Feb.2014 3rd.us.Mentors Newsletter Final.01

7/27/2019 Feb.2014 3rd.us.Mentors Newsletter Final.01

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GREAT LAKES CONSORTIUM

for International Training and

Development (GLC) GLC is a

collaborative effort of the Bowling

Green State University, Lourdes

University, The University of

Toledo, and WSOS CommunityAction Commission, Inc - Contract

Agent and Manager. Established in

1999.

Dr. Elizabeth Balint

Project Manager

Juli Bertalan,

Barbara Dennis,

Viktoriya Maryamova

Program Coordinators

GLC Toledo Office

P.O. Box 352424Toledo, OH 43635

Phone: 419-973-8007

Email:[email protected]

Website:

www.GLC-Teachdemocracy2.org

www.gl-consortium.org

Find us on

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of the Educational and Cultural Affairs,

Office of Citizen Exchanges, Professional Fellows Division

The Great Lakes Consortium through WSOSCommunity Action Commission, Inc. asContract Agent and Manager received agrant for a two-way exchange between Sep-tember 2012 and August 2014 from the U.S.Department of State for the Building Grass-roots Democracy in Minority Communities.

The overall goal of this exchangeis to providea professional development opportunity for up

-and-coming and mid-level professionals togain knowledge of the U.S. practices in citizenparticipation and advocacy, engagingminorities, and marginalized populations incivil society and politics, collaborating withcommunity leaders to inform changes inlegislation that make a difference in minoritycommunities (incl. Roma, disabled, homeless)and building grassroots democracy.

European participants were exposed todiverse community organizing methods forcitizens in solving problems in their own

communities and gain hands-on experience atboth public and civil society institutions in theU.S. and a deeper understanding of U.S.society, culture and people. They hadopportunities to examine the relationshipbetween civil society and government andlearn U.S. practices on transparency andaccountability. Through internship placementsat national, state or local organizations acrossthe U.S. they gained knowledge andexperience as well as adaptable approachesthat they could implement after their return.

The first delegation with a total of 19 fellowsfrom Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slova-

kia visited the U.S. from April 1 May 11,2013. In the second delegation from Septem-ber 29-November 9, 2013 included 18 Euro-pean fellows. They participated in groupseminars, round-table discussions, site visits,and had interactions with United Statesleaders. A tailored 3-week internship withmentoring, multicultural events, andparticipation in volunteer activities as well asin the Professional Fellows Congress inWashington, D.C. were also included in the 6-

week professional fellows programParticipants prepared 6-9 month individuand group Action Plans for follow oactivities. They had various opportunities texperience the American family life and thdiversity in the U.S. through staying witAmerican host families during their internship

As part of the exchange U.S. mentors hav

opportunities for a reciprocal travel t

Europe to share professional expertise angain a deeper understanding of the societiecultures and people of other countries. Thcitizen civic exchange promotes mutuunderstanding, create long-term professionties, enhance the collaboration between GLand its partners.

The first Out-Bound delegation with 8 U.Smentors visited Europe between June 19-Jul17, 2013, the second group included twU.S. mentors between August 29-Septembe21, 2013). Members of the U.S. delegatio

previously hosted, trained, worked with thEuropean fellows while they were in the U.SThe next delegation of 9 U.S. mentors witElizabeth Balint GLC Project Manager witravel to Europe between February 7-28, 2014

During the 3-week program Americans wiwork with the European alumni in providinworkshops, assist with consulting and mentoing. They will be involved in field experiencand learn about minority issues and gain cutural experience in Europe. Home hospitalitwill be also included for the Americans sthey can gain a better understanding on livin

conditions, family life, traditions etc. iEurope.

This program is a collaboration between GL

and its overseas partners: CEGA in BulgariCivil College Foundation in Hungary, CeRe iRomania and Center for Community Organiing in Slovakia as well as the European Community Organizing Network (ECON) anmany U.S. partner organizations from 1states involved in joint programs, the tailoreinternships, and follow up mentoring activties. THANK YOU TO ALL!

Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

The 3rd U.S. Mentors Delegation in EuropeFebruary 6 - 28, 2014

January

2014


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Justin TerrellSaint Paul, Minnesota

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of the Educational and Cultural

Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Professional Fellows Division

Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

3rd U.S. Mentors Delegation visiting Bulgaria, Hungary,Romania and Slovakia on February 6-28, 2014

Quanisha SmithPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Emira PalaciosWichita, Kansas

Neil SealyLittle Rock, Arkansas

Zachary ChasnoffSaint Louis, Missouri

Leah TorreyMeriden, New Hampshire

Jim PicchettiChicago, Illinois

Saskia HarakChicago, Illinois

Kara BenderChicago, Illinois


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Justin TerrellSaint Paul, Minnesota

E-mail:[email protected]

Justin Terrell is a Program Man-ager for the Justice 4 All withinTakeAction Minnesota nonprofit or-ganization. He is a native to SouthMinneapolis with a strong commitmentto justice. For over 10 years, Mr. Ter-rell has sought to serve his communityby working or volunteering at a varietyof non-profits and community organi-zations. As a Board Member for Min-nesota Neighborhoods Organizing forChange and for Urban Homeworks, heworks on issues related to housing,education and environmental justice.

Mr. Terrell is a Mentor to a 16 yearold young man at Minneapolis NorthCommunity High School, and is in-volved as a congregant at SanctuaryCovenant Church. Currently, as theJustice 4 All Program Manager, he isorganizing to close Minnesotas worst-in-the-nation racial jobs gap by reduc-ing barriers to employment for peoplewith criminal records. Recently, theJustice 4 All program helped passstatewide legislation that removed

questions from employment applica-

and Political Leadership (2015).Mr. Terrell will be a speaker i

celebrating the Black History Month iBulgaria and Slovakia that is in plan torganize with the U.S. Embassies ithese countries.

While in Europe, Mr. Terrell wi

do training in following topics:(1) The New Jim Crow: a discussioon racism in America and how it hachanged through our history;(2) Building Power: How TakeActioMinnesota is organizing for racial, economic and social justice, and(3) Black History: An overview of heroes in the Black Community

TakeAction Minnesota hosteHristo Angelichin, Fall 2013 Professional fellow from Bulgaria.

tions that inquire about criminal re-cords. This is the first step in installingstatewide fair hiring practices that willhelp close Minnesotas racial jobs gap.

Mr. Terrell has a Bachelor's De-gree in Social Work from the BethelUniversity (2002) and is currently pur-suing a Masters Degree in Advocacy

www.takeactionminnesota.org

TakeAction Minnesota (TAM)isa statewide network of people workingto realize racial and economic equityacross Minnesota. TAM do this byconnecting people and organizations toeach other, turning someones individ-ual desire for change to pass a moreprogressive policy or law, to improvean institution, to change a harmful ideaor perception into the broad publicaction that makes change happen

that help shape their lives for the be

ter, beating the odds again anagain. TAM does it with great peopland organizations, from communitieacross our state: With people, by people, and for people just like you.

