia and brought together a number of Commonwealth Alumni.
- The alumni association in Cameroon organised week-long activities held at the University of Douala, including roundtable and panel discussions on the Commonwealth theme
- Jamaican alumni attended a networking social to celebrate the theme and the role of Commonwealth Alumni in promoting the Commonwealth values. This was the first alumni event held in Jamaica and brought together a number of Commonwealth Alumni.
- Alumni in Namibia attended a networking celebration. This was the first alumni event held by the newly established alumni association.
Alumni in Zambia supported the ‘I am able’ initiative
- In Sierra Leone, alumni campaigned for peaceful elections in the run up to presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections. They held a press conference as part of their campaign which was broadcast on two national televisions stations and main radio stations.
- Alumni in Nigeria visited schools across the country to discuss the role of the Commonwealth and impact of Commonwealth Scholarships. Visits included spelling bee competitions, inter-faculty debates, and a sports day. Alumni also led discussions with secondary school children around key global and national priorities, including child trafficking, the participation and inclusion of women and girls in STEM subjects, and women’s suffrage.
- Alumni in Zambia supported the ‘I am able’ initiative and visited children and teachers at the Chainama Special School. They shared their experiences as Commonwealth Scholars and the Commonwealth values, and encouraged the children to think about their future aspirations.
Role description
The primary role of the Commonwealth Day event organiser is to organise an event or engagement activity on or around Commonwealth Day which promotes or addresses this year’s theme, ‘A Connected Commonwealth’. The event can be organised for a range of audiences, including CSC Alumni, work colleagues or students, and local community members, to name a few. You will be responsible for organising the event and working with the CSC alumni team and British Council (in select countries) to share event details and provide post-event feedback.
Main responsibilities
By taking part in this opportunity, you agree to the following responsibilities
- Acting as the primary contact for the event of engagement activity
- Acting as the primary organiser for the event or engagement activity
- Providing post-event feedback and updates
Application criteria
Alumni who would like to apply should be available to organise all aspects of the event and attend on the day.
How to apply
To apply for funding to organise an event or activity on or around Commonwealth Day 2019, please read the Event Planning Guidance Notes carefully and complete an application form.
Applications must be completed by 23.59 (GMT) DATE. Entries received after this deadline will not be considered.
Successful applicants will be notified in the following week. Please note the CSC is not able to provide feedback on successful applications.
