Open World Delegation Visits Texas
March 2010 - USUF's Longview, Texas partner - Kilgore College Small Business Development Center - hosted an Open World delegation from Ukraine. The delegates, focusing on an Accountable Governance theme, included:
Serhiy Ivanovych Harhat, Executive Director, NGO “Center for Support and Development of Reforms”
Volodymyr Anatoliyovych Hlushko, Secretary of Council, Petrovsk Local Administration, Luhansk Region
Oleksandr Mykhaylovych Isyp, Mayor, Kobelyaki City Council
Volodymyr Yevhenovych Pletyuk,City Head, Shumsk City Council
Petro Zinoviyovych Shkutyak, First Deputy Head, Dolyna Regional State Administration
Andriy Volodymyrovych Kurasov, Interpreter, Embassy of Malaysia in Ukraine
During their stay, the delegates had the opportunity to visit the neighboring Hallsville Independent School District and Hallsville’s Mayor at City Hall.
Click here to view the photos of this visit. http://www.hisdtechphoto.org/id235.html
2009 Open World Activities Thrive,
USUF receives $145,000 2010 Grant
Washington, DC, February 1, 2010 — The Open World Leadership Center of the Library of Congress has awarded a 2010 grant of $145,000 to the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation to train and host 60 local leaders from Ukraine. This is the 5th consecutive year the Foundation has been a grant recipient of the Open World Leadership Center.
The 2010 hosting and training program themes planned for the Ukrainian visitors address accountable governance and non-governmental organization (NGO) development.
During the final quarter of 2009, the Foundation administered several interesting and successful exchanges.
The Arlington (VA) Sister City Association (ASCA) hosted a delegation focusing on NGO development from Ivano-Frankivsk. Both communities have signed a friendship agreement, which is the step prior to becoming official sister cities. Chrystia Sonevytsky, ASCA’s chairperson for the Ivano-Frankivsk committee, coordinated activities with various organizations, including the Foundation, to ensure a successful exchange.
The Baltimore Sister Cities Committee hosted a delegation focusing on accountable governance from Odessa in October. Mark and Anna White, along with Renee Samuels from the Baltimore Mayor’s Office, were instrumental in organizing the training and family hosting of the six visiting Ukrainians.
A somewhat different type of exchange - focusing on no-till farming techniques and biofuel production - was coordinated through Penn State University in State College, PA (see photo below).
Both topics presented by Penn State are important to Ukraine’s agricultural and environmental future.
Long-time Foundation supporter, Dr. Roxolana Horbowyj, inspired the Foundation to administer such an exchange with Penn State.
During the past year, the Foundation administered four other exchanges with partnering organizations in Cincinnati, OH, Kansas City, MO, Louisville, KY, and Omaha, NE.
The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation will be administering exchanges for 10 Ukrainian delegations in 2010. In March, the first three groups will be hosted in Pittsburgh, PA, Kansas City, MO, and Longview, TX.
The Pittsburgh exchange will address public health issues and will be coordinated by Stephen Haluszczak of the Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute. Accountable governance issues will be highlighted in the exchanges with Kansas City and Longview, coordinated by Barbara Dolci of the International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City and Brad Bunt of Kilgore College’s Small Business Development Center, respectively.
The U.S. Congress established the Open World in 1999 to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and Russia. In 2003, Congress made all post-Soviet states eligible for the program. Thanks to Open World, some 15,000 current and future Eurasian leaders have experienced American civil society and have been exposed to new ideas and practices that they can adapt for use in their own work. Open World also promotes partnerships and continued communications between delegates and their American hosts and professional counterparts. Open World currently operates exchanges for political and civic leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
ASCA President Karl Van Newkirk awards Hanna Krysyuk of Ivano-Frankivsk
upon completion of the Open World exchange
OPEN WORLD AWARDS $100,000 TO THE U.S.-UKRAINE FOUNDATION
Washington, DC, June 19, 2009 — The Open World Leadership Center of the Library of Congress has awarded a 2009 grant of $100,000 to the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation to host 42 local leaders from Ukraine. This is the 4th consecutive year the Foundation has been a grant recipient of the Open World Leadership Center.
