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Open World Leadership Program (OWRL)

Since 1999, American Councils has played a leading role in the Open World Program. Funded by Congress and operated by the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, the program brings emerging leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and other NIS countries to the U.S. for 10 days of intensive professional development training. Since it’s launch, over 11,000 individuals from a wide variety of professional fields have traveled to hundreds of communities in all 50 U.S. states to meet and share knowledge with their professional colleagues, and to learn about life in America. Open World theme areas have included Women as Leaders, NGO development and management, public health, economic development, environment, and others. In addition, Open World has sponsored visits by members of the Russian Duma, and has an ongoing Rule of Law component which brings NIS judges to the U.S. to learn about the American judicial system. The Open World Cultural Leaders Program brings musicians, writers, and arts managers to the U.S. to collaborate with their artistic counterparts.

Unlike many exchange programs, Open World participation is limited to individuals nominated for having shown leadership in their field. The typical participant is about 37 years old, comes from a regional city, and holds an advanced degree. Knowledge of English is not required for participation in the program, and participation in Open World is limited to those who have never visited the U.S.

As logistics and management contractor for the Open World Leadership Center, American Councils is responsible for recruiting nominating organizations, processing applications, managing the visa application process, pre-departure and arrival orientations, scheduling and arranging international and U.S. travel and logistics, hiring and training facilitators to accompany the delegates, oversight of programming and hosting by local host organizations, participant satisfaction surveys, database development and management, sub-contractor management, as well as handling travel and medical emergencies as they arise. American Councils also advises the Open World Leadership Center on political and cultural matters relating to the countries where Open World operates, as well identifying new theme areas and hosting organizations to be considered for the program. American Councils has a dedicated staff of seven employees in Washington, and 18 in Moscow who work on the program full-time, who are supported by American Councils staff in country and regional offices throughout the NIS.

Program Resources

• Documents