A Young Generation Network initiative on the role and expectations of the Bulgarian nuclear society

YOUNG GENERATION NETWORK INITIATIVE

THE ROLE OF AND THE EXPECTATIONS FROM THE BULGARIAN NUCLEAR SOCIETY

A survey was recently conducted by the Bulgarian Nuclear Society’s (BgNS) Young Generation Network into the role of and expectations of the Bulgarian Nuclear Society. The fieldwork carried out lasted almost 2 months. The data obtained were analysed and a summary report was written outlining the main findings and conclusions. It was presented during the Annual Conference of the BgNS – Nuclear Power for the People - which took place from 18 - 21 September 2013.

A questionnaire was designed and distributed to BgNS members in order to learn about how they interact within and shape the Society, to study the influence that the Society has on the general public’s attitudes and behaviour, and to determine measures for improving BgNS activities.

Based on the feedback obtained the following findings were summarized:

Most of the respondents learnt about the BgNS from friends.
Most YGN members have been participating in the initiative for a year.
Most of the respondents participate in conferences/ workshops and would like to participate also in training activities, public discussions and career development initiative.s
The majority of respondents consider that the Society’s activities should be aimed at influencing the political elite, at raising the awareness of the public in large on all things related to the nuclear energy, at responding effectively to the manipulation of the media, at developing a nuclear forum, at using interactive tools, etc.
Only three people took part in ENS activities.

After analysing the findings of the survey and discussing the proposals, we came to the following conclusions:

The arrangement of meetings with high school students, university students and academia is necessary to raise their awareness of the safe use of nuclear energy and should continue.
More proactive young people should be attracted to take part.
Expanding the use of interactive tools and social media to reach the general public must be encouraged.
Efforts should be made to influence the political class and to participate in the decision-making processes by providing expert statements and participating in commissions.
BgNS activities should be further promoted using PR initiatives and by promoting the Society’s visibility in the mass media.
The participation of young specialists in ENS activities should be fostered.

The BgNS Young Generation Network