Motivation letter

Dear Member Organizations,

I would like to introduce myself and my motivations in order to apply my candidacy as mem- ber of the committee of EGP.

My name is Maria Peteinaki and I am member of the Greek ecologist , since 2009, and since then, I am active in the young greens, and in FYEG. During 2014 I served as a member of the Council, as a delegate to EGP, as a member of the Executive committee of the and finally as a co-spokesperson for the Greek party for 5 months.

I am an architect, I run my own office (www.oddworks.gr) and co-founder of Alternative Tours of that aim at promoting an alternative view of the city through its modern life, young creators and social movements.

I would like to apply as a candidate for member of the EGP council. The European Greens have always inspired me to keep myself active in politics, they have empowered me as a woman, and an activist. I consider myself more as an activist than a politician. In that sense, I try to be as close as possible to the grassroots movements in Greece. In that direction being involved with the Embros occupied theater, a space of intense discussion, political social and cultural action, kept me connected and aware.

The Greens in Greece are at an important turning point. Before the elections the party was in a strangely disruptive situation, due to its internal problems but also the refusal of many to continue through the party’s majority decision to go to elections through . This deci- sion though proved itself a good one, as we managed to have a candidate elected, as well as having our former Secretary General become vice minister of the environment, all of this giving a great opportunity for actual change in environmental policies. It is a big challenge of course as Syriza has a different agenda, but it is important that are united in Europe and put constructive pressure towards greener policies. For young people, the European Union is a fact. Not something under discussion. What is under discussion is how it shall work, how it shall be more democratic, how it shall be more social, how it shall show the way towards a sustainable future through greener policies, how we shall have more solidarity. The crisis is destroying it. It’s destroying the trust, the acquired rights, its ideals. That’s why it is very important to find common ways to overcome the crisis in the European Union.

The role of the Greens is very important for that change. The empowerment especially of the small parties is very important, not only within Europe but also outside of Europe. Coming from a small party myself, I understand the challenges that they have to overcome and their needs in order to grow.

In those very sensitive times of change I think it’s very important to have a member at the EGP council from Southern Europe, when a close collaboration is needed, in order to put the proper pressure, bring forward the information and problems from the South and be more efficient for the changes we want for Europe.

Why would I be a good candidate for that position: - I have a good network and fruitful communication with other members of the European groups - I am fluent in English, French and Italian - I have good organizational skills, which I developed as an architect, but also through my experiences in the Greek greens, and the many events we organized with ATA or other initia- tives. - Good problem solver - I always work for consensus, trying to find the most convenient solution that would satisfy the needs of different members, skill I strongly worked in the open assemblies where consen- sus is achieved between almost 50 people - I am very sensitive to democratic decision making and always pushing for more transpar- ency and actual democracy. - I take initiatives as I am usually the quiet but driving force of many actions. - I am very serious and responsible with the work I undertake. - I have good intrapersonal communication skills, helping to create relationships of trust and mutual respect - As a Mediterranean I can easily relate to other southern but also Balkan countries with which we share strong similarities and common problems while understanding the western point of view. I have lived in Roumania, France, Italy, Greece and traveled many times to Brussels when my father was living there. I feel more than anything European.

Although I lack previous experience in the EGP committee, I deem that I can bring new ideas and that my experience as member of the executive committee and co-spokesperson in the Greek party can provide the basis for my successful participation in the EGP comittee. Also I am a quite fast learner, working well under pressure and through multitasking. I would like for you to give me your trust in this short committee term. It will be an honor and for me to participate intensely in this Green family through the committee, a great responsi- bility I will take very seriously.

Yours,

Maria Peteinaki mail: [email protected] phone: 0030 6974383646 skype: maria_petinaki fb: Maria Petinaki