Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

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

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 WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc. as Contract Agent and Manager received a grant for a two-way exchange between September 2012 and August 2014 from the U.S. Department of State for the Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities. The overall goal of this exchange is to provide a professional development opportunity for up -and-coming and mid-level professionals to gain knowledge of the U.S. practices in citizen participation and advocacy, engaging minorities, and marginalized populations in civil society and politics, collaborating with community leaders to inform changes in legislation that make a difference in minority communities (incl. Roma, disabled, homeless) GREAT LAKES CONSORTIUM and building grassroots democracy.
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 Community Action 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 352424 Toledo, OH 43635 Phone: 419-973-8007 Email: GLC_teachdemocracy2@hotmail.com Website: www.GLC-Teachdemocracy2.org www.gl-consortium.org Find us on

January 2014

week professional fellows program. Participants prepared 6-9 month individual and group Action Plans for follow on activities. They had various opportunities to experience the American family life and the diversity in the U.S. through staying with American host families during their internship. As part of the exchange U.S. mentors have opportunities for a reciprocal travel to Europe to share professional expertise and gain a deeper understanding of the societies, cultures and people of other countries. This citizen civic exchange promotes mutual understanding, create long-term professional ties, enhance the collaboration between GLC and its partners. The first Out-Bound delegation with 8 U.S. mentors visited Europe between June 19-July 17, 2013, the second group included two U.S. mentors between August 29-September 21, 2013). Members of the U.S. delegation previously hosted, trained, worked with the European fellows while they were in the U.S. The next delegation of 9 U.S. mentors with Elizabeth Balint GLC Project Manager will travel to Europe between February 7-28, 2014. During the 3-week program Americans will work with the European alumni in providing workshops, assist with consulting and mentoring. They will be involved in field experience and learn about minority issues and gain cultural experience in Europe. Home hospitality will be also included for the Americans so they can gain a better understanding on living conditions, family life, traditions etc. in Europe. This program is a collaboration between GLC and its overseas partners: CEGA in Bulgaria, Civil College Foundation in Hungary, CeRe in Romania and Center for Community Organizing in Slovakia as well as the European Community Organizing Network (ECON) and many U.S. partner organizations from 16 states involved in joint programs, the tailored internships, and follow up mentoring activities. THANK YOU TO ALL!

European participants were exposed to diverse community organizing methods for citizens in solving problems in their own communities and gain hands-on experience at both public and civil society institutions in the U.S. and a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture and people. They had opportunities to examine the relationship between civil society and government and learn U.S. practices on transparency and accountability. Through internship placements at national, state or local organizations across the U.S. they gained knowledge and experience as well as adaptable approaches that they could implement after their return.

The first delegation with a total of 19 fellows from Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia visited the U.S. from April 1 May 11, 2013. In the second delegation from September 29-November 9, 2013 included 18 European fellows. They participated in group seminars, round-table discussions, site visits, and had interactions with United States leaders. A tailored 3-week internship with mentoring, multicultural events, and participation in volunteer activities as well as in the Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C. were also included in the 6-

Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

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

Justin Terrell Saint Paul, Minnesota

Emira Palacios Wichita, Kansas

Quanisha Smith Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Neil Sealy Little Rock, Arkansas

Leah Torrey Meriden, New Hampshire

Zachary Chasnoff Saint Louis, Missouri

Jim Picchetti Chicago, Illinois

Kara Bender Chicago, Illinois

Saskia Harak Chicago, Illinois

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of the Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Professional Fellows Division

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

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Justin Terrell
Saint Paul, Minnesota E-mail: justin@takeactionminnesota.org
Justin Terrell is a Program Manager for the Justice 4 All within TakeAction Minnesota nonprofit organization. He is a native to South Minneapolis with a strong commitment to justice. For over 10 years, Mr. Terrell has sought to serve his community by working or volunteering at a variety of non-profits and community organizations. As a Board Member for Minnesota Neighborhoods Organizing for Change and for Urban Homeworks, he works on issues related to housing, education and environmental justice. Mr. Terrell is a Mentor to a 16 year old young man at Minneapolis North Community High School, and is involved as a congregant at Sanctuary Covenant Church. Currently, as the Justice 4 All Program Manager, he is organizing to close Minnesotas worstin-the-nation racial jobs gap by reducing barriers to employment for people with criminal records. Recently, the Justice 4 All program helped pass statewide legislation that removed questions from employment applicaKevin Farmer (J4A) and Hristo Angelichin from Bulgaria participated in Target the Racial Jobs Gap movement lead by TakeAction MN in Minneapolis