Justice 4 All (J4A) campaignworking to close Minnesotas worst-inthe-nation racial jobs gap. J4A educates policymakers and corporate employers, and creates real seconchances for those who are caught up ithe criminal justice system.

where it wasnt possible going it alone.

TAM members want to make adifference on the issues that affect theirown lives: to have access to health carewhen you need it; to earn enough tosupport your family with dignity; beinggiven a second chance to build yourfuture. But to be effective, TAM needsto connect with other people, and otherorganizations, who have the same vi-sion. At TakeAction Minnesota, peoplecome together to change Minnesota.They work together to win the changes

The 3rd US Mentors Delegation in Europe (February 6 - 28, 2014) Page

Kevin Farmer (J4A) and Hristo An-

gelichin from Bulgaria participated

in Target the Racial Jobs Gap

movement lead by TakeAction MN in

Minneapolis


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Page 4 Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

Quanisha SmithPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

E-mail: [email protected]

Quanisha M. Smith is Co-Executive Director of the ACTIONUnited, Pennsylvanias largest commu-

nity organization of low to moderateincome families. She is locally recog-nized for her educational and commu-nity development work. Ms. Smithgrew up in a public housing project inthe South Bronx (New York City), andwas it not for scholarships and educa-tional opportunities in her community,she does not know where she would betoday. Fueled by a passion to pave theway for children with similar back-grounds and for social change, Quani-

sha worked in youth development be-fore she chose a career in communityorganizing around social & economicjustice campaigns for ACORN.

Ms. Smith is a University of Penn-sylvania Alumni and holds a Bache-lors Degree in the Science of HumanServices from Springfield Collegewhere she learned to combine socialchange theory with practice. Currently,she is a candidate for a Masters De-gree in Social Services with a concen-

tration in Community Practice, Policy& Advocacy from the Bryn Mawr Col-lege Graduate School of Social Workand Social Research. Ms. Smith hasbeen a vital part of ACTION United's

members. She can articulate and teacthis model of community organizing tothers for effective implementation.

Ms Smith will be a speaker in celebrating the Black History Month iHungary and Romania that is in plan torganize with the U.S. Embassies i

these countries. While in Europe shwill do training in following topics:(1) Coalition Development,(2) Membership Recruitment & Leadership Development,(3) Organizational Capacity Building

ACTION United hosted twSpring 2013 Professional fellowLaszlo Jakab from Hungary and IoanPetrache from Romania

organizational management. As a sen-ior staff member, she translates herholistic view and experience with com-munity organizing into easily under-standable lessons for their staff and

www.actionunited.org

ACTION United (AU) is a state-wide organization with offices inPhiladelphia and Pittsburgh. AU was

formed in January, 2010 by formermembers of PA ACORN (Associationof Community Organizations for Re-form Now) and other concerned peoplein the state to advance the interests oflow and moderate income familiesaround Pennsylvania on the issues thatare of critical importance: economicjustice for low income and workingfamilies, fair lending practices and areal solution to the foreclosure crisis,good schools, clean air and a safe envi-

and participating in broader campaigns. One of the focal points for thchapters is organizing parents arounimproving neighborhood schools, including eleven Empowerment School

the designation for chronically lowachieving schools that are receivinadditional support and scrutiny fromthe School District.

Political action and lobbying aranother big part of ACTION Unitedwork promoting a more collaborative, community-based vision of schootransformation. AU is working to builpower through organizing communitieto win changes on the issues that arimportant to them.

ronment, and quality affordable healthcare. Education is a major focus as partof a larger agenda of advocacy andorganizing to build the power of low-and moderate-income citizens. Jobs,

health care, social security, housing,and the environment are other issueareas.

Action United is a membershiporganization of low and moderate in-come Pennsylvanians. 57,000 membersare organized into 17 neighborhoodchapters throughout the state currentlyconcentrated in North, West, andSouthwest Philadelphia, Germantown,and Delaware County. Chapters de-velop neighborhood action agendas


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Neil SealyLittle Rock, Arkansas


Neil Sealy is a Community Organ-izer in low-income, mostly African-

American neighborhoods in central andsoutheast Arkansas. He has been activein social justice organizing since the1970s and began working in Arkansasin 1984. Mr. Sealy helped low-incomeArkansans organize and carry out sev-eral issue campaigns that resulted inreal wins for low wage workers such ascommunity reinvestment agreementswith local banks, expanded access tohealth coverage, laws that protect con-sumers from predatory lending and

improved government services.Mr. Sealy has also organized and

been active in several electoral cam-paigns including ballot initiatives thatwon reforms to Arkansas's campaignfinance laws and a living wage for PineBluff city workers. He helped leadersin predominantly African-Americanneighborhoods develop ways to in-crease civic participation and represen-tation in elections.

In 2010 Mr. Sealy has worked with

community members to form ArkansasCommunity Organizations, to focus ondeveloping innovative ways to buildstrong organizations of working fami-lies. Since the 1980s he has organizedsuccessful leadership training pro-grams for low-income citizens thathelped to create a solid core of leaders

gree in Education from the IndianUniversity. Mr. Sealy has studied iFrance and Brazil. In 2006 he helped tlead week long training in civic engagement and organizing in MoscowRussia. He has traveled to Italy, Begium and Canada.

While in Europe, Mr. Sealy will dtraining in the following topics:(1) Leadership training(2) Organizing an issue campaign(3) Getting people to become involvein civic engagement activities

Arkansas Community Organization hosted two Fall 2013 fellowOana Botezan from Romania and Kalina Hristova Valova from Bulgaria.

active in their community some ofwhom later successfully ran for localoffices.

Mr. Sealy has a Bachelors Degreeof Arts in French Literature from theDuke University and a Masters De-

www.arkansascomm.org

Arkansas Community Organiza-tion (ACO) is Arkansas largest grass-roots organization. ACO aims to or-ganize low-income and working fami-lies across the state to enable them tofight for social and economic justice.ACO is working to stop cuts to SocialSecurity Benefits.

ACO was officially incorporatedon December 2009. In the past manyACO members were involved in suc-

Jefferson counties to receive affordabl

home mortgages and to improve theaccess to all types of credit. Community leaders in Little Rock and PinBluff wanted to make sure that an organization was in place to ensure thastrong, grassroots organizing worcontinued in Arkansas. With few resources, ACO has already made a diference for low-income and workinfamilies in Arkansas: Dont wait fochange to happen. Make the change

you want.

cessful campaigns to increase the mini-

mum wage and win living wage poli-cies. ACO works with Health Care forAmerica Now (HCAN), CommunityCatalyst and other networks to buildsupport for health care reform in Ar-kansas. ACO also will make sure thatnon-profit hospitals carry out the newregulations on charity care in the Af-fordable Care Act.

