ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
OPEN WORLD PROGRAM

Program Summary 2007
The Open World Program enables emerging leaders from Russia and other Eurasian countries to experience American democracy and civil society in action. It is the first and only exchange program in the U.S. legislative branch. Congress established the program in 1999 following discussions among Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and members of Congress led by Senator Ted Stevens (AK) on ways to increase U.S.-Russian understanding and to expose Russian leaders to American democratic and economic institutions. The current program focus is on producing results and building long-term relationships between host Rotary clubs and visitors. Niche-nominated, specialized groups promise stronger programming results that would benefit Open World participants and Rotary hosts.

In 2007 Rotary clubs hosted 34 Open World groups (175 participants): 26 civic theme and 5 Rule of Law judicial groups from Russia and 3 civic groups from Ukraine. A list of the 38 Rotary clubs that participated in the program from January to December 2007 is included below.

In 2007 the Center awarded Rotary International with two grants to support the Open World Russia Program and the Open World Ukraine Program. Both grants provide for reimbursement of eligible Rotary club hosting expenses and Secretariat administrative expenses. Program staff has worked to increase the involvement of Russian Rotarians in this program, as well as develop a relationship with program alumni to support membership growth in Russia. Also, program staff hopes to nominate Ukrainian participants for the program through Rotary clubs in Ukraine

As a response to several Rotary clubs’ and districts’ specific requests, Rotary International niche-nominated candidates for six groups. Rotary host clubs requested Open World participants from particular locations in Russia and with specific interests. Rotary clubs in Russia assisted with nominations for general and specialized-theme groups. Niche-nominated programs included:

• A Social Issues group, focusing on Health Fairs sub-theme, was hosted by the Homer-Kachemak Bay RC, AK..

Open World helps to promote existing relationships and establish new contacts between the US, Russia and Ukraine. Program staff has worked to increase the involvement of Russian Rotarians in this program, as well, as develop a relationship with program alumni to support membership growth in Russia. Additionally, we hope to nominate Ukrainian participants for the program through Rotary clubs in Ukraine in the upcoming host year.

Recently Rotary International conducted another round of niche-nominations for 6 teams that will visit Denver, CO in April 2008 to observe and learn about Health Fairs initiative. The program is focusing more on producing results and building long-term relationships between host Rotary clubs and visitors. Niche-nominated, specialized groups promise stronger programming results that would benefit Open World participants and Rotary hosts.

Return or just select the next page from the buttons above.