tions that inquire about criminal records. This is the first step in installing statewide fair hiring practices that will help close Minnesotas racial jobs gap. Mr. Terrell has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the Bethel University (2002) and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Advocacy

and Political Leadership (2015). Mr. Terrell will be a speaker in celebrating the Black History Month in Bulgaria and Slovakia that is in plan to organize with the U.S. Embassies in these countries. While in Europe, Mr. Terrell will do training in following topics: (1) The New Jim Crow: a discussion on racism in America and how it has changed through our history; (2) Building Power: How TakeAction Minnesota is organizing for racial, economic and social justice, and (3) Black History: An overview of heroes in the Black Community TakeAction Minnesota hosted Hristo Angelichin, Fall 2013 Professional fellow from Bulgaria.

www.takeactionminnesota.org
TakeAction Minnesota (TAM) is a statewide network of people working to realize racial and economic equity across Minnesota. TAM do this by connecting people and organizations to each other, turning someones individual desire for change to pass a more progressive policy or law, to improve an institution, to change a harmful idea or perception into the broad public action that makes change happen

where it wasnt possible going it alone. TAM members want to make a difference on the issues that affect their own lives: to have access to health care when you need it; to earn enough to support your family with dignity; being given a second chance to build your future. But to be effective, TAM needs to connect with other people, and other organizations, who have the same vision. At TakeAction Minnesota, people come together to change Minnesota. They work together to win the changes

that help shape their lives for the better, beating the odds again and again. TAM does it with great people, and organizations, from communities across our state: With people, by people, and for people just like you. Justice 4 All (J4A) campaign is working to close Minnesotas worst-inthe-nation racial jobs gap. J4A educates policymakers and corporate employers, and creates real second chances for those who are caught up in the criminal justice system.

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Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

Quanisha Smith
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania E-mail: qsmith@actionunited.org
Quanisha M. Smith is CoExecutive Director of the ACTION United, Pennsylvanias largest community organization of low to moderate income families. She is locally recognized for her educational and community development work. Ms. Smith grew up in a public housing project in the South Bronx (New York City), and was it not for scholarships and educational opportunities in her community, she does not know where she would be today. Fueled by a passion to pave the way for children with similar backgrounds and for social change, Quanisha worked in youth development before she chose a career in community organizing around social & economic justice campaigns for ACORN. Ms. Smith is a University of Pennsylvania Alumni and holds a Bachelors Degree in the Science of Human Services from Springfield College where she learned to combine social change theory with practice. Currently, she is a candidate for a Masters Degree in Social Services with a concentration in Community Practice, Policy & Advocacy from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Ms. Smith has been a vital part of ACTION United's

organizational management. As a senior staff member, she translates her holistic view and experience with community organizing into easily understandable lessons for their staff and

members. She can articulate and teach this model of community organizing to others for effective implementation. Ms Smith will be a speaker in celebrating the Black History Month in Hungary and Romania that is in plan to organize with the U.S. Embassies in these countries. While in Europe she will do training in following topics: (1) Coalition Development, (2) Membership Recruitment & Leadership Development, (3) Organizational Capacity Building ACTION United hosted two Spring 2013 Professional fellows: Laszlo Jakab from Hungary and Ioana Petrache from Romania

www.actionunited.org
ACTION United (AU) is a statewide organization with offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. AU was formed in January, 2010 by former members of PA ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) and other concerned people in the state to advance the interests of low and moderate income families around Pennsylvania on the issues that are of critical importance: economic justice for low income and working families, fair lending practices and a real solution to the foreclosure crisis, good schools, clean air and a safe envi-

ronment, and quality affordable health care. Education is a major focus as part of a larger agenda of advocacy and organizing to build the power of lowand moderate-income citizens. Jobs, health care, social security, housing, and the environment are other issue areas. Action United is a membership organization of low and moderate income Pennsylvanians. 57,000 members are organized into 17 neighborhood chapters throughout the state currently concentrated in North, West, and Southwest Philadelphia, Germantown, and Delaware County. Chapters develop neighborhood action agendas

and participating in broader campaigns. One of the focal points for the chapters is organizing parents around improving neighborhood schools, including eleven Empowerment Schools, the designation for chronically lowachieving schools that are receiving additional support and scrutiny from the School District. Political action and lobbying are another big part of ACTION Uniteds work promoting a more collaborative, community-based vision of school transformation. AU is working to build power through organizing communities to win changes on the issues that are important to them.

