Sponsored by the Open World
Leadership Center
 

Theme: Healthy Communities-
Social Services

"fostering goodwill and understanding between the cities of Rubtsovsk, Russia, and Grants Pass, Oregon, and to provide a conduit for citizen exchange. Administered by Sister Cities International. . . promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time."
 

Hosting organization:
Grants Pass Sister City Committee
P. O. Box 411
Grants Pass, OR 97526

Marina Rhodes, translator

Overview from Open World Sister City Program Chairman Nancy Hitchcock: Our organization was selected to nominate participants and host an Open World Leadership Program delegation in Grants Pass October 6-14. Four young professionals from Rubtsovsk (listed above), along with a bilingual facilitator, traveled from Moscow to Washington, DC, on October 4 for a two-day orientation. They were greeted with flowers (thank you Vera) at the Medford Airport by their host families and by Sister City Official Ambassador, Vera Quimby, on Friday evening, October 6. On Saturday, the group toured the Redwoods and then the coast with their hosts. Sunday, October 8, a potluck at the home of Garrett Garceau was held. OW participants were introduced to Sister City members. During the week they visited many of our social service agencies and organizations. Although they had separate interests, all four selected "healthy lifestyle campaigns and programs for youth" in their top three interests. "Crimes against children and youth, protection of children's health, prevention of violence and juvenile crime" were other major interests. Alternative financing sources for social aid programs were also mentioned, as well as domestic violence. On October 12, OW delegates gave presentations at the Annual Sister City Board Meeting/Dinner, held at JJ North's. The Gold River Blue Grass Band entertained during the meeting. (This information is being updated at this time. Stay tuned! -webmaster)