GREAT LAKES CONSORTIUM for International Training and Development (GLC) — GLC is a collaborative effort of the Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University, The University of Toledo, and WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc - Estab- lished in 1999 as a program of WSOS . Dr. Elizabeth Balint Project Manager Viktoriya Maryamova Program Coordinator GLC Toledo Office P.O. Box 352424 Toledo, OH 43635 Phone: 419-973-8007 Email: [email protected]Website: www.GLC-Teachdemocracy2.org www.gl-consortium.org Find us on Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of the Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Professional Fellows Division The Great Lakes Consortium – through WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc. as Con- tract Agent and Manager – received a grant for a two-way exchange between September 2012 and September 2014 from the U.S. Depart- ment of State for the “Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities”. The overall goal of this exchange is to provide a professional development opportunity for up- and-coming and mid-level professionals to gain knowledge of the U.S. practices in citizen participation and advocacy, engaging minorities, and marginalized populations in civil society and politics, collaborating with community leaders to inform changes in legislation that make a difference in minority communities (incl. Roma, disabled, homeless) and building grassroots democracy. In 2013, in 2 delegations a total of 37 European fellows were exposed to diverse community organizing methods for citizens in solving problems in their own communities and gained hands-on experience at both public and civil society institutions in the U.S. and a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture and people. participated in group seminars, round-table discussions, site visits, and had interactions with United States leaders. During the tailored 3-week internship with mentoring at national, state or local organizations across the United States they gained knowledge and experience as well as adaptable approaches that they started to implement after their return. The also were invited to multicultural events, and participated in volunteer activities as well. The 6-weeks fellowship program concluded at the Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C. Participants prepared 6-9 months individual and group Action Plans for follow on activities. They had various opportunities to experience the American family life and the diversity in the U.S. through staying with American host families during their internship. They had opportunities to examine the relationship between civil society and government and learn U.S. practices on transparency and accountability. On this grant in 2013 and 2014 so far in 4 delegations a total of 27 U.S. mentors traveled for a 21-day reciprocal visit to Europe. They had an opportunity to share professional expertise to provide joint workshops with the alumni and on-site consultation and fieldwork, and conduct wider outreach programs and gain a deeper understanding of the societies, cultures and people of other countries. This citizen civic exchange contributes to mutual understanding, creates long-term professional ties, enhances the collaboration between GLC and its partners. The last U.S. mentor David Beckwith, U.S. Project Advisor on this grant will travel to Europe between August 18-September 12, 2014. He welcomed and trained every Euro- pean participants during their visits in NW Ohio in the Spring or Fall 2013 delegation. He will work with the European alumni in providing workshops, assist with consulting and mentoring. He will also gain cultural ex- perience in Europe. He will visit Romania and Hungary and will review all the accomplish- ments and discuss plans for post-grant activi- ties with our country directors and alumni, not only from these countries but also from Slova- kia who will meet with him in Budapest. As this grant ends in September 2014, we will start a new grant on “Sustaining Civic Partici- pation in Minority Communities in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia” and during his visit during the introductory community organizing training he will announce this new program and will have an opportunity to talk with some interested people who are involved in minority communities. This will be very helpful, because his experience can be used during the selection process later. This program is a collaboration between GLC and its overseas partners: CEGA in Bulgaria, Civil College Foundation in Hungary, CeRe in Romania and Center for Community Organiz- ing in Slovakia. Special thanks to these part- ners and all other U.S. and European partner organizations who are involved in these ex- changes. “Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities” U.S. Mentor David Beckwith visit in Romania and Hungary August 18 - September 12, 2014 August 2014
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