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Neil Sealy
Little Rock, Arkansas E-mail: nsealy@arkansascomm.org
Neil Sealy is a Community Organizer in low-income, mostly AfricanAmerican neighborhoods in central and southeast Arkansas. He has been active in social justice organizing since the 1970s and began working in Arkansas in 1984. Mr. Sealy helped low-income Arkansans organize and carry out several issue campaigns that resulted in real wins for low wage workers such as community reinvestment agreements with local banks, expanded access to health coverage, laws that protect consumers from predatory lending and improved government services. Mr. Sealy has also organized and been active in several electoral campaigns including ballot initiatives that won reforms to Arkansas's campaign finance laws and a living wage for Pine Bluff city workers. He helped leaders in predominantly African-American neighborhoods develop ways to increase civic participation and representation in elections. In 2010 Mr. Sealy has worked with community members to form Arkansas Community Organizations, to focus on developing innovative ways to build strong organizations of working families. Since the 1980s he has organized successful leadership training programs for low-income citizens that helped to create a solid core of leaders

active in their community some of whom later successfully ran for local offices. Mr. Sealy has a Bachelors Degree of Arts in French Literature from the Duke University and a Masters De-

gree in Education from the Indiana University. Mr. Sealy has studied in France and Brazil. In 2006 he helped to lead week long training in civic engagement and organizing in Moscow, Russia. He has traveled to Italy, Belgium and Canada. While in Europe, Mr. Sealy will do training in the following topics: (1) Leadership training (2) Organizing an issue campaign (3) Getting people to become involved in civic engagement activities Arkansas Community Organization hosted two Fall 2013 fellows: Oana Botezan from Romania and Kalina Hristova Valova from Bulgaria.

Healthcare event at Moody Chapel AME Church with Neal Sealy, Kalina Hristova and Oana Botezan, and other leaders and members of ACO and Local 100, partner of ACO

www.arkansascomm.org
Arkansas Community Organization (ACO) is Arkansas largest grassroots organization. ACO aims to organize low-income and working families across the state to enable them to fight for social and economic justice. ACO is working to stop cuts to Social Security Benefits. ACO was officially incorporated on December 2009. In the past many ACO members were involved in suc-

cessful campaigns to increase the minimum wage and win living wage policies. ACO works with Health Care for America Now (HCAN), Community Catalyst and other networks to build support for health care reform in Arkansas. ACO also will make sure that non-profit hospitals carry out the new regulations on charity care in the Affordable Care Act. ACO has also collaborated with Arkansas Community Housing to enable low-income people in Pulaski and

Jefferson counties to receive affordable home mortgages and to improve their access to all types of credit. Community leaders in Little Rock and Pine Bluff wanted to make sure that an organization was in place to ensure that strong, grassroots organizing work continued in Arkansas. With few resources, ACO has already made a difference for low-income and working families in Arkansas: Dont wait for change to happen. Make the changes you want.

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Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

Leah Torrey
Meriden, New Hampshire E-mail:
unitedvalleyinterfaith@gmail.com Leah Torrey first began organizing in Wayland, Massachusetts with the Wayland Interfaith Clergy Association as an intern while studying at Harvard Divinity School. She received the Hopkins Shareholder award for her work with the Wayland Interfaith Clergy Association. Ms Torrey has a Masters Degree in Divinity from the Harvard Divinity School where she studied modern American religious movements. Ms. Torrey has a second Degree in Religion from the Oberlin College. After graduation from Divinity school, Ms. Torrey became Lead Organizer in Kern County, California with Faith In Action, an organizing project within the PICO network. There she worked to organize Mexican

