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The third year of the Legislative Education and Practice Follow-on Program (LEAP) is well underway. This year, eight Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) alumni were selected to participate in the program: four representing Russia, three from Georgia, and one from Ukraine. These fellows were placed with state hosts for the duration of the program. The program is providing these individuals with the unique opportunity to build upon the solid foundation of American democratic values and ideals established during their exchange in the U.S. It is an especially interesting time for the fellowships, as the participants have an unique opportunity to observe the U.S. political process in action, given the 2008 Presidential Elections are underway.
The program kicked off with an orientation session in Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, MD, which provided a thorough introduction to the U.S. political process. Afterwards, the participants commenced their fellowships at the state legislatures in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, and Tennessee. The fellows will also be attending NCSL's Spring Forum in Washington, D.C., at the end of April.
In addition to their work at the legislatures, the participants are required to perform a set number of hours of community service and attend a class at a university. Likewise, the fellows are encouraged to participate in workshops, group projects, or other activities which will enhance their experience here in the U.S. Upon their return to their home countries, the fellows will have the opportunity to administer projects and conduct workshops in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy and U.S. government contractors working in the regions.
During the past two years, LEAP fellows had various opportunities in their placements. They researched policy issues, attended meetings, helped draft legislation, and served constituent needs. Fellows reported that their fellowships opened their eyes to the responsibility of government and its role in a democratic society, vis-à-vis the citizenry. NCSL staff are confident the experiences of the present fellows will prove to contain the same opportunities.
Updated February 28, 2008
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