The 2009 hosting and training program themes planned for the Ukrainian visitors address accountable governance and non-governmental organization (NGO) development.
The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and its partners – Applied Information Management Institute (Omaha, NE), International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City (Kansas City, MO), and The World Affairs Council of Kentucky/Southern Indiana (Louisville, KY) – have just completed the June hosting of 18 Ukrainian local and regional government leaders.
In September and October 2009, the Foundation will be working with organizations in Arlington, VA, Baltimore, MD, Cincinnati, OH, and University Park, PA in hosting 24 governmental and non- governmental officials.
Managed by the Open World Leadership Center – a separate entity within the U.S. legislative branch with offices at the Library of Congress – the program is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the Baltic States, by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, first-hand exposure to America’s democratic government, free-market system, and nongovernmental sector.
As participants in the program, the delegates have the opportunity to meet with representatives of federal, state, and local government agencies; economic development agencies; and neighborhood associations. During their meetings participants learn about services provided by local and state governments, the budget process, transparent financial accountability, the allocation of tax dollars and the effectiveness of government programs. They also gain knowledge about regional economic development and cooperation.
In regards to NGO development, Open World improves the delegate’s administrative, advocacy, and fundraising skills. By visiting nongovernmental groups, interest or advocacy groups, the leaders have the chance to observe how the nongovernmental sector works and how the sector cooperates with the government, the private sector, and local communities.
U.S.-UKRAINE FOUNDATION RECEIVES GRANT AWARD
FROM OPEN WORLD PROGRAM
Washington, DC, September 19, 2008 — The Open World Leadership Center of the Library of Congress has awarded a 2008 grant to the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation to host 42 local leaders from Ukraine. The hosting and training program themes planned for the Ukrainian visitors for this year address accountable governance and non-governmental organization (NGO) development.
This is the 3rd consecutive year the Foundation has been a recipient of a grant award from the Open World Leadership Center.
The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and its partners – Birmingham Sister Cities in Birmingham, AL, International Training, Education & Business Services & Associates, LLC of Des Moines, IA, Arkansas Council for International Visitors in Little Rock, AR, and Louisville International Cultural Center in Louisville, KY – have thus far hosted the 24 mayors, local and regional government officials, and NGO representatives this year.
During October 2008, the Foundation will be working with its partner organizations in Omaha, NE (Applied Information Management Institute), Springfield, IL (Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau), and Kansas City, MO (International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City), in hosting 18 government officials.
Managed by the Open World Leadership Center – a separate entity within the U.S. legislative branch with offices at the Library of Congress – the program is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the Baltic States, by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, first-hand exposure to America’s democratic government, free-market system, and nongovernmental sector.
As participants in the program, the delegates have the opportunity to meet with representatives of federal, state, and local government agencies; economic development agencies; and neighborhood associations. During their meetings participants learn about services provided by local and state governments, the budget process, transparent financial accountability, the allocation of tax dollars and the effectiveness of government programs. They also gain knowledge about regional economic development and cooperation.
In regards to NGO development, Open World improves the delegate’s administrative, advocacy, and fundraising skills. By visiting nongovernmental groups, interest or advocacy groups, the leaders have the chance to observe how the nongovernmental sector works and how the sector cooperates with the government, the private sector, and local communities.
Ukrainian officials participating in the Open World Program with Oleksandr Alexandrovych, Minister-Counselor for Economic and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of Ukraine (center in photo)
The program is a great opportunity for local Ukrainian government leaders to meet their American counterparts for a chance to share experiences and ideas that can ultimately strengthen understanding and the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
During their time in the United States, the delegates are offered homestays, which allows them to experience American family life. They also have the chance to take part in cultural and community activities, including visits to museums, galleries, and summer festivals.