migrant workers, and developed campaigns ranging from local parks and code compliance to healthcare and education. Ms. Torrey joined United Valley Interfaith Project (UVIP) in 2011 where has helped organize campaigns to fight predatory car-title lending, win fair working conditions and benefits for JC Penney workers, and defeat legislation harmful to New Hampshire families and working people. In addition to organizing full-time, she is a
to build a stronger region by deepening ties between their rural communities, developing the leadership skills of their members and tackling systemic issues which impede justice and a good quality of life for all residents. UVIP emerged from several congregations seeking to understand the extent of poverty and injustice in the region, and their frustration in tackling poverty and justice issues by themselves. From a loosely-knit group of congregations in 2003 to a formal organization in 2008, UVIP has become a

part-time Assistant Chaplain at the Dartmouth College where she works with students to explore issues of identity, service and faith. On Spring 2013 Ms. Torrey led a group of ten students on an alternative spring break to Washington, D.C. to work with service organizations on anti-poverty initiatives and explore faith-based service. In her spare time, Ms. Torrey has started an organic farm with her husband, Honey Locust Farm in Bradford, Vermont. Ms. Torrey has experience travelling in England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Spain and France, as well as to Peru. While in Europe she will do training in the following topics: (1) The Organizing Cycle, (2) Problem to Issue, (3) Research Actions United Valley Interfaith Project UVIP hosted Fall 2013 Professional fellow Andrea Tajti from Hungary.
powerful force for collective action to enhance social justice in the region. UVIP is currently focusing on eradicating 300% interest rate car-title loans from New Hampshire, organizing alternative lending programs for the underpriledged and working-poor, and fighting for better resources for rural aging seniors. As UVIP grows, the issues will change. Over time, new issues will arise from the process of building relationships and listening to one anothers hopes and dreams for all in the region.

www.unitedvalleyinterfaith.org
The United Valley Interfaith Project (UVIP) is a federation of congregations, supporting faith organizations and community organizations that have come together to work for the common good of the central Connecticut River Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont. UVIP is a community organizing group based on a systematic approach to addressing the root causes of social problems and improving the lives of all in their communities. UVIP aims

www.seniorcaucus.org
Jane Addams Senior Caucus (JASC) is a multiracial, grassroots organization led by concerned seniors in the Chicago metropolitan area. They cross neighborhood, racial, religious and socio-economic lines to find common ground upon which to act on. Through leadership development, organizing and popular education, JASC seniors use the power of their collective voice to work for economic, social

and racial justice for all seniors and all communities. JASC has about 500 members from diverse background fighting for social justice. JASC knows that seniors are valuable to the community and those seniors coming together can improve their lives and be active in civic life. The issues JASC is working on come from the concerns of the members. Presently JASC issues include the preservation and creation of affordable housing, improving in-home health

care and ensuring on-site social workers in senior buildings. JASC is currently working on local organizing efforts in neighborhoods throughout Chicago to preserve and create affordable housing. JASC continues to organize seniors, families and others to win improvements in the Community Care Program. JASC is focusing on organizing to strengthen and protect social safety net programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and HUD programs.

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Saskia Harak
Chicago, Illinois E-mail: saskia@seniorcaucus.org
Saskia Harak is a Health Care Organizer in Jane Addams Senior Caucus (JASC) a multiracial, grassroots organization led by concerned seniors in Chicago metropolitan area. Ms. Harak currently organizes seniors around issues of retirement security. Her organizing experience includes organizing students on college campuses, registering people to vote, and organizing lowincome renters to help better their living conditions. In college she received a Grassroots Organizer of the Year award from a statewide organization. Ms. Harak has experience working with low-income populations and with people of color. She has developed training skills by putting together effective and creative trainings as well as leadership trainings. Ms. Harak has

organizing experience on health care and retirement security issues, housing, and voter registration. She also worked in an environment that connects legal work to organizing. She has worked with people of all ages from college students to the elderly. Ms. Harak also has rich experience with leadership development and planning strategic campaigns. Ms. Harak attended classes at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, where she received a Bachelors De-