ACO has also collaborated withArkansas Community Housing to en-able low-income people in Pulaski and

Healthcare event at Moody Chapel AME Church with Neal Sealy, Kalin

Hristova and Oana Botezan, and other leaders and members of ACO an

Local 100, partner of ACO



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www.seniorcaucus.org

Jane Addams Senior Caucus(JASC) is a multiracial, grassroots or-ganization led by concerned seniors inthe Chicago metropolitan area. Theycross neighborhood, racial, religiousand socio-economic lines to find com-mon ground upon which to act on.Through leadership development, orga-nizing and popular education, JASCseniors use the power of their collec-tive voice to work for economic, social

care and ensuring on-site social work

ers in senior buildings.JASC is currently working on loca

organizing efforts in neighborhoodthroughout Chicago to preserve ancreate affordable housing. JASC continues to organize seniors, families anothers to win improvements in thCommunity Care Program. JASC focusing on organizing to strengtheand protect social safety net programsuch as Social Security, MedicareMedicaid and HUD programs.

and racial justice for all seniors and all

communities.JASC has about 500 members

from diverse background fighting forsocial justice. JASC knows that seniorsare valuable to the community andthose seniors coming together can im-prove their lives and be active in civiclife. The issues JASC is working oncome from the concerns of the mem-bers. Presently JASC issues include thepreservation and creation of affordablehousing, improving in-home health

Leah TorreyMeriden, New Hampshire


Leah Torrey first began organizingin Wayland, Massachusetts with the

Wayland Interfaith Clergy Associationas an intern while studying at HarvardDivinity School. She received the Hop-kins Shareholder award for her workwith the Wayland Interfaith ClergyAssociation. Ms Torrey has a MastersDegree in Divinity from the HarvardDivinity School where she studiedmodern American religious move-ments. Ms. Torrey has a second Degreein Religion from the Oberlin College.

After graduation from Divinity

school, Ms. Torrey became Lead Or-ganizer in Kern County, Californiawith Faith In Action, an organizingproject within the PICO network.There she worked to organize Mexican

part-time Assistant Chaplain at thDartmouth College where she workwith students to explore issues of identity, service and faith. On Spring 201Ms. Torrey led a group of ten studenton an alternative spring break to Washington, D.C. to work with service o

ganizations on anti-poverty initiativeand explore faith-based service.In her spare time, Ms. Torrey ha

started an organic farm with her husband, Honey Locust Farm in BradfordVermont.

Ms. Torrey has experience traveling in England, Scotland, IrelandNorway, Denmark, Portugal, Spain anFrance, as well as to Peru. While iEurope she will do training in the folowing topics:(1) The Organizing Cycle,(2) Problem to Issue,(3) Research Actions

United Valley Interfaith ProjecUVIP hosted Fall 2013 Professionafellow Andrea Tajti from Hungary.

migrant workers, and developed cam-paigns ranging from local parks andcode compliance to healthcare andeducation.

Ms. Torrey joined United ValleyInterfaith Project (UVIP) in 2011where has helped organize campaignsto fight predatory car-title lending, winfair working conditions and benefitsfor JC Penney workers, and defeat leg-islation harmful to New Hampshirefamilies and working people. In addi-tion to organizing full-time, she is a

www.unitedvalleyinterfaith.org

The United Valley Interfaith Pro-ject (UVIP) is a federation of congre-gations, supporting faith organizations

and community organizations that havecome together to work for the commongood of the central Connecticut RiverValley region of New Hampshire andVermont. UVIP is a community orga-nizing group based on a systematic ap-proach to addressing the root causes ofsocial problems and improving the livesof all in their communities. UVIP aims

powerful force for collective action tenhance social justice in the regionUVIP is currently focusing on eradicaing 300% interest rate car-title loanfrom New Hampshire, organizing alte

native lending programs for the underpriledged and working-poor, and fighing for better resources for rural aginseniors.

As UVIP grows, the issues wichange. Over time, new issues will arisfrom the process of building relationships and listening to one anotherhopes and dreams for all in the region.

to build a stronger region by deepeningties between their rural communities,developing the leadership skills of theirmembers and tackling systemic issueswhich impede justice and a good qual-

ity of life for all residents.UVIP emerged from several con-

gregations seeking to understand theextent of poverty and injustice in theregion, and their frustration in tacklingpoverty and justice issues by them-selves. From a loosely-knit group ofcongregations in 2003 to a formal or-ganization in 2008, UVIP has become a


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Saskia HarakChicago, Illinois


Saskia Harak is a Health Care Or-ganizer in Jane Addams Senior Caucus

(JASC) a multiracial, grassroots or-ganization led by concerned seniors inChicago metropolitan area. Ms. Harakcurrently organizes seniors around is-sues of retirement security. Her orga-nizing experience includes organizingstudents on college campuses, register-ing people to vote, and organizing low-income renters to help better their liv-ing conditions. In college she receiveda Grassroots Organizer of the Yearaward from a statewide organization.

Ms. Harak has experience workingwith low-income populations and withpeople of color. She has developedtraining skills by putting together ef-fective and creative trainings as well asleadership trainings. Ms. Harak has

gree of Arts in Political Science, witan emphasis in Legal Studies. Then shattended law school at the WilliamMitchell College of Law in St. PauMinnesota. While there Ms. Harak interned at the American Civil LibertieUnion, the Office of the Stillwate

Public Defender, and the MulticulturaAffairs Department of her law school.Ms. Harak has travelled in Europ

to the Czech Republic, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Englandand also to Mexico and Canada. Whilin Europe Ms. Harak will do training ithe following topics:(1) Turnout for Events & Rallies,(2) Relational/One-on-one meetings,(3) Planning & Facilitating Meetings,Popular Education.

Jane Addams Senior Caucuhosted 4 of the Fall 2013 fellowGabriela Mezeiova from Slovakia, Annamaria Kovacs from Hungary, LaurStefanut from Romania and ShabaDarakchi from Bulgaria.

organizing experience on health careand retirement security issues, housing,and voter registration. She also workedin an environment that connects legalwork to organizing. She has workedwith people of all ages from collegestudents to the elderly. Ms. Harak alsohas rich experience with leadershipdevelopment and planning strategiccampaigns.

Ms. Harak attended classes at theUniversity of Wisconsin Eau Claire,where she received a Bachelors De-

Kara BenderChicago, Illinois


Kara Bender is the Lead Trainerand Racial Justice Organizer at theJane Addams Senior Caucus (JASC), amultiracial, grassroots organization ledby concerned seniors in Chicago met-ropolitan area. She currently co-directsthe Aging Justice Program, a 9 monthsintensive legislative advocacy trainingprogram for women in Illinois and di-rects the racial justice work at JASC.Previously Ms. Bender worked as the

Affordable Housing Organizer for fiveyears on a variety of campaigns at thecity, state, and federal levels. Addition-ally she has led multiple trainings andleadership development efforts.

Ms. Bender graduated from theEastern Mennonite University with aBachelors Degree in Sociology andSocial Work. Ms. Bender has had ex-tensive organizer, supervisor, populareducation, and facilitation training ex-perience from the Midwest Academy,

ers, Meeting Facilitation - how to leaa meeting well, including understanding group dynamics, the roll of the facilitator, and making sure everyone heard, Legislative Meetings - how tinteract with elected officials, BuildinAllies & Coalitions, Messaging &Factsheets - Creating talking pointand fact sheets for different audienceShe is also an active volunteer leadewith her church congregation, wherfor the last three years she has co-led Racial Justice Small Group.

