Open World

The U.S. Congress authorized Open World Program at the Library of Congress brings emerging Russian leaders to communities across the United States to expose them to American democracy and free enterprise in action...Another Rotary Peace Program.

What is the Open World Program?
The Open World Program, operated by the Center for Russian Leadership Development at the U.S. Library of Congress, is a special program available to Rotary clubs in the United States. Participating clubs host five Russian civic leaders in their communities and develop a program for one of the eight civic themes: economic development, education, environment, federalism, health, rule of law, women as leaders, and youth issues. U.S. Congress-authorized Open World Program at the Library of Congressbrings emerging Russian leaders to communities across the United States
Is this program related to the Russian Leadership Program?
Yes, the Open World was formerly called the Russian Leadership Program during its pilot years of 1999-2001.

What is the program's primary purpose?
The program aims to provide an opportunity for civic leaders, elected officials, and emerging political leaders from the Russian Federation to observe the American lifestyle, political system, and effective responsive government at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. Principles of accountability, transparency, and citizen involvement are its major emphases.

What is the host Rotary club expected to do?
A club is expected to coordinate all on-the-ground logistics (including home hosting, "meet and greet" at the airport, attending a Rotary club meeting, etc.) and to prepare a substantive program schedule that includes a variety of professional meetings, cultural activities, and opportunities for interaction and sharing between Russian participants and U.S. host communities. In other words, hosts provide firsthand experiences with professional counterparts within their daily work routine. They also give a view of American life through participation in community and cultural activities and home stays.

Who will we be hosting?
A five-person group of Russian participants includes four delegates and one facilitator. Delegates are young Russian professionals (ages: late 30s to mid-late 40s), whose occupations include civic posts from all jurisdictional levels (federal, regional, and local). Participants may be mayors, judges, journalists, nongovernmental organization directors, educators, and/or political party officials. The facilitator is usually a young Russian national who is fluent in English and, in many cases, has spent time in the United States as a student.

How long will our Rotary club be responsible for hosting a group?
Participants stay in a host community for eight days and eight nights. The host Rotary club is responsible for eight nights of home hosting and eight days of programming. The program schedule should provide professional activities for a minimum of 3.5 full working days (28 hours). In addition, cultural and social events should be planned for evenings, weekends, and other time spent with U.S. Host families.

What should be the focus of local programs?
The Library of Congress has identified eight civic themes: economic development, education, environment, federalism, health, rule of law, women as leaders, and youth issues. Each Rotary club must select one of these themes and build an eight-day professional development and cultural program around the selected theme. More information about the civic themes.

What funds are available to Rotary clubs interested in becoming hosts?
Up to US$2,450 for hosting and program expenses is available from Rotary International as a grantee of the Library of Congress. There is an additional US$1,500 available for a local interpreter.

Do we need to hire an interpreter?
Yes. A requirement of the program includes contracting a local Russian interpreter to assist throughout the week. A grant of US$1,500 is available for this purpose.

What types of expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
Transportation, rental of vehicles to transport visitors, airport transportation, mileage (US$0.365 per mile); business related meal/food costs — the purpose of the function at which the food is served must be explained (for instance, lunch with business executive as part of the discussion on economic issues or informal social events, a potluck dinner or informal banquet, etc.); community-wide events, local cultural and recreational events (i.e. baseball, concerts, museums, hikes, etc.; cultural events (theater, exhibits, field trips); translations of informational material for visitors; programming costs associated with planned civic theme activities: press conferences set up, rental of speakers, microphones, and facilities; attendance at a Rotary club meeting; small gifts or souvenirs for participants; and photographs and other media are eligible for reimbursement.

What types of expenses are ineligible for reimbursement?
Payment to host families and/or visitors; alcoholic beverages, and promotional materials for Rotary (Rotary pins, merchandise, or literature) will not be reimbursed.

How are we reimbursed for expenses?
Submit the RI Expense Request Form, which is e-mailed to hosts after agreeing to participate, along with original receipts for anything equal or above $25 to the RI Open World coordinator. No alcohol expenses are covered by the program.

How can we get more information on the program?
Contact:
Alice Mead
District 5320 Coordinator for the Open World
Library of Congress
Russian Leadership program
22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 240
Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca 92688-2112
Tel: (949) 766-9333 or (949) 589-8899
Fax: (949) 766-3233
E-mail:  meadslaw@earhlink.net