Udaleku’s recent reformulation for kids ages 10-15 will mean that it will most likely function much smoother, but of course now we took away a possible means of connecting with the 15+ age youth.  Valerie Etcharren had her eye on this and last year offered a workshop.  Xabier Burrueta & others are at work putting together a great series of Ikaspilota programs in San Francisco and Boise.  The Basque Government sponsors an annual two-week Gaztemundu program for youth in the Basque country, but its impact here has remained limited.  One reason is that few people apply (whether because of faulty communications or general lack of interest) and those who have attended largely disappear.  NABO will continue to promote I believe we should stay with promoting this program, but we also need to construct a local, domestic program to better connect with young adults. 

The Elko "Euzkaldunak" Basque Club (clubhouse pictured here) with the coordination of Bob Echeverria & Anita Anacabe Franzoia, will host our inaugural Gaztealdi training session in conjunction with Udaleku where participants will be pursuing a separate line of activities.

So that is why NABO is poised to initiate GAZTEALDI (Basque for "time of youth").  But it doesn't really matter what NABO hopes to do unless young people decide to participate. This summer’s Udaleku in Elko will also be serving as the initial attempt to form a team that will assist in the formulation of what Gaztealdi could and should be. If this is going to be for young adults, then they must have a part in its creation from the outset; they have to feel a sense of ownership if this is going to succeed.  Anita Anacabe Franzoia, NABO's "Aurrera Goaz" chairperson commented that this summer will serve to get this "off the ground and let those older Udaleku kids know they aren't forgotten.  There's too big of a gap from when they graduate from Udaleku to becoming a contributing member of the club they belong to.  It needs to be fun to keep them involved and not burned out and discouraged by some of the older members."

So what do you think about GAZTEALDI?

Anita Anacabe Franzoia, NABO's "Aurrera Goaz" chairperson commented that this summer will serve to get this "off the ground and let those older Udaleku kids know they aren't forgotten.  There's too big of a gap from when they graduate from Udaleku to becoming a contributing member of the club they belong to.  It needs to be fun to keep them involved and not burned out and discouraged by some of the older members."

Right now the tentative proposal is that it would be a three to four day assembly of Basque young adults ages 16 to 25.  It is not specifically a teachers workshop (if some go on to do that--marevelous) but moreso several days of a more advanced Udaleku format where participants learn about various aspects of Basque culture: e.g., Euskara, music, song, dance, history & culture, cuisine, etc.

Specifics of what will be presented, what people will coordinate this, when & where it would be, etc. is step two; of course NABO clubs/organizations will have an opportunity to contribute to this over the next several meetings.  Thus here in step one we are just sounding out Basque young adults to see who might be interested in being a part of building something from the bottom up; i.e., who wants to be a part of this organizational team?  Your ancestors built these clubs, and developed programs like Udaleku before you were born.  Now it's your turn to decide what being Basque will be. 

To better connect and attract young adults, it would help to know something a bit more in depth about the story of the Basques.  This is what we're looking for from those interested in participating in this initial two-week organizational meeting (alongside the two weeks of Udaleku in Elko):

• Basque young adults between the ages of 16--25

• Prepared to work under the direction of the Udaleku team (directed by Lisa Corcostegui & John Ysursa) from whom it is hoped participants will be able to learn some things that they in turn can utilize

• One goal of this initial two-week assembly (that will run parallel with Udaleku in Elko) is to formulate a program for a projected 3-4 day assembly sometime next year TBA.

• There is no fee for this, nor a salary paid.  If you can arrange to get to Elko, you will be hosted there with room and board.

• Prepared to be 1) a team player and 2) ready to do some serious work (you read correctly--it's not just party time)

• We will accept about a half-dozen applicants

• The following books will be used, and you are asked to acquire your own copies and have these read & prepared to discuss when we begin:

	The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky.  This is available at most bookstores; if not online at www.amazon.com This provides an overview of Basque history.
	An Enduring Legacy by John & Mark Bieter.  This is available at bookstores; if not online at www.amazon.com or other outlets. This is specific to the Basque-American experience.
	Thanks to the following who contributed their ideas at the initial meeting to organize Gaztealdi: Dominica Zubillaga (Los Banos) Jerome Goyheneteche (San Francisco) Jacqueline Lanathoua Gaton (Chino) Natalie Maiola (Elko) Mateo Franzoia (Elko) Maite Maisterrena (Chino)