Ms. Bender has travelled to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and CanadaWhile in Europe she will do training ithe following topics:(1) Relational Meetings,(2) Popular Education OrganizinMethodology(3) Meeting Facilitation.

Jane Addams Senior Caucus organization hosted 4 of the Fall 201fellows: Gabriela Mezeiova from Slovakia, Annamaria Kovacs from Hungary, Laura Stefanut from Romaniand Shaban Darakchi from Bulgaria.

Industrial Areas Foundation, and High-lander Education Center to name afew. She has also received a variety ofanti-racism trainings from the Cross-roads Anti-Racism Organizing andTraining, a national training and con-sulting organization. Because of hervast amount of training Ms. Bender hasdeveloped and lead many trainings ofher own including, but not limited to:Organizing 101, Popular EducationMethodology, Turn Out - getting oth-ers to attend events and rallies, Rela-tional Meetings - how to build and de-velop relationships with potential lead-



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www.chicagohomelwss.org

Chicago Coalition for the Home-less (CCH) is a non-profit organizationthat works with people hurt by home-lessness in metropolitan Chicago, Illi-nois. Founded in 1980, CCH organizesand advocates work to prevent and toend homelessness, based on the beliefthat housing is a human right in a justsociety.

CCH has outreach to family andadult shelters, street programs, and sin-gle-room occupancy (SRO) facilities.Each month, three field organizers visit28 facilities across Chicago. Commu-

from non-profit hospitals.Through outreach, CCH involve

homeless youth, parents and singladults in developing advocacy campaigns that work to create more accesand economic opportunities for peoplliving in extreme poverty. Togethethey advocate to curb, and one dayend homelessness, pushing for accesto a shelter safety net, affordable housing, living wage jobs, and quality public schools.

CCH is committed to fighting untevery person has a place to call home.

nity organizers, policy specialists andlegal aid attorneys staff CCH. Theywork for and with those experiencingor at risk of homelessness, includingmothers with children, unaccompaniedyouth, single adults, and ex-offenders.

A youth attorney also runs a mo-bile legal aid clinic that makes threeweekly stops at neighborhood pro-grams that serve unaccompaniedyouth. During these visits, CCH offerspractical information. This includestelling parents about a homeless childsright to free transportation to school, orinforming low-income adults of theireligibility to apply for charity care

Jim PicchettiChicago, Illinois


Jim Picchetti is a Statewide Organ-izer at Chicago Coalition for The

Homeless (CCH) and a key staff mem-ber in CCHs downstate campaign.Mr. Picchetti joined the CCH staff in2009, after interning a year on theSweet Home Chicago housing cam-paign while completing his MastersDegree in Social Service Administra-tion at the University of Chicago. Mr.Picchetti started working with peopleexperiencing homelessness in Cleve-land, OH as a Jesuit Volunteer aftergraduating with his Bachelors Degree

from the Marquette University in 2006.As a community organizer with

CCH, Mr. Picchetti has worked withand trained homeless leaders and ser-vice providers to pass a statewide sub-sidized jobs program called Put Illinois

worked with leaders around Illinois tform a statewide network. Over thpast two years, CCH and the state nework has restored $18 million to homeless shelters and safety net programs ithe state budget.

While in Europe, Mr. Picchetti wi

do training in following topics:(1) One-on-one's,(2) Effective Meetings,(3) Power & Power Analysis.

Chicago Coalition for The Homeless hosted 2 Fall 2013 Professionfellows: Boba Baluchova from Slovakia and Lia Gaudi from Romania

to Work that created more than 26,000full-time jobs for low-income andhomeless employees. Also he has

Leaders of the CCH with Fall 2013

Professional Fellows during their 3-week internship time:

(L-R) Jim Picchetti, Lia Gaudi, BobaBaluchova, Rachel Leonor Ramirez

and Jim Field


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Emira PalaciosWichita, Kansas


Emira Palacios has been involvedwith Sunflower Community Action(Sunflower), a Kansas-wide nonprofit

organization that focuses on grassrootsleadership development and empower-ment of underrepresented communitiesin Kansas for 12 years (8 of them as avolunteer). She worked as the Immi-grant Rights coordinator from 2007 to2012. Ms. Palacios is the current Vice-President of the National Peoples Ac-tion Board of Directors, a national or-ganization which goal is to empowerlow-income people to take action andfind solution to their issues. Also she is

an active member of Cristo Vive As-semblies of God Church in Wichita.

Ms. Palacios newest adventurehas been to work as a co-founder of anup and coming community organiza-tion, the Seed House ~ CASA de LaSemilla, based in Wichita, Kansas,with the focus to create an arena forgrassroots leaders to grow and developin their capacity to bring justice, equal-ity and sustainability through collectiveaction. Ms. Palacios was a CASA

(Court Appointed Special Advocate)volunteer for two years, for Roots andWings Organization that focuses on

in order to be able to volunteer. In addition to all those trainings, MPalacios has a certificate of completioon the Laymans Education and tootwo years of Christian Counseling aWord of Life Institute.

While in Europe Ms. Palacios wi

do training in the following topics:(1) From the Trail of Tears to the Traof Restoration(2) Equalizing Power through PopulaEducation(3) Sharing your Empowerment story

Seed House ~ CASA hosted 2 othe Fall 2013 Professional fellowRobert Bekefi from Hungary and ElenCarbunaru from Romania.

helping children that are in the statecustody. She is currently volunteeringfor Harbor House, a shelter for victimsof Domestic violence. Each organiza-tion that Ms. Palacios has been in-volved with requires intensive training

www.sunfloweract.org

Sunflower Community Action(Sunflower) is a Kansas-wide, non-profit, grassroots organization, whosemission is to unite and empower peopleto achieve justice and equality for all,

changing lives by developing grassrootsleaders who identify problems and seeklasting solutions.

Sunflower members build power bytaking action and holding decision-makers accountable. Sunflower membersare brown and black and white, youngand old, and have low to moderate in-comes. They are recent immigrants andfamilies who have lived in Kansas forgenerations. Sunflower brings a varietyof issues that concern them. Togetherthey take action for racial and economic

The Seed House - La CASA de LSemilla (Seed House) corporation created in 2011 is classified as an educational organization. Seed House holdresidential workshops and educationatraining sessions in both field settingand in its location based in Wichit

Kansas. By facilitating workshops, SeeHouse brings people from local communities facing specific struggles togetheThrough the arts, education circles anlearning to live sustainably, people wifigure out how best to move forward isolving their problems.

The mission of Seed House is tcreate an arena for established anemerging community leaders to groand develop in their capacity to brin

justice, equality and sustainabilitthrough collective action.

equity, fair lending, and justice for immi-grants, civic engagement, worker justice,better public education, and more livableneighborhoods. Sunflower guiding prin-ciples based on every person counts. To-gether ordinary people can overcomefinancial oppression and racial discrimi-

nation if our action is strategic and per-sistent.Sunflower believes that everyone

should have human rights, includingfood, shelter, medical care, education,and a job; families should be respectedand supported; power should serve thepeople it affects; all people are entitled toparticipate fully in civic life; the com-mon good is more important than privi-lege for a few; the earth should be keptlivable for future generations.



