Ukraine – Communicating Strategically

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

Posing with Robert Johnson, Legislative Affairs in the Office of Senator Mark Kirk and also the former officer of Senator now President Obama.

Ukraine has been a constant topic in the global news cycle over the past year or so, especially since the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in March 2014.  The public narrative and the news cycle around that particular event and the subsequent unrest in eastern Ukraine have been driven primarily by Western media on one hand and by Russian media outlets on the other.  Little in this global discussion and debate has been shaped by Ukraine’s own narrative.  One may legitimately ask, “Why is this the case?” In part this has to do with the reality of...

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Freedom of Expression Key to U.S.-France Counterterrorism

Posted under: IVLP By /

Political debate is a critical part of French culture.

As in the United States, journalists and independent media play a critical role in French society. Dating back to the establishment of “fourth estate” the French have protected their right to investigate, critique, and lampoon those who hold positions of power. During a recent dinner with French journalists in Washington on the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), I was reminded of our shared values and challenges. My discussion with French journalists Vincent Jarnigon and Violette Lazard underscored a fundamental challenge binds us together. Both nations have nurtured the notion of freedom of expression and tolerance....

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Springing Into Service

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

Meridian Intern Tessa Trach went on a service-based spring break to Huntington, WV.

Huntington, West Virginia is not a city I imagined myself visiting. But I embraced the opportunity when I traveled with the University of Maryland’s Alternative Breaks program during my spring break. The trip focused on childhood nutrition and wellness and I saw firsthand the economic disparities in West Virginia. Nutrition isn’t simply in the food choices you make. Environment and economic status contribute greatly to the issue too. It’s time to recognize the causes and start taking action. I can honestly say that I gained more from a week in West Virginia than I imagined. Immersed in the community...

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Honduras Mural Exchange: La Colonia 21 de Febrero, Tegucigalpa

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Artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, her assistants, and community volunteers from la Colonia 21 de Febrero in front of their mural.

I’m honored to represent the United States for the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) Community Engagement through the Mural Arts exchange. During the first part (March 16-27), I worked with community members from a neighborhood called La Colonia 21 de Febrero. I’m heading back to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, today to continue my program. For the second half of my exchange, I’ll be working with the community of La Colonia Estados Unidos. Here’s a recap of Part 1:

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