gree of Arts in Political Science, with an emphasis in Legal Studies. Then she attended law school at the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. While there Ms. Harak interned at the American Civil Liberties Union, the Office of the Stillwater Public Defender, and the Multicultural Affairs Department of her law school. Ms. Harak has travelled in Europe to the Czech Republic, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and England, and also to Mexico and Canada. While in Europe Ms. Harak will do training in the following topics: (1) Turnout for Events & Rallies, (2) Relational/One-on-one meetings, (3) Planning & Facilitating Meetings, Popular Education. Jane Addams Senior Caucus hosted 4 of the Fall 2013 fellows: Gabriela Mezeiova from Slovakia, Annamaria Kovacs from Hungary, Laura Stefanut from Romania and Shaban Darakchi from Bulgaria.

Kara Bender
Chicago, Illinois E-mail: kara@seniorcaucus.org
Kara Bender is the Lead Trainer and Racial Justice Organizer at the Jane Addams Senior Caucus (JASC), a multiracial, grassroots organization led by concerned seniors in Chicago metropolitan area. She currently co-directs the Aging Justice Program, a 9 months intensive legislative advocacy training program for women in Illinois and directs the racial justice work at JASC. Previously Ms. Bender worked as the Affordable Housing Organizer for five years on a variety of campaigns at the city, state, and federal levels. Additionally she has led multiple trainings and leadership development efforts. Ms. Bender graduated from the Eastern Mennonite University with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Social Work. Ms. Bender has had extensive organizer, supervisor, popular education, and facilitation training experience from the Midwest Academy,

Industrial Areas Foundation, and Highlander Education Center to name a few. She has also received a variety of anti-racism trainings from the Crossroads Anti-Racism Organizing and Training, a national training and consulting organization. Because of her vast amount of training Ms. Bender has developed and lead many trainings of her own including, but not limited to: Organizing 101, Popular Education Methodology, Turn Out - getting others to attend events and rallies, Relational Meetings - how to build and develop relationships with potential lead-

ers, Meeting Facilitation - how to lead a meeting well, including understanding group dynamics, the roll of the facilitator, and making sure everyone is heard, Legislative Meetings - how to interact with elected officials, Building Allies & Coalitions, Messaging & Factsheets - Creating talking points and fact sheets for different audiences. She is also an active volunteer leader with her church congregation, where for the last three years she has co-led a Racial Justice Small Group. Ms. Bender has travelled to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and Canada. While in Europe she will do training in the following topics: (1) Relational Meetings, (2) Popular Education Organizing Methodology (3) Meeting Facilitation. Jane Addams Senior Caucus organization hosted 4 of the Fall 2013 fellows: Gabriela Mezeiova from Slovakia, Annamaria Kovacs from Hungary, Laura Stefanut from Romania and Shaban Darakchi from Bulgaria.

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Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

Jim Picchetti
Chicago, Illinois E-mail: jpicchetti@chicagohomeless.org
Jim Picchetti is a Statewide Organizer at Chicago Coalition for The Homeless (CCH) and a key staff member in CCHs downstate campaign. Mr. Picchetti joined the CCH staff in 2009, after interning a year on the Sweet Home Chicago housing campaign while completing his Masters Degree in Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago. Mr. Picchetti started working with people experiencing homelessness in Cleveland, OH as a Jesuit Volunteer after graduating with his Bachelors Degree from the Marquette University in 2006. As a community organizer with CCH, Mr. Picchetti has worked with and trained homeless leaders and service providers to pass a statewide subsidized jobs program called Put Illinois

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

worked with leaders around Illinois to form a statewide network. Over the past two years, CCH and the state network has restored $18 million to homeless shelters and safety net programs in the state budget. While in Europe, Mr. Picchetti will 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 Professional fellows: Boba Baluchova from Slovakia and Lia Gaudi from Romania