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Zachary ChasnoffSaint Louis, MissouriE-mail: [email protected]

Zachary (Zach) Chasnoff is aCommunity Organizer at MissouriansOrganizing for Reform and Empower-

ment (MORE) a powerful organizationof low- and moderate-income people inSt. Louis. As a professional organizerMr. Chasnoff is interested in housingand fighting corporate power. He puttogether the first ever defense of ahome facing foreclosure eviction in St.Louis. He were successful in prevent-ing the eviction for over a month. Hehelped pass legislation that requiredmediation between banks and home-owners facing foreclosure.

Mr. Chasnoff has led a campaignto implement participatory budgetingin St. Louis. He has won implementa-tion on this campaign in the citys 6thWard; city wide implementation is ex-pected to pass for next years budget.

As a volunteer Mr. Chasnoff hasorganized several local endeavors. Hehas used his connections as a musicianto organize a variety of benefit con-certs, including those for the WestMemphis Threes legal defense fund

and the organization Food NotBombs. Most recently, Mr. Chasnoffput together Beats For Eats, a con-cert to benefit Operation Food Search.Beats For Eats inaugural show tookplace October 1st, 2010, the secondconcert took place in the Fall 2012.Concerts are planned to continue annu-ally. During Spring 2012 Mr. Chasnoffhelped organize Occupy the Mid-west, the first regional gathering ofOccupiers from different cities all

around the Midwest.

Over 500 people took part in Oc-cupy The Midwest.

Mr. Chasnoff works incrediblyhard and demonstrates the rigor neces-sary for true base building, knockingdoors every night when necessary. Healso has intrinsic tendencies of leadingfrom behind, and letting others deter-mine the path forward for the group,important skills to illustrate foryounger organizers.

Additionally, Mr. Chasnoff doethoughtful and effective leadershidevelopment, taking volunteerthrough the leadership ladder of engagement. His approach to leadershidevelopment is to challenge volunteerand to debrief thoroughly after diffe

ent tasks to create teaching moments.While in Europe Mr. Chasnowill do training in the following topics(1) Direct Action: Planning and execution from banner drops to lockindown(2) Home Defense: standing up to bibanks/ housing as a human right(3) Participatory Budgeting: democratizing money

Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MOREhosted two Spring 2013 ProfessionaFellows: Monika Vaskovicova fromSlovakia and Delyana Mihneva fromBulgaria.

www.organizemo.org

Missourians Organizing for Re-form and Empowerment (MORE)seeks to be a powerful organization oflow- and moderate-income peoplebuilding power in our communities.MORE is part of several national andlocal networks, including Leadership

unabated expansion and the gap between the rich and the poor widenthere has never been a better time foour low-income communities to comtogether and fight back. MORE striveto transcend divisions of class, age anrace as they envision and build thmore just, sustainable world in whicpeople would like to live.

Center for the Common Good, RisingTide North America, Right to the City,Missouri Jobs with Justice and Mis-souri Organizing Collaborative. MOREleaders and activists believe that Mis-souri is positioned at a unique intersec-tion of social, economic, climate, andenvironmental injustice. They believethat as corporate power continues its



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*Itinerary as of February 8, 2014 subject to change without further notice

The 3rd US Mentors Delegation in Europe (February 6 - 28, 2014) Page 1

ITINERARY *

Thursday, February 68 Mentors depart from different destina-tions of the U.S. to Budapest, HungaryNote: Quanisha Smith will leave the U.S.on February 14 for a 2-week program

Friday, February 7

Budapest, HungaryArrival in Budapest Ferihegy airport indi-vidually and take an airport shuttle di-rectly to the hotel.Check-in to hotel for 3 nights;Afternoon: Meeting with ElizabethBalint, GLC Project Manager and AnitaVodal, Spring 2013 Alumni; Overview ofBudapest program;Evening: Orientation dinner with local

alumni

Saturday February 8

Budapest8:00-11:00AM: Hotel meeting room -Orientation to Hungary and workshoppreparations;11:00AM-1:00PM:Sightseeing; Lunch1:30-3:30PM:Review Workfare Move-ment for the Future

Meeting with:Balint Vojtonovszki, com-munity organizer and Fall 2012 Alumni4:30-7:00PM: Introduction to commu-

nity organizing for Roma students of theCentral European University organizedby Dzhevid Mahmoud alum us at CEUand Spring 2013 Alumni7:30PM:Dinner with local alumni; Learnmore about their activities.

Sunday, February 9

Budapest8:00-10:30AM: Hotel meeting room:Orientation continues with preparationfor the European activities

11:00-1:00AM: Discussion with mem-bers of the Kozert Association abouttheir community development and educa-tional work with Roma youth/Roma com-munities1:30-2:30PM: Authentic Roma lunch atRomani Platni a community-based initia-tive2:30-6:00PM:Sightseeing4:00PM: Visit Kugler Art Salon withgypsy fine and folk arts

6:30-8:00PM:(Optional) Sightseeing onthe Danube River on the Legenda boat(for these who participate: be 20 minutesearly at the boat station)8:00PM:Dinner in the City

Monday, February 10

Budapest & Travel dayEarly Morning:Check out from hotel inBudapest;Group A Slovakia: Justin Terrell, ZachChasnoff, Saskia Harak, Leah Torrey,

Jim Picchetti and Elizabeth Balint

8:15AM:Depart from the hotel9:00-11:00AM:Meeting at the Ministryof Human Resources, Dep. Of SocialInclusion with Dr. Laszlo Ulicska, Head

of the Department, and Jozsef Angyal,Fall 2013 Alumnus11:00AM-12:00Noon:Early lunch1:00PM: Travel to Bratislava, Slovakia(by van or train depending the weather)

See separate schedule for Group A:Slovakia February 10-19(page 13)

Contact person: Veronika Strelcova,GLC Country Director for Slovakia andSpring 2012 Alumni.

Group B Romania:Neil Sealy, EmiraPalacios, Kara Bender

6:00AM: Depart from the hotel andtravel to Ferihegy airport and fly to Bu-charest, Romania7:10AM: Check-in at the airport

See separate schedule for Group BRomania February 10-20 (page 14)

Contact person: Nicoleta Chirita, GLCCountry Director for Romania

*******

Saturday February 15

Bratislava & Banska Bystrica,

Slovakia / Szeged, Hungary10:00AM:Jim Picchetti is leaving Brati-slava to Vienna airport to fly to Bucha-rest, Romania;2:15PM:Quanisha Smith arrival to Bu-charest, Romania;5:00PM:for Elizabeth Balint - travelingback from Bratislava, Slovakia to Buda-pest, Hungary;For Leah Torrey - traveling from Brati-slava, Slovakia directly to Szeged, Hun-

gary; Check-in to hotel for 5 nights5:45PM:Jim Picchetti arrival to Bucharest, Romania;Elizabeth Balint and Saskia Harak wi

join in Szeged for February 19 and 20;

Justin Terrell, Zach Chasnoff and SaskiHarak will travel to Banska BystricSlovakia for 3 more nights.

