EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

Citizen exchanges:

These exchanges, of course, are the heart of our program. Each exchange participant expands this
citizen diplomacy in widening circles of understanding of and respect for the peoples and cultures
of Russia and America.  In addition, delegates between Oregon and Siberia have also been the postal
system between people and for humanitarian projects.

Citizens from our two cities have participated in over 200 exchanges. A complete timeline of exchanges
from the initial contact between cities to the present is attached.

Cultural Exchange and Humanitarian Projects

1989+: Pen-pals: many contacts were initiated this way in the beginning. Some school classrooms also
     participated. However, difficulties with postal system limited this program.

1989-present: Various individual medical interventions--Oregon medical and dental personnel service
  both in Rubtsovsk and in Grants Pass.

1990-present: Photography and videotape exchanges; permanent display in Rubtsovsk city museum;
  irregular displays in Grants Pass library and other venues.

1991-2: Medical supplies: one concerted drive was held; mini-needs sent with delegations.

1992: Children’s winter clothing--14 banana boxes of community donations taken for orphanage.

1992-1994: Blind society equipment and supplies--specially-equipped sergers and routers with accessories
   and supplies donated or purchased with special fund-raising, and delivered by various delegations.

1992-3:  “Hands Across the Ocean,” drama and music exchanges created together and performed..

1993+:Children’s art: Rubtsovsk youth art work, matted and shrink-wrapped by RCC volunteers; month-long
   art show presented in cooperation with the Grants Pass Museum of Art in 1994;  paintings since
   displayed in several schools; some sold for student-exchange funds.

1996 & 1997:  Youth Exchanges:  English Language and American Culture Center established in Rubtsovsk
   Central Library by student delegation.  Books and other materials donated by community; additional
   materials presented by 1996 adult delegation.  Awarded Thematic Youth Exchange Grant from
   Sister Cities International ($19,000).  Covered travel expenses for six incoming participants, and
   $900 stipend for six outgoing participants.  Established Culture Center in Josephine Co. Library,
   and expanded center in Rubtsovsk.

1990+:Books for English language section of Rubtsovsk library; most delegations carried many books
    and presented them.

May, 2001:  Co-sponsored, with Grants Pass Museum of Art, exhibit of Soviet impressionist paintings
  from mid-20th century. Entitled Poetry and Propaganda, it was the centerpiece of a month of
  Russian cultural activities, from film to story-telling to traditional folk painting. 

Student Exchanges:

2003: Russian Student Exchange

 

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