Legacy International is pleased to announce, the Legislative Fellows Program 2009-2011 (LFP). LFP links community leaders and those involved in civil society work from the US , Kuwait, and Oman for a two-way exchange of information. This two-year program (supported by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs) is designed to strengthen mutual understanding of the legislative or policy-making processes in the U.S. and Gulf region countries. It is also designed to enhance appreciation of the role of civil society engagement. Young professionals from Kuwait, and Oman who are currently involved in public service or civil society work will travel to the US for hands-on exposure to the U.S. political process through fellowships in U.S. Congressional offices and other locations involved in US governance (such as NGOs).
To see exciting slideshows during the program please visit LFP program page at the Legacy International website.
Gulf Fellows will also educate US peers concerning governance in their homelands. While the US system of governance and that of Oman, and Kuwait are very different, it is the role of advisory groups, the process of policy formulation, and the raising of public awareness that will be highlighted during the program.
During their U.S.-based program, Gulf Fellows will be paired with U.S. counterparts, selected from staff at the various fellowship sites and former congressional members. Upon returning to their countries, Fellowship alumni from the Gulf will give presentations to their colleagues and conduct action projects reflecting what they have observed during their Fellowship.
The impact of this program will reach even further in the following year, when the U.S. counterparts (including U.S. congressional staff and former members of congress) travel to the Fellows’ home countries, to continue their engagement through joint outreach activities, and giving on-site consultancies and presentations to wider audiences.
U.S. Partner Organizations
The program is supported by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
The Association of Former Congress Members is assisting Legacy International
Legacy is pleased to have worked with AMIDEAST in Kuwait and Oman for the Gulf participant selection process
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM
LFP Program Components and Timeline
U.S. Components (May 2010 and Fall 2010):
Having successfully completed the Spring LFP program, Legacy welcomes the Fall delegation to Washington, D.C. for a month of dynamic programming.
13 fellows have been confirmed for the Fall program; upon arrival in Washington D.C. , they will participate in an intensive introduction to the U.S. political process. Fellows will enjoy a 12 day experience in US Congressional Offices, immersing themselves in the daily operations of national governance, government oversight, and citizen participation.
Before departing the U.S., Fellows will be required to submit a short proposal which culminates in establishing a link between their host in US and their home city/region.
Dates for the Fall program are set for Septmber 18 to October 17, 2010.
Reciprocal Components -- US delegates to Kuwait and Oman (Winter and Spring 2010-11):
US delegates will be selected from among the mentors and hosting congressional offices to travel to the GUlf for a 7-14 day study tour. Americans will attend orientation sessions prior to departing for the Arabian Gulf during which they will learn about host country culture and review program requirements. Upon arrival overseas, they will participate in a short intensive introduction to the local political climate. They will then spend 10-14 days participating in workshops and collaborating on projects with their Fellow.
Tentative Dates for December Trip:
Saturday December 4 -- arrival in Kuwait
Sunday December 5- Friday December 10 -- Kuwait
Friday December 10 travel to Oman
Saturday December 11-Friday December 17 Oman and travel back to US
Alumni Components (Ongoing):
In addition to the reciprocal component of the LFP, all LFP alumni will be invited to events and possibly assist in future exchange programs.
As a measure of success, this exchange program requires that US and Gulf Fellows makes presentations to 20 or more colleagues to inform them of the program outcome and share their learning and experience.
The Legislative Fellows Program (LFP)is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and administered by 
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