* * * * * * *

February 16-2

Subgroup 1: Trip to SzegeUS Mentors: Leah Torrey, Saski

Harak, Elizabeth Balint

Organizer of the Szeged program: An

drea Tajti, Fall 2013 PFP alumni

Cell: +36-30760-0452

Sunday, February 19:00AM: Orientation to Szeged program10:00AM: Visit the Calvary Chapel12:00Noon: Welcome lunch4:00PM: Meeting at the University oSzeged Ministry

Monday, February 110:00AM: Meeting at the Dartke anAgora offices12:00Noon: Working lunch14:00PM: Mentoring workshop for Pro

fessional Fellows Alumni from Szeged18:00PM: Working dinner

Tuesday, February 110:00AM: One day workshop with locchurch leaders about organizing13:00PM: Lunch14:00PM: Workshop continues18:00PM: Dinner

Wednesday, February 17:30AM: forSaskia Harak and ElizabetBalint - traveling from Budapest tSzeged by train;Leah Torrey and Andrea Tajti (Fall 201Alumni) will wait at the train station;Drive together to Szeged City Hall.10:30AM: Meeting with Dr. Tibor PappInternational Relations Officer of thCity of Szeged11:00AM: Visit the University of Szegewith Ilona Ujszaszi, Director of MediCenter and Journalist


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ITINERARY *

2:00PM: Lunch3:00PM: Visit a Senior Center in Szegedand discussion on community organizingin the senior community4:30PM: Youth organizing training for

Catholic Roma College7:30PM: Dinner in the Tiszavirag

Thursday, February 2010:00AM: Meeting at the Saint AgotaFoundation which provides social ser-vices;Discussion on community organizing12:00Noon: Lunch13:00PM: Afternoon activitiesFor Leah Torrey - discussion on youthorganizing at IdeaTree Youth Community

CenterFor Saskia Harak, Elizabeth Balint - visitAlgyo and Retirement home;Discussion on community organizingwith seniors5:00PM: Program evaluation and plansfor follow on activities6:00PM: Travel back Budapest by train

* * * * * * *Tuesday, February 18

3:52PM: for Saskia Harak - take the trainfrom Bratislava, Slovakia to Budapest,

Hungary; Elizabeth Balint will meet herin Budapest and check-in to hotel in Bu-dapest for 1 night;8:00PM: for Justin Terrell and ZachChasnoff - traveling to Vienna, Austriaand stay overnight at an airport hotel

Wednesday February 19

Bucharest / Vienna / SofiaFor Neil Sealy and Emira Palacios - fly-ing out from Bucharest to Sofia, BulgariaFor Zach Chasnoff and Justin Terrell -flying out from Vienna, Austria and ar-rive in Sofia, Bulgaria; Emil Metodiev,Spring 2012 Alumni will meet with themin Sofia, Bulgaria

See separate schedule for Group CBulgaria February 19-25 (page 15)

Contact person: Emil Metodiev, GLCCountry Director for Bulgaria

Thursday February 20

Travel dayFor Quanisha Smith, Kara Bender, JimPicchetti - flying out from Bucharest,

Romania to Budapest, Hungary andcheck-in to hotel for 1 night;For Leah Torrey and Saskia Harak -return from Szeged to Budapest andcheck-in to hotel for 1 night

* * * * * * *

February 21-24, 2014

Subgroup 2: Trip to Debrecen,

HungaryUS Mentors: Jim Picchetti, Quanisha

Smith, Kara Bender, Saskia Harak,

Leah Torrey and Elizabeth Balint

Organizer of the Debrecen program:

Annamaria Kovacs, Fall 2013 PFPalumni

Cell: +3670 3747 685

Friday, February 218:00AM:Depart to Debrecen12:00Noon-3:00PM: Check-in to hotelNemethy Panzio for 4 nights; Lunchwith Annamaria Kovacs and orientation3:30PM:Driving to Hajduhadhaz.Visit the Youth Film Club and meetingwith the youth group;Afternoon/Evening: (Tentative) TheBlack History Month Celebration: Pres-entation by Quanisha Smith at theAmerican Corner of Debrecen

Saturday, February 229:00AM-12:00Noon:Sightseeing in De-brecen12:00Noon-2:00PM:Lunch2:00-6:00PM: Travel to Berettyoujfaluand visit the Civic Village7:00PM:Dinner

Sunday, February 239:00AM-12:00Noon:Sightseeing in De-brecen12:00Noon -2:00PM:Lunch2:00-6:00PM:Meeting with young peo-ple and learn about the Sub.hu and OperaAssociations project: Waves of Youthin Central Europe7:00PM:Dinner

Monday February 248:00AM:Check out of hotel9:00AM-12:00Noon: One-day commu-nity organizing training at Eletfa Egye-sulet /LifeTree Association;12:00Noon:Lunch at Flaska restaurant

2:00-5:00PM:Training continues7:00PM:Farewell dinnerEvening: Evaluation of the Debreceprogram; plans for follow on activities

* * * * * * *Tuesday February 2

Budape8:00AM-12:00Noon: Delegation fromDebrecen returns to Budapest; Check-ito hotel for 3 nights.Afternoon:Free time5:00PM: (Tentative) Celebration oBlack History Month - presentation bQuanisha Smith in Budapest6:00PM: Delegation from Bulgaria returns to Budapest and check in to hotel

7:00PM: Joint Dinner with all 9 Udelegation members and ElizabetBalint; program assessment; discussioof the remaining schedule

Wednesday February 2

Budapest, Hungar8:00-10:00AM: Hotel conference roomReport on the experience and accomplishments in each country11:00AM-12:30PM: Lepjunk, HogLephessenek Association (Parents okids with disabilities)

12:30-1:30PM:Lunch2:00-6:30PM:Visit Community Organizers Learning Circle at the Civil CollegFoundation organized by Mate VargGLC Country Director for HungaryPresident of CCF

Thursday February 2

Budape9:00AM-12:00Noon: Hotel meetinroom: Program evaluation & discussioof the follow on activities12:00Noon -1:30PM:Lunch2:00-3:00PM: Meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest3:00-7:00PM:Free time7:00PM: Farewell Dinner with alumnand program partners

Friday February 2

Budape3:00-4:00AM:Early departure to Budapest Ferihegy airport to return to the U.S

Have a save trip home!


