Education Program Trip Participants

TOP (Tours Of Peace) Vietnam Veterans often receives requests to accompany us on trips from those who do not qualify as Veterans or Family.

Because of the highly personal nature of what is often an emotionally charged TOP trip, we do not allow observers or individuals who cannot commit fully to, and participate for, the duration of a trip and its daily working itinerary. All those who travel with us must qualify under at least one of our foundation's programs, and complete the application process for trip acceptance consideration.

There are three types of participants who may qualify for a TOP (Tour Of Peace) trip: Vietnam veterans, their families, and Education Program participants. Our trips are small and intimate; trip slots are limited. Group selection and trip slot availability priorities are given to Vietnam veteran and families.

The majority of trips do not allot for an Education Program participant. Additionally, when there is an Education participant on a trip, it is usually only one person. The reason for inclusion of an Education Program participant is based on TOP receiving a strong Education trip applicant, who presents a compelling case for traveling with us; commitment to full participation on the trip; and a significant Education Program-related purpose that can be communicated to a large public audience.

When possible, we select Education Program participants (journalists, broadcasters, photographers and authors) who also qualify as Vietnam veterans or family. We have had Veterans and Family participants who were in the fields of journalism, professional photography and writing. It should also be noted that many of our veteran & family participant's trips are written about and featured on television. Therefore, the Education Program presence is often with us without going outside the Veterans & Family Programs.

Consequently, Education Program applicants should supplement their application with a strong justification of how their participation furthers the goals and mission of our Education Program. Trip applicants, who are not veterans or family, must qualify with good reason as an Education Program participant.

It is also conceivable that there may be multiple Education Program applicants competing for a single trip slot. Therefore, an Educational applicant's supplementary reasons for TOP trip consideration can be critical and competitive. Articulate and compelling supplementary material is considered indicative of the applicant's abilities to communicate to the public, and thereby well-written supplements can be supportive. Skimpy, poorly written and communicated supplements may be considered predictive of the Education applicant's qualifications and professionalism.

Examples of accepted Education Program participants have been: A television broadcaster (the result of his participation were Emmy winning documentaries and numerous news stories related to the trip). A European journalist whose expenses were paid for by a German corporation who wanted her to experience the TOP trip and write about it. She subsequently devoted a chapter on TOP in a widely used book, published articles about TOP in highly published magazines, and wrote about her experience in the Germany's #1 newspaper; as well as the Internet.

Good Education candidates are likely those who can address issues related to the Education Program with large groups of people and audiences. Conversely, those who apply for their own individual educational benefit (I.e., a student), to supplement degree requirements, term papers, or for a small company newsletter, are unlikely considered. The potential to reach out to the public, in popular venues, and sometimes in new ways, speaks strongly for consideration, acceptance and participation. As well, a passion for what TOP does and additional emotional & personal reasons (related to the TOP mission) can be helpful, I.e., applicants with close family members who have fought in other wars.

All Education applicants are expected to fully participate, along with fellow Veteran and Family participants. This way, group trust is built; all participants feel safe to be open and supportive among each other. Importantly, everyone (including Education Program participants) benefits on a personal level from such an experience. TOP believes that one cannot truly understand & report the trip experience without participation.

Part of the TOP trip experience consists of a group support component where all participants support each other and receive support as well. Education Program participants are expected to equally contribute to this emotional aspect.

Education Participants do their writing, journalism, photography and articles on free time, and fully participate during the working itinerary. This is an important consideration for those who are close to their cameras, and in fields that require photography. On occasion, TOP has video-taped and photographed on behalf of the Education Participant, using the participant's professional equipment, in order that they fully participate.

Education Program participants are ineligible for TOP financial assistance.

Finally, TOP has a policy of confidentiality—what is shared between the group, stays within the group. When a trip member, or Education Participant, wants to write or share with other individuals, or the public, about stories or personal situations, permission must first be obtained by any and all people involved, cited or talked about. Education participants should be prepared for the possibility of a trip member's wishes to remain private about their trip experience and exclusion from publicity. Those wishes are always honored and respected.

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