TN2020 in Berlin. Photo by Z_Huey

In spring 2008, thirty young professionals from the US and the UK met in Berlin to discuss how we could build stronger ties with one another both professionally and personally. In fall 2008, we grew to 100 members and met again in Ireland. The group, called Transatlantic Network 2020 (TN2020), began as an initiative of the British Council to help emerging leaders develop solutions to global issues in the areas of politics, business, arts, civil society, science and media.

My involement with this young group of activists, artists, politicians, business professionals, media professionals, scientists, and entreprenuers has been nothing short of amazing. The people involved are smart go-getters who are extremely passionate about information sharing, problem solving, and giving back to their communities.

TN2020 in Ireland. Photo by Noneck

And now TN2020 is looking for new members. From their Web site:

TN2020 seeks to target outstanding early-career professionals who are shaping, or who have the potential to shape society in the coming decades. It is the goal of the network to bring together people from a wide range of educational, ethnic, religious, political and professional backgrounds.  It is essential to do this in order to have challenging discussions, real learning from others' views and international outlooks, and ultimately - the cross fertilisation of ideas which lead to action in at least one of three focus areas - sustainable living; building resilience in communities; creativity and innovation.

All members, whatever their background, should be committed to learning from each other and working together on issues.  Members must be willing to give back, and see this as an opportunity to not only better themselves, but their wider networks and community.

Walking tour of Belfast. Discussing Protestant/Catholic divide. Photo by Plasticshore

If you're a young professional (between 25-35 years of age) interested in cross-cultural relations and diplomacy, I encourage you to apply. The deadline for submission is January 17, 2010. If you'd like to connect with the members and join in on the conversation, there is a TN2020 Facebook group which is regularly updated.

I'll be updating this blog more frequently on TN2020 activities leading up to the Summit in Chicago in June 2010, as well as other British Council initiatives I'm working on that I'd like you to participate in (more on that very soon). In the meantime, here are some links:

TN2020 Application

TN2020 British Council Web site

TN2020 Tumblr

TN2020 Flickr Photos

TN2020 YouTube Channel

TN2020 Twitter