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*Itinerary as of January 20, 2014 subject to change without further notice

Monday, February 10

Bratislava1:25PM: Departure from Budapest4:07PM: Arriving to the train station inBratislava, pick up by Veronica StrelcovaCeck-in to hotel for 5 nights6:00PM: Orientation meeting and dinnerwith Slovak alumni Veronika Strelcova,and Zuzana Bargerova (Spring 2012Alumni), Boba Baluchova and RomanKollarik (Fall 2013 Alumni)

Tuesday, February 11

Bratislava10:00AM: Sightseeing of Slovak CapitalCity with Veronika Strelcova and BobaBaluchova12:00Noon: Training preparations - Roundtable and individual debates with alumnion how to prepare details for trainings andlunch1:00PM: Visit at the U.S. Embassy3:00PM: Workshop on communityorganizing for journalists that coverminority topics organized by BobaBaluchova

Wednesday, February 12

BratislavaWhole day training at the Queers Centrumto discuss LGBTQ organizing arranged byRoman Kollarik

Thuersday, February 13

Bratislava10:00AM-12:00Noon: Training forcoordinators of homeless organizations atCharita arranged by Boba Baluchova12:00-2:00PM: Lunch2:00PM: Training for Migrants in CulturalCenter Dunaj arranged by ZuzanaBargerova4:00PM: Meeting at Utopia with RomanKollarik and discuss participatorybudgeting experience

ITINERARY *

Friday, February 14

Valentine day in Bratislava8:00AM: Depurture from hotel withVeronika Strelcova and Boba Baluchova10:00AM: Visit shelter workshopsJakubov with Boba Baluchova; contactperson Steffi Novakova;1:00PM: Valentine day lunch with peoplefrom shelter2:00-4:00PM: Visit Nota Bene -counselling and training for homeless andsocial workers with Boba Baluchovacontact: Ivan Lorenc7:00PM: Food not Guns - street workexperience field experience with RomanKollarik

Saturday, February 15

BratislavaCheck-out of hotel9:00AM: Jim Picchetti leaving to ViennaAirport (Austria) by bus.For other US Mentors - morning mentoringwith alumni12:00Noon: Joint lunch and getting knoweach other1:00-5:00PM: Participate in LearningCircle 3 with Slovak alumni and othercommunity organizers arranged byVeronika Strelcova5:00PM: DinnerFor Leah Torrey, Elizabeth Balint - leavingto Budapest, Hungary7:00PM: For Zach Chasnoff, SaskiaHarak, Justin Terrell - travel to BanskaBystrica.

10:00PM: Check in to hotel in BanskaBystrica for 3 nights

Sunday, February 16

Banska BystricaMorning: Meet with several alumni;(Optional) Chuch or sightseeing;Afternoon: Sightseeing (visit church inHronsek which was built without any nail,and Banska Stiavnica old mining town) orwellness and spa program

Evening: Cultural program

Monday, February 1

Hnust9:00AM: Departure to Hnusta with MaroChmelik and Monika VaskovicovMeetings at Agency for Development oGemer Region4:00PM: Travel back to Banska Bystrica6:00PM: Dinner

Tuesday, February 1

Trnava/BratislavCheck-out of hotel in Banska Bystrica8:00AM: Travel to Trnava; meeting witMartin Klus (Spring 2013 Alumni) anGabriela Mezeiova (Fall 2013 Alumni)10:00AM: Sightseeing in the historical paof Trnava12:00AM: Lunch and discussions witPh.D. students at the University of SCyril and Methodius1:25-3:00PM: Black History MontCelebration with students of Public Policpresentation by Justin TerrellDeparture from Trnava to BratislavaFor Saskia Harak3:53PM: Leaving to Budapest (Hungaryby train from BratislavaFor Zach Chasnoff and Justin Terrell5:00PM: Black History Month Celebratiocontinues at the Faculty of Social anEconomic Sciences (FSES) of thComenius University in Bratislavpresentation by Justin Terrell8:00PM: Departure to Vienna airpo

(Austria); Check-in for one night at aairport area hotel.

Friday, February 1

Schwechat/Austri

For Zach Chasnoff and Justin Terrell10:05AM: Depurture from Vienna airpoto fly to Sofia, Bulgaria

GROUP A: Slovakia (February 10 - 19)Zach Chasnoff, Saskia Harak, Justin Terrell

Only between February 10-15: Jim Picchetti, Leah Torrey, Elizabeth Balint

Organizer: Veronika Strelcova, Country Director for Slovakia, Alumna of Spring 2012 PFPCell phone: +421 908 278 622


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Monday, February 10

Bucharest11:25AM: Arrival in Bucharest of NeilSealy, Emira Palacios and Kara Bender;Check-in to hotel1:30-3:00PM: Lunch3:00-6:30PM: Welcome, orientation atCeRes offices7:00PM:Dinner in the City Center

Tuesday, February 119:30AM: Depart to CeRes offices10:00-11:00AM: Overview on CitizenParticipation in Romania by NicoletaChirita:11:00AM-12:00Noon: Overview onRoma history and the Roma situation inRomania12:00-1:00PM:Community Organizingin Romania by Ioana Petrache (Spring2013 PFP alumna) and Iustina Neagu,Fall 2013 PFP Alumna1:00-2:30PM: Lunch at Don Taco

restaurant2:30-4:30PM:Presentations of the U.S.Mentorsorganizations4:30-6:30PM: Visit the Roma Museumwith Elena Carbunaru, Fall 2013 PFPAlumna7:30PM:Dinner at Energiea restaurant.

Wednesday, February 129:00AM:Depart to training location10:00AM-5:00PM:Introductory trainingin Community Organizing7:00PM:Dinner at the hotel

Thursday, February 1310:30AM: Depart to meeting location11:30AM-1:00PM: Visit House of theJournalist arranged by Laura Stefanut,Fall 2013 PFP Alumna1:00-2:30PM:Lunch2:30-6:00PM: Workshop for journalistson community organizing7.30PM:Dinner in the City Center

ITINERARY *

Friday, February 14

Bucharest10:00AM: Depart to CeRe offices10:30AM-1:00PM:Advanced workshopfor Community Organizers1:00- 2:30PM:Lunch2:30-4:00PM:Advanced workshop con-tinues; mentoring and consulting5:00-6:30PM: Visit the Policy Centerfor Roma and minorities; meeting withmothers from the Club, arranged by

Raluca Negulescu, Spring 2013 PFPAlumna8:00PM:Dinner and time for rest

Saturday, February 15

Bucharest / BrasovMorning:Trip to Brasov by car for NeilSealy, Emira Palacios, Kara Bender tovisit Mihaela Carstea, Spring 2012 PFPAlumna Sightseeing & discussion onlocal organizing activitiesCheck-in to hotel for 1 night

For Quanisha Smith, Jim Picchetti - arri-val in Bucharest2:15PM:Quanisha Smith from Hungary5:45PM:Jim Picchetti from SlovakiaPick-up from Otopeni airport; drive toBucharest; check-in to the hotel.Evening:open, time to rest

Sunday, February 16

Brasov / BucharestMorning: check-out from hotel in Bra-sov for Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios, KaraBender; travel back and check-in to the

hotel in Bucharest;Join Quanisha Smith and Jim Picchetti atthe hotel1:00-3:00PM:Lunch for whole group3:00-6:00PM: Introductions for JimPicchetti and Quanisha Smith;Program assessment, debriefing fromprevious days.7:00PM:Dinner

