Established by the US Congress in 1999, the Open World Russian Leadership Program enables emerging Russian leaders to experience U.S. democracy and free enterprise in action in communities across the United States. During 10-day trips, OW participants learn about the roles and interrelationships of the three different branches and levels of the U.S. government. They also examine how the U.S. private and nonprofit sectors help meet social and civic needs.

The program builds mutual understanding between the United States and Russia by opening and maintaining new avenues of dialogue between U.S. political and civic leaders and a new generation of Russian leaders. OW parliamentary visits match members of the Russian Federation Council and State Duma with host U.S. senators, representatives and governors. The program’s civic delegations focus on one of eight themes: economic development, education reform, environment, federalism, health, rule of law, women as leaders, or youth issues.

With only five members in a typical civic delegation, participants can engage in hands-on experiences, direct observation, and in-depth exchanges with their counterparts in the host community. Activities range from accompanying a political candidate campaigning door-to-door to joining a newspaper editorial staff meeting, and from sitting in on a corporate planning session to discussing a sentence in a criminal case with the judge who just imposed it. Home stays provide an introduction to American family and community life. The American hosts in turn have the opportunity to hear about the new Russia from the people who are helping to shape it.

As a local host organization, Tulsa Global Alliance plans and conducts participants’ professional programs, arranges professional interpretation, provides meals and accommodations with volunteer host families, and arranges cultural and social activities. Typically, OW delegations visit Tulsa for eight days. As of August 2005, Tulsa Global Alliance has hosted two OW delegations focused on youth issues and on women as leaders.

If you are interested in being a host family for an OW participant for a week, or would like to find out more information, contact Bob Lieser, Program Director for Tulsa Global Alliance, at 918-591-4750 or blieser@tulsaglobalalliance.org