STARTING A NON-PROFIT ASSOCIATION

Hi, my name iz Venka, I am  from Croatia and I'm 29 years old. More than 4 months ago I moved to a small town named Vrlika (2100 inhabitants) because I wanted to start a family here. When I came, I did not know much about this community except that people constantly go away, especially young people. There was almost 10 000 inhabitants in Vrlika 20 years ago. For a while I wondered why is that so, because it is a beautiful place to live. I learned that here is almost impossible to find a job! With high unemployment, no events and no money to feed a family - it is not unusual for young people to move tp larger cities and rarely come back. Those who remain live in poverty. So I got the idea to start a (non-profit) association, with my fiance and my sister, which will encourage handicrafts as a source of profit for these families. The aim is to encourage their creative side in making jewelry, knitting, weaving, embroidery, crochet, sewing, restoration and making of small furniture. Also interesting idea is making soap, natural cosmetics and candle making. Because of the beautiful nature and unspoiled landscape, Vrlika iz rich in medicinal and aromatic herbs and other resources, so the option is harvesting and drying herbs, making herbal teas and desserts (eg. jams). We have chosen for activities to be carried out through workshops and courses, with special emphasis onnthe transmission of traditional values from the older generation to the younger (eg. making folk costumes). What we want is that young people (especially women) to be trained to their manual work could make a living. Also, the association would be there to help them advertise and sell these products. Subsequent projects will be financed different ways (state aid, from foundations and funds, donations, etc) but we need money to build this idea; like money for documents we need, furniture, leaflets, starting a web site, organization... All supporters will receive a reward in the form of handicraft and a thank you note. With a little help we can bring hope into many homes here. Thank you, V.