Monday, February 1

Buchare10:00AM: Depart from hotel11:00AM-1:00PM:(Tentative)for Quanisha Smith - Black HistorMonth Celebration, Presentation at thU.S. Embassyfor others US Mentors - Visit otheNGOs1:00-3:00PM:Lunch3:00-6:00PM: Workshop on Coalitio

Building7:00PM:Dinner

Tuesday, February 19:00 AM: Depart from the hotel10:00AM-5:00PM: Visit a RomneighborhoodWorkshop for NGOs that are servicproviders and interested o learn aboucommunity organizing arranged bRaluca NegulescuProgram Evaluation in Romania & plan

ning of follow on activities7:00PM: Farewell Dinner

Wednesday, February 1For Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios: Earlmorning check-out of hotel and drive tairport8:05AM:- Departure from the airport tSofia, BulgariaFor the rest of the group: Culturasightseeing; Visit to museums5:00-7:00PM: Visit one of thneighbourhoods where CeRe is doin

community organizing; Discussion witthe leaders.8:00PM:Dinner

Thursday, February 28:00AM: Jim Picchetti departure to flback to Budapest, Hungary1:45PM: Quanisha Smith and KarBender fly back to Budapest, Hungary

GROUP B: Romania (February 10 - 20)Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios: February 10-19

Kara Bender: February 10-20

Jim Picchetti and Quanisha Smith: February 15-20

Organized by Nicoleta Chirita, Country Director for Romania; Cell phone: +40734295289



15/16

ITINERARY *



Wednesday, February 19

SofiaArrival in 2 groups:Group A (from Romania): EmiraPalacios and Neil Sealy9:20AM:Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria

Group B (from Slovakia): ZachChasnoff and Justin Terrell12:40PM:Arrival in Sofia, BulgariaPick up at the airport by Emil Metodievor Vladislav Petkov (Fall 2013 alumnus)

and drive to hotel, and check-in for 2nightsAfternoon: Learn about CEGA Founda-tion explore the foundation activitiesand projects focusing on minority issues.Mentoring time for Vladislav PetkovEvening: Welcome dinner and meetingwith PFP alumni - non-formal learningon alumnis achievements, experienceand outcomes.

Meeting with: Emil Metodiev, VladislavPetkov, Ognyan Isaev, Peter Lazarov,Miglena Yordanova, Hristo Angelichin,

Shaban Darakchiev

Thursday, February 20

Vratsa10:00AM-12:00Noon:Drive to Vratsa

Meeting with:Kalina Hristova, Fall 2013Alumna1:30-3:00PM: Visit the NationalAssociation of Resource TeachersBulgaria (NARTB) - Kalinas work-place; and learn about NARTB mainactivities;

Visit school and meet teachers fromNARTB who works with children withSpecial Needs (SN);Mentoring time for Kalina Hristova5:00-7:00PM:Drive back to Sofia

Friday, February 21Plovdiv

09:00-11:00AM:Drive to Plovdiv;11:00AM-1:00PM:Site visit; Mentoringopportunity for Delyana Mihneva,

Spring 2013 Alumna1:00-2:30PM: Lunch in the Old Townand check in to hotel for 1 night2:30-4:30PM:Visit Roma Organizationin the biggest Roma neighborhoodStolipinovo;

Meeting with: youth volunteers fromRoma community.5:00-7:00PM: Sightseeing and exploreBulgarian culture7:30PM:Dinner

Saturday, February 22Sofia

10:00AM-12:00Noon: Drive back toSofia, check-in to hotel for 2 nights1:00-5:00PM:Sightseeing in SofiaEvening:free time

Sunday, February 23

SofiaTraining on Community Organizing forthe Learning Circle10:00-11:30AM:Presentations by EmiraPalacios and Neil Sealy

- Equalizing Power through PopularE d u c a t i o n & Sh a r i n g y o u rEmpowerment story (methods)- Getting people to become involved incivic engagement activities11:30AM-12:30Noon:Coffee break andDiscussion on the presentations.12:30-1:30PM:Lunch1:30-3:00PM: Presentation by ZacharyChasnoff and Emira Palacios- Direct Action: Planning and executionfrom banner drops to locking down

3:00-3:30PM:Coffee break3:30-5:00PM:Celebrating Black HistoryMonth: Presentation by and discussionwith Justin Terrell:An overview ofheroes in the Black CommunityWhile the Learning Circle in the morn-ing only includes alumni and representa-tives of other organization involved inthe newly established center for civicparticipation/community organizing, theafternoon presentation is open to the

public.7:00PM: Dinner

Monday, February 2

Sofi10:00AM-12:00Noon:(Tentative) Meeing with the U.S. Embassy representatives.1:00-3:00PM: Meeting and mentorinwith Hristo Angelichin, Fall 2013 Alumnus at the municipality of Sofia.

Learning on how the local governmen

works and its relation with the community organizations.3:00-4:00PM: Coffee break4:00-5:00PM: Evaluation of the Bugaria program, discussion on follow oactivitiesEvening: Dinner; free time

Tuesday, February 2

Travel day to BudapesMorning: Travel to the airport in groups; check-in at the airport 2 hourbefore scheduled departure time;

Group 1:Emira Palacios and Neil Sealy9:50AM:Departure from Sofia10:55AM:Arrival in Budapest, HungarAfternoon: Join the rest of the U.S. mentors and (tentative) participate in thBlack History Month Celebration at thAmerican Corner in Budapest, presentation by Quanisha Smith

Group 2: Justin Terrell and ZacChasnoff1:10PM:Departure from Sofia

4:30PM: Arriving in Budapest, Hungary;For both group - travel from airport drectly to the hotel on your own with aairport shuttle7:30PM: (Tentative) Meeting witElizabeth Balint and other Alumni at thhotel for joint dinner; report on the Bugarian program.

GROUP C: Bulgaria (February 19 - 25)Justin Terrell, Emira Palacios, Zach Chasnoff and Neil Sealy

Organizer: Emil Metodiev, Country Director and Spring 2012 PFP alumnus


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Thank you to the 9 U.S. Mentors for sharing their time and experiencesto make this program a success!

Many Thanks To the U.S. Hosting Organizations and U.S. Mentorsfor providing internships for the Fall 2013 Professional Fellow Delegation

OUR SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO:

David Gustafson, U.S. State Department Program Officer, and allcolleagues at the U.S. Embassies in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia!

GLC Country Directors:Emil Metodiev, Mate Varga, Nicoleta Chirita, Veronika Strelcova!

All Alumni and Partners in Europe:Balint Vojtonovszki, Annamaria Kovacs, Andrea Tajti, Anita Vodal, Dzhevid Mahmoud,

Boba Baluchova, Roman Kollarik, Zuzana Bargerova, Gabriela Mezeiova, Maros Chmelik,Monika Vaskovicova, Elena Carbunaru, Iona Petrache, Iustina Neagu, Raluca Negulescu,Mihaela Carstea, Oana Botezan, Vladislav Petkov, Hristo Angelichin, Shaban Darakchiev,

Peter Lazarov, Kalina Vulova, Delyana Mihneva and many others!

Thank you for all your help in organizing the U.S. Mentor delegations visit toBulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia in February 2014!

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