Now, you have to admit, that isn’t an offer you’re likely to get every day. If I was to add that most of your airfare will be paid (although not your accommodation), you might become a little more wary. “What’s the deal?”, I hear you ask.

It’s like this. The International Office of the Liberal Democrats is responsible for supporting the Party’s delegation to the Spring Council meeting of ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe, formerly ELDR), and making sure that we send a full delegation of fifteen to take part. And, as part of that exercise, and to encourage a more diverse representation, they’ve asked me to invite you (yes, you!) to apply to fill any vacancies that might arise.

So, what are the details, Mark?

ALDE Council will take place in Pula, on the Istrian Riviera of Croatia, on 10-11 May, hosted by the Istrian Democratic Forum. 2013 will see the accession of Croatia to the European Union and the event offers an opportunity to see just what EU membership means to the emerging Eastern and Central European democracies first hand.

So, what qualifications do you need? Well, you’ll need to be available that weekend, you’ll need to be a member of the Party, and you’ll be expected to contribute towards the work of the delegation. You won’t need a foreign language, as ALDE works predominantly in English. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that there will be a place available for you – mine won’t be, because I’m turning up – but if you don’t ask, you won’t get.

And what was it that ALDE’s Council does?

Here, take a look at this…

And how do I volunteer?

To apply for a potential place on the delegation, contact Peter Lesniak, the Party’s International Programme Officer, at peter[dot]lesniak[at]libdems[dot]org[dot]uk.

Is there going to be another opportunity?

I thought that you’d never ask. In November, the Liberal Democrats will be hosting ALDE’s Annual Congress in London, and this will be your chance to help draw up the ALDE manifesto for the 2014 European Parliamentary elections. And don’t worry, when there’s more information, you’ll find it here on Liberal Democrat Voice…

* Mark Valladares is a member of ALDE’s Financial Advisory Committee, and was recently re-elected to the Party’s ALDE Council delegation.