Due to disintegrating relations between Washington and Russia, the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI) has restarted its "citizen diplomacy" work again. CCI began, as a near-hopeless cause, in 1983 during the peak of the nuclear arms race. We are a non-profit, non-governmental organization with no funding or ties to governments.
CCI's founder and President for 32 years, Sharon Tennison, will bring a group of 22 Americans from 15 American states to Moscow, Volgograd, Ekaterinburg and StPetersburg May 31 to June 15. The group is searching for ways to create relevant activities in 2015/16.
Tennison says," It's critical for citizens of our two nations to work together again to offset ill stereotypes, to better understand the political realities of today, and to rebuild the goodwill bridges that existed from 1985 through most of the 2000s.
"During those years over 6,000 young Russians from 71 Russian regions studied business development in American companies under CCI's programs. Numerous other projects and programs were carried out both in America and in Russia––each creating goodwill and understanding between the two countries.
"American host families and business owners still have great fondness for the Russians who came to them during those earlier decades. They respect Russians' level of education and culture. On the Russian side, a swath of warm relations toward Americans goes across Russia's 11 time zones. Their gratitude to their American trainers and "Moms and Pops," (their home hosts), is unending. Our 2016 programs will be different since conditions have changed, but there are many ways for citizens to open doors and reduce tensions, even today!"
If the above is used in media, or passed on to other E lists, great -- interviews are possible if notified in advance.
Sharon Tennison
President and Founder
Center for Citizen Initiatives
Author: The Power of Impossible Ideas
Site: www.ccisf.org (under revision)
Rotary Club of Palo Alto, CA.
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