The Open World Program was created in 1999 by the U.S. Congress with the aim of enhancing cooperation between the United States and Russia. In 2003, Congress made all post-Soviet states eligible for the program. Since its establishment, Open World has hosted over 12,000 current and future East European and Eurasian leaders who have left the United States with experience in American government and civil society along with new ideas and practices that they will bring back to their work and to their countries. Even once they return home, Open World promotes continued partnerships and communications between the delegates and their American hosts and professional counterparts.
Open World delegates with former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. Steven Pifer (center)
In citing the importance of the Open World Program, Dr. James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress, said, "Through Open World, mayors, legislators, judges, civil servants, educators and entrepreneurs from across the former Soviet Union have come to know the real America. And whether the ideas they take home are practical, such as publishing city council meeting times in the local paper, or more abstract, such as understanding the importance of judicial impartiality to the rule of law, the net effect of Open World is to strengthen the democratic process in their countries."
For more information, please contact the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation at info@usukraine.org or at (202) 223-2228. For more information on Open World, please visit http://www.openworld.gov.
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June 21, 2008
Des Moines Rallies Despite Flood Damage: Ukrainian NGO Managers Arrive June 21
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U.S.-UKRAINE FOUNDATION WELCOMES 40 UKRAINIAN LEADERS THROUGH THE OPEN WORLD PROGRAM
Washington, DC — The Open World Leadership Center has awarded the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation a grant to host 40 local government leaders from Ukraine. Mayors, local government officials, and NGO representatives will spend either July 25 – August 4, 2007 or August 31- September 8, 2007 in Cincinnati, OH; Des Moines, IA; Little Rock, AR; Louisville, KY; or Omaha, NE examining the issue of accountable governance.
The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and its partners – Iowa Sister States of Des Moines; International Training, Education & Business Services & Associates of Des Moines; Cincinnati-Ukraine Partnership of Cincinnati, World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana in Louisville; the Arkansas International Center at the University in Arkansas, and Applied Information Management Institute of Omaha - will host the delegations.
Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, Open World is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the Baltic States by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and free-market system.
Participants of the program are local leaders from Ivano-Frankivska, Donetska, Sumska, Khersonska, Kyivska, Cherkaska, and Luhanska oblasts.
While in the United States, the delegates will meet with various city officials, economic development agencies, state representatives, neighborhood associations, and attend city council meetings. During their meetings participants will learn about services provided by local and state governments, the budget process, transparent financial accountability, the allocation of tax dollars and the effectiveness of government programs. They will also learn about regional economic development and cooperation.
“This program provides an opportunity for the Ukrainian local government leaders to interact with their American counterparts to exchange experiences and to have a meaningful dialogue for better mutual understanding. Many of the issues faced by local government officials in Ukraine, such as economic development, transparency, accountability of governance, city promotion, and interaction with the media, are shared by their American colleagues. These opportunities at the local level help broaden the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine at the grassroots level,” stated Ms. Vera Andrushkiw, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s Vice President for External Relations. Ambassador Steven Pifer, Co-chair of the Coalition for a Secure and Democratic Ukraine, as well as Ms. Andrushkiw, gave presentations during the Open World orientation session.
Homestays will allow the Open World delegates to experience American family life. They will also take part in several cultural and community activities, including visits to museums, galleries, and various summer festivals.
The Open World Leadership Center has awarded a grant to the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation to administer this and similar exchanges in 2007.
The U.S. Congress established Open World in 1999 to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and Russia. In 2003, Congress made all post-Soviet states eligible for the program. Thanks to Open World, some 12,000 current and future East European and Eurasian leaders have experienced American civil society and have been exposed to new ideas and practices that they can adapt for use in their own work. Open World also promotes partnerships and continued communications between delegates and their American hosts and professional counterparts. Open World currently operates exchanges for political and civic leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
For more information, please contact Vera Andrushkiw at 202-223-2228 or George Felcyn at 202-466-6210. For more information on Open World, please visit http://www.openworld.gov.
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