Library Articles of Interest

Open World Program (OW)
The Open World program is a special program available to Rotary clubs in the United States.  OW participants are current and future leaders from Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine
Moldova, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

Program Structure
The Open World Leadership Center is located in Washington, D.C. – administers the program
Rotary International (grantee and host organization) – receives and manages grants to participate in the program
Local Rotary clubs in the United States –host local OW programs (local host organizations)

The 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

Goals

Program

• Increase mutual understanding between the Open World countries and the United States
• Support the Open World countries’ efforts to strengthen democratic reforms

Delegates

• Experience U.S. democracy and free enterprise in action in communities across the United States
• Examine how the U.S. private and nonprofit sectors help meet social and civic needs

OW History
1999 - Russian Leadership Program, a one-year pilot project
2000 – Congress authorized the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress
2003-09 – OW adds new countries: Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan

OW Facts
- Since 1999, OW has hosted nearly 15,500 delegates
- Rotary clubs hosted nearly 15% of OW participants
- More than 50% of delegates are women
- 38 is the average age of the program’s participants
- OW continues to work with alumni through events organized in Russia, Ukraine and other OW countries

OW and Rotary
1999 – RI was one of the first host organizations, hosting majority of OW participants
2003 – Rotary clubs hosted delegations from Uzbekistan
2004 – Rotary clubs of Vienna, VA and Cantonment, FL hosted Belarusian parliamentarians and attorneys
2004 – RI nominates OW participants through Rotary clubs in Russia
Rotary Open World Advisory Group appointed
2007-present – specialized delegations based on Rotary projects in Russia and Ukraine (niche-nominated groups)
2008 – 6 specialized groups from Russia
2009 – 10 specialized groups from Russia and one from Ukraine
2010 -9 specialized groups from Russia and 2 from Ukraine
2011 – 8 specialized groups from Russia and 6 from Ukraine

Benefits of 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 OW 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

Hosting Themes
Russia programs
Accountable Governance
Social Issues:
Health Care Provision
Higher Education
Social Services
Ukraine programs
Accountable Governance
Civic Rule of Law
Education
NGO Development

Host Rotary Club’s Responsibilities

• Provide Home Hosting
• For 6 OW participants (5 delegates and 1 facilitator) for 8 days and 8 nights
• Complete and submit Host Family Forms
• Plan a Theme–related program
• For at least 32 hours of professional meetings, roundtables, discussions, tours, etc.

Additionally, plan cultural activities on evenings and weekends (city tours, museums, picnics, county/city fairs, etc.)

• Introduce guests to the host RC or District
• Complete and submit Program Agenda
• Complete Community Profile
• For new host locations
• Complete and submit the community profile form
• Hire a Professional interpreter
• For all formal programming events (usually planned during the week, Monday – Friday)

Final Reports program materials
Complete and submit:
Final program agenda
Host Narrative and corresponding materials (photos & press articles)
Expense reimbursement request/report package

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:
About $3,500 (excluding interpretation costs)
Available for each OW group to cover eligible Hosting Expenses
Additional funds of $2,500 – 3,500
Available to cover professional interpreting expenses during the program (note: host clubs/districts are required to hire a professional interpreter)
RI staff can assist a host RC to find a professional interpreter

Building Long-term Relationships
Encourage OW participants to make a presentation about their home town/region at local RC’s meetings
Educate OW guests about Rotary and what Rotarians do
Discuss possible ways to develop partnerships and joint projects
Reciprocal Visits
Extend relationships with local clubs in the country of your guests

RI Staff Contacts
Open World Program Officer or RI Programs Division Service Coordinator
Address: Rotary International, One Rotary Center, RI Programs Division, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
Phone:  (847) 866-3381 or 866-3251
Email:  OpenWorldProgram@rotary.org