U.S. State Delegation Studies Diversity During Africa Study Tour
In September 2006, a delegation of three legislators and legislative staff from the States of Illinois, New York and Washington travelled to Africa for a 10-day study tour to West Africa as part of the final activity of the "Representing Diversity" program. Niamey, the capital of Niger, was the first stop, and Dakar, the capital of Senegal, was the second. During the tour, the delegation met with leaders in the Parliament and numerous civil society groups in both capitals. Discussions revolved around the variety of ethnic, religious, and other groups present in Nigerien and Senegalese society, and how Parliament could and does work to ensure that diverse points of view are taken into account in the legislative process. The delegation was impressed with the efforts of the various groups to understand and reconcile diversity, and shared many examples from their own experience in U.S. State legislatures regarding constituent outreach, the role of a legislator, and the legislative process.
The delegation members learned much from their visit and found the meetings interesting and highly informative. Convenings such as the forum held at the American Cultural Center in Niger also helped bring together legislators and civic leaders who previously had had no connections, increasing mutual understanding and respect in ways that will make the parliaments more in touch with their constituencies.
Below is a photo of the delegation visiting the national museum/zoo of Niger.
 Africa & Middle East Programs
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