Openworld
- 1. Rotary International Open World Program Program for current and future leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan
- 2. Open World Program The Open World Program, operated by the Open World Leadership Center, Washington, D.C., is a special program available to Rotary clubs in the United States. Specialized program for a delegation from the St. Petersburg Children’s Hospice, Russia. Meeting with American counterparts from non-profit organizations of Longmont, CO, discussing fundrasing strategies and methods to benefit social causes. Local Rotary host: the Longmont RC, CO, November 2009
- 3. OW Mission To enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America's democratic, accountable government and its free-market system.
- 4. OW History Open World is the only Exchange Program in the Legislative Branch 1999 – Russian Leadership Program, a one-year pilot project 2000 – Congress authorized the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress 2007-09 – OW expansion countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan OW Facts Since 1999, OW hosted more than 13,000 delegates More than 50% of delegates are women 38 is the average age of the program’s participants 100 alumni events organized throughout Russia
- 5. Rotary Participation 1999 – Rotary became one of the first host organizations for the Open World Program, hosting majority of OW participants 15% of all OW delegates were hosted by Rotary Clubs since 2002 2003 – Rotary clubs hosted first delegations from Uzbekistan 2004 – Rotary clubs of Vienna, VA and Cantonment, FL hosted Belarusian parliamentarians and attorneys 2004 – RI nominated OW participants through Rotary clubs in Russia 2004 – Rotary Open World Advisory Group appointed 2005 – Rotary clubs hosted 35 OW groups from Russia 2006 – Rotary clubs hosted 34 OW groups from Russia and Ukraine
- 6. Rotary Participation (cont’d) 2007 – Rotary clubs hosted 36 OW groups from Russia and Ukraine Niche-nominations: RI nominated OW participants for 7 specialized Open World delegations – Hospice Care; Health Fairs; Accountable Governance and Environmental Management (National Parks) 2008 – Ninth year of Rotary’s participation in the program April ’08 Health Fair Project: 6 OW niche-nominated groups from Russia for hosting in Denver, CO Civic OW delegations from Russia and Ukraine OW expansion countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan 2009 – OW’s tenth year. Rotary hosted 10 specialized groups from Russia and one from Ukraine. Overall, Rotary hosted 16 groups from Russia, 4 – Ukraine, one from Kazakhstan and one from Moldova
- 7. Rotary Participation (cont’d) 2010 – Rotary will host up to 24 Open World delegations: 18 delegations from Russia – 7 specialized groups, nominated by Rotary clubs in Russia 10 general civic delegations 1 Rule of Law delegation 4 delegations from Ukraine – 2 specialized groups, nominated by Rotary clubs in Ukraine 2 general civic delegations 1 or 2 Rule of Law (judicial) delegation from Central Asia
- 8. OW Goals Identify emerging Eurasian leaders and network them with their U.S. counterparts during theme-based interactive exchanges. Develop an understanding of the universe of people who interact with their American professional counterparts Develop an understanding of how citizens and interest groups work to affect the legislative process (at the federal, state, and local levels) on issues related to the delegates’ Civic Hosting Theme Network with American professionals and hosts who are interested in maintaining contact beyond the eight-day community visit for ongoing cooperation and collaboration Introduce OW delegates to how the U.S. private and nonprofit sectors help meet social and civic needs
- 9. Benefits of Rotary Club Participation Experience international service opportunities Inter-cultural experience Foster existing or build new relationships with the OW countries through OW participants Open possibilities for long-term relationships with OW participants Meet with current and future leaders from the Open World countries in person Demonstrate volunteerism Introduce OW delegates to Rotary in action Influence membership potential opportunities for Rotary clubs in Russia, Ukraine and other OW countries
- 10. Host Club’s Responsibilities Provide home hosting for a 6 OW participant group (5 delegates and 1 facilitator) for 8 days/8 nights Prepare a civic theme–related program that includes: Professional meetings, roundtables, tours, training seminars, discussions, etc. (minimum of 32 hours) Submit program materials to RI on time: Community profile, draft program agenda, interpreter’s resume, final agenda, post hosting reports Plan cultural activities City tours, museum visits, picnics, sporting events, county/city fairs, etc. (evenings & weekends) Introduce guests to the host Rotary club or district Hire a professional interpreter
- 11. Civic Hosting Themes Accountable Governance NGO Development Rule of Law Social Issues: Social Services Health Care Provision Education
- 12. Funding The program operates on a reimbursement basis. RI will reimburse a host District or RC after the hosting has been complete. Available funds are: up to $3,600 (excluding interpretation costs) is available for each OW group: $3,300 Eligible Hosting Expenses $ 300 Ticketed events (concerts, sporting events, theatre) additionally, $2,500 – 3,000 available for professional interpreting services during the program (note: host clubs/districts required to hire a professional interpreter)
- 13. Building Long-term Relationships Encourage OW participants to speak at local Rotary clubs upon their return home Educate OW guests about Rotary and what Rotarians do Partnerships and projects Reciprocal Visits Develop relationships with local clubs in the country of your guests
- 14. Program Support Rotary Open World Advisory Group members will be available for guidance. Your Zone Group Member is Name: Email:
- 15. RI Staff Contact Information Natalia Kunzer Open World Program Officer One Rotary Center RI Programs Division 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 Ph: (847) 859-7530 Email: Natalia.Kunzer@rotary.org