2007 National Programmers Workshop a Success

Record Number of Participants in Attendance

by Will Shafroth, NCIV Intern

The conference center was brimming with participants for the 2007 National Programmers Workshop as Sherry Mueller introduced Stephen Moseley, president and CEO, Academy of Educational Development, and Brad Minnick, director, Office of International Visitors, U.S. Department of State, during the program’s opening plenary. The workshop, held on November 29, 2007, at the Academy of Educational Development Conference Center in Washington, D.C., attracted record attendance with over 190 participants. Representatives hailed from National Program Agencies (NPAs) and the U.S. Department of State as well as several CIVs from around the nation.

Held annually, the event’s goals are to provide an opportunity for participants to share their best practices in programming, strengthen the International Visitor programming skills, further the understanding of U.S. foreign policy, U.S. public diplomacy, and the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and improve the lines of communication among NPAs and U.S. Department of State IVLP programmers. The workshop’s concurrent sessions addressed these goals with topics such as “Who is Who—Roles and Responsibilities of Program Officers: Timeline and Logistics of an IVLP Program,” “Hot Spots and Tough Topics—Programming and Best Practices for Special Projects,” and “Two Week Programs: Overcoming the Planning Challenge.” The sessions contributed to the overall objective of the workshop - helping participants reaffirm their dedication to the shared mission of preparing the highest quality programs for participants on the IVLP.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the screening of a four-minute film entitled, “I Am America.” During his welcoming remarks, Brad Minnick, participating in his first National Programmers Workshop in his new role as director of the Office of International Visitors for the U.S. Department of State, took time to show the new film. “I Am America” was a gift to the U.S. Department of State from the nonprofit organization Business for Diplomatic Action. The film showed the diversity, beauty, and friendliness of the U.S., with citizens from all across the country greeting visitors from abroad with a hospitable and enthusiastic “Welcome!” The film is expected to screen in embassies and consulates in an effort to better the image of the United States to others across the world. After the film, participants in this year’s workshop were treated to a presentation by guest speaker Jeremy Mayer, associate professor and director of the Master’s of Public Policy Program at George Mason University School of Public Policy. Mayer discussed the upcoming presidential election, combining insights from his recent research with an abundance of political humor.

As the workshop came to end, participants gathered in the conference center for the event’s closing session. The session was held to evaluate the IVLP program and its effectiveness, as well as to determine the winners of the group quizzes during lunch and to give out raffle prizes. The closing session was a good ending to a productive day, and program evaluations declared the workshop a great success.

Speaker Jeremy Mayer,           Mr. Christopher McShane

associate professor at             and Ms. Ava Smith, Office of

George Mason School              International Visitors,

University School of Public,      U.S. Department of State,

Policy, and Eurica                   are all smiles in between

Huggins-Axum,                       sessions

NCIV Board Member                    

Academy for Educational          Participants interacting during

facilities provides for               one of many lively concurrent

a generial ambiance                sessions