Sweden, vol 6: Marcos Tourihno, He's Got Good T-Shirts

International Junior Representative seems like a pretty massive job. Think about it: an IJR is responsible for maintaining links with all of the JB's of CISV around the world. An IJR is responsible for planning and running the International Junior Branch Conference. An IJR is responsible for chairing the International Junior Branch Committee, which is made up of of Regional Coordinators and others doing work for IJB. An IJR is responsible for representing the voice of the International Junior Branch community in the International Executive Board of CISV.

Woah.

In addition, being an IJR candidate must be pretty overwhelming; nominations occur about 8 months before the IJBC and during those months, the candidates help the IJRs to plan the IJBC. They must also make themselves visible to the Juniors around the world who will ultimately be the ones casting votes!

This year, four people were nominated for IJR, including Canada's own Ryan Katz-Rosene. In the end, only two candidates ran for the position: Marcos Tourinho of Brazil and Trisha Oreta of the Phillipines.

On August 7th 2006 a momumental event occured: the trustees moved seats. As they stood, the NJRs from 40 countries took over the table for the IJR elections. Trustees grabbed their cameras and like joyous parents on the first day of middle school, they photographed the occaision. Proxy votes were distributed for countires that were unable to attend and the vote began. Less than five minutes later IJB history changed as Marcos was elected as the incomming IJR.

Marcos only owns t-shirts with rock bands on them. He also only owns t-shirts. Brazil must be pretty warm.

We wanted to give one big clap to both of the IJR candidates for having contributed every inch of themselves over the past months to make this conference possible. It was truly an amazing experience getting to work with both of them.

Did we ever tell you, JB Canada, that you are the wind beneath our wings? Think about it.
K&A