We are pleased to provide the story behind our Central Asia-Caucasus Fellowship Program’s long-standing partnership with the Open World Program and to highlight the important role that traveling across the country plays in shaping our Fellows’ understanding of American democracy in this latest blog post. We hope you enjoy the interesting facts and figures to follow and the glimpse into some of the unique memories from their visits with American families and communities from coast to coast.

In the fall of 2011, the current cohort of the Rumsfeld Foundation’s Central Asia-Caucasus Fellows traveled from Washington, D.C., where they had spent the majority of their six-week program, to the Midwest of the United States. Half of the group visited Columbus, Ohio and the other half traveled to St. Louis, Missouri. These five-day visits were the first of what would become dozens of Fellows’ trips to local communities across the United States in the years to come, all made possible through the planning and assistance of our now long-time partner, the Open World Program.

The Open World (OW) Program, administered by the Open World Leadership Center, is a Congressionally-funded U.S. exchange program that works to establish mutually beneficial relationships with future leaders of the post-Soviet countries and to enhance U.S. foreign policy objectives in building more secure, democratic and prosperous societies. They do so by working hand in hand with locally-based host organizations (typically International Visitors Councils, World Affairs Councils and other civic institutions) to facilitate unique programming and experiences showcasing communities and cities across America, located far off the beaten path of the typical tourist destinations of Washington, D.C., New York City and Los Angeles.

Earlier in 2011, after learning of the efforts of our Fellowship Program and given that the number of organizations specifically focused on the Central Asia-Caucasus region are few, members of the Open World staff got in touch with our program staff. After introductions and some further discussion, leadership from both programs agreed that teaming up might be a worthwhile and mutually beneficial collaboration. Secretary Rumsfeld particularly noted that the Fellows’ program in D.C., while providing an extensive exploration of the workings of U.S. policy and government, could not convey the feeling of what “real” America was like. Visitors’ experience in the “D.C. bubble” was a far cry from Rumsfeld’s Chicago upbringings or from where his wife was born in rural Montana. A trip for the Fellows to see some of the Midwest sounded like it could potentially be a missing puzzle piece for the program. After moving ahead with the fall 2011 trip on a trial basis and later hearing feedback from the Fellows on how valuable they found the experience to be, it became clear that we were on to something.

“Washington, D.C. is 60 square miles surrounded by reality.” (Rumsfeld’s Rule)

The host organizations in Open World’s network would introduce elements of the United States that D.C. programming simply could not offer. These experiences in homes and communities in smaller American cities opened visiting Fellows’ eyes to the importance of local governance and citizenship − the underpinnings of the unique American democracy – as well as cultural elements of hospitality, volunteerism and philanthropy. Fellows could witness firsthand the workings of America from the grassroots level and learn how citizens are empowered to take responsibility for themselves and others in their community.

“One of the great features of the program was that it provided an opportunity to see life outside of Washington, D.C. thanks to the very-well organized visit to Miami where we saw the best of American hospitality and culture. The overall organization of the program was far beyond my expectations and it was a truly rewarding experience.” − Fellow from Turkmenistan

A key part of Open World’s programming is the intimate experience of having Fellows stay with host families. Unlike the more typical student exchange experience with host “parents”, you might imagine that this was an out-of-the-ordinary experience for mid-career professionals, many with children of their own back at home. Yet, this aspect of the experience proved to be essential in not only cultivating fast bonds and meaningful memories, but also underscoring the spirit of generosity and curiosity of their American hosts. Many Fellows would depart their visits with a set of “American parents,” highlighting the special and lasting relationships formed.

“A special highlight was our trips outside of Washington, D.C. that enabled us to experience American culture firsthand by being hosted by a local family.” − Fellow from Azerbaijan

“It does not matter how many times you have been to the U.S., the Rumsfeld Fellowship is your manual and guide to understand America, the pillars of its statehood and the spirit of the American people.” − Fellow from Georgia

In addition to the warm welcome the Fellows receive and the unique memories with which they return home, Fellows also leave lasting impressions on the communities they visit, widening Americans understanding of their region, countries and culture. Often, Fellows served as defacto “Ambassadors”, as many people they meet throughout their travels are meeting an Afghan, Mongolian or Azerbaijani for the first time.

“It might seem impossible to explore the U.S. in six weeks, but this program provides the best available opportunity for becoming familiar with the different aspects of American life including politics, business, culture and values in this short period of time.” − Fellow from Georgia

At the end of their visits, each heartfelt goodbye includes a sincere exchange from the Fellows of offers to host their new American “families” back in their home countries and with hosts offering that there will always be a place for the Fellows to hang their hats if ever back in town. One Fellow from Tajikistan, so struck by the warm hospitality and community following his visit in Helena, Montana, would years later encourage his daughter to attend college in Montana and would connect again with his initial hosts when back in town.

The meaningful encounters and friendships made on these trips have time and time again demonstrated the invaluable benefits and necessity of people-to-people connections. Bonds forged through these experiences help to build enduring bridges and to alleviate misunderstandings and mistrust across cultures and borders. We are grateful for our longtime partnership with the Open World Program and the lasting impressions created, minds opened and relations strengthened both here at home and overseas.

“An extraordinary opportunity for emerging leaders of the CAMCA region to see how the United States operates at the national, state and local levels, including how it feels to be in an American community and all that the U.S. has to offer.” − Fellow from Afghanistan

Below are some interesting facts and figures from Open World trips over the years that have made these visits such a valuable part of our Fellowship experience:

- Groups have visited 25 states and numerous state capitals in all major regions of the U.S., from Spokane, Washington to Hartford, Connecticut, and in between.

- Meetings during OW trips are focused around two major themes − economic development and accountable governance − demonstrating the great potential for both individual and collective impact starting at the local level.

- Fellows have been featured in and interviewed for many local media outlets across the country. Find mention of our Fellows in The Sentinel, interviewed on KHOI Radio and in blogs!

- Fellows have met with 3 sitting Governors from the states of Wyoming, Montana and Iowa.

- Fellows have toured 7 historic State Capitol Buildings and visited 3 Presidential Museums.

- Fellows have met with officials of nearly all positions within local city and county offices including: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, City Historian, County Commissioner, as well as members of Economic Development Councils and Chambers of Commerce.

- Fellows have met with staff from state offices including 19 State Senators and Representatives, as well as State Lieutenant Governors and Secretaries of State.

- Fellows have given presentations to local audiences on their countries and culture at local colleges, rotary clubs, libraries and more.

- Fellows have visited more than 50 local volunteer organizations and non-profits highlighting the important role of volunteerism and philanthropy in America.

- Last, but certainly not least, Fellows have been able to experience the best of American culture by attending sports games, horseback riding, outdoor hikes and trails, historical and art museums, regional cuisine, attending parades and festivals, and so much more.

Learn more about our Fellowship program here and about the Open World Leadership Center here.