Leaders of the CCH with Fall 2013 Professional Fellows during their 3week internship time: (L-R) Jim Picchetti, Lia Gaudi, Boba Baluchova, Rachel Leonor Ramirez and Jim Field

www.chicagohomelwss.org
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) is a non-profit organization that works with people hurt by homelessness in metropolitan Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1980, CCH organizes and advocates work to prevent and to end homelessness, based on the belief that housing is a human right in a just society. CCH has outreach to family and adult shelters, street programs, and single-room occupancy (SRO) facilities. Each month, three field organizers visit 28 facilities across Chicago. Commu-

nity organizers, policy specialists and legal aid attorneys staff CCH. They work for and with those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including mothers with children, unaccompanied youth, single adults, and ex-offenders. A youth attorney also runs a mobile legal aid clinic that makes three weekly stops at neighborhood programs that serve unaccompanied youth. During these visits, CCH offers practical information. This includes telling parents about a homeless childs right to free transportation to school, or informing low-income adults of their eligibility to apply for charity care

from non-profit hospitals. Through outreach, CCH involves homeless youth, parents and single adults in developing advocacy campaigns that work to create more access and economic opportunities for people living in extreme poverty. Together, they advocate to curb, and one day, end homelessness, pushing for access to a shelter safety net, affordable housing, living wage jobs, and quality public schools. CCH is committed to fighting until every person has a place to call home.

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Emira Palacios
Wichita, Kansas E-mail: emirap28@gmail.com
Emira Palacios has been involved with Sunflower Community Action (Sunflower), a Kansas-wide nonprofit organization that focuses on grassroots leadership development and empowerment of underrepresented communities in Kansas for 12 years (8 of them as a volunteer). She worked as the Immigrant Rights coordinator from 2007 to 2012. Ms. Palacios is the current VicePresident of the National Peoples Action Board of Directors, a national organization which goal is to empower low-income people to take action and find solution to their issues. Also she is an active member of Cristo Vive Assemblies of God Church in Wichita. Ms. Palacios newest adventure has been to work as a co-founder of an up and coming community organization, the Seed House ~ CASA de La Semilla, based in Wichita, Kansas, with the focus to create an arena for grassroots leaders to grow and develop in their capacity to bring justice, equality and sustainability through collective action. Ms. Palacios was a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for two years, for Roots and Wings Organization that focuses on

helping children that are in the state custody. She is currently volunteering for Harbor House, a shelter for victims of Domestic violence. Each organization that Ms. Palacios has been involved with requires intensive training

in order to be able to volunteer. In addition to all those trainings, Ms. Palacios has a certificate of completion on the Laymans Education and took two years of Christian Counseling at Word of Life Institute. While in Europe Ms. Palacios will do training in the following topics: (1) From the Trail of Tears to the Trail of Restoration (2) Equalizing Power through Popular Education (3) Sharing your Empowerment story Seed House ~ CASA hosted 2 of the Fall 2013 Professional fellows: Robert Bekefi from Hungary and Elena Carbunaru from Romania.

www.sunfloweract.org
Sunflower Community Action (Sunflower) is a Kansas-wide, nonprofit, grassroots organization, whose mission is to unite and empower people to achieve justice and equality for all, changing lives by developing grassroots leaders who identify problems and seek lasting solutions. Sunflower members build power by taking action and holding decisionmakers accountable. Sunflower members are brown and black and white, young and old, and have low to moderate incomes. They are recent immigrants and families who have lived in Kansas for generations. Sunflower brings a variety of issues that concern them. Together they take action for racial and economic

equity, fair lending, and justice for immigrants, civic engagement, worker justice, better public education, and more livable neighborhoods. Sunflower guiding principles based on every person counts. Together ordinary people can overcome financial oppression and racial discrimination if our action is strategic and persistent. Sunflower believes that everyone should have human rights, including food, shelter, medical care, education, and a job; families should be respected and supported; power should serve the people it affects; all people are entitled to participate fully in civic life; the common good is more important than privilege for a few; the earth should be kept livable for future generations.

The Seed House - La CASA de La Semilla (Seed House) corporation created in 2011 is classified as an educational organization. Seed House holds residential workshops and educational training sessions in both field settings and in its location based in Wichita, Kansas. By facilitating workshops, Seed House brings people from local communities facing specific struggles together. Through the arts, education circles and learning to live sustainably, people will figure out how best to move forward in solving their problems. The mission of Seed House is to create an arena for established and emerging community leaders to grow and develop in their capacity to bring justice, equality and sustainability through collective action.

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Building Grassroots Democracy in Minority Communities

Zachary Chasnoff
Saint Louis, Missouri
E-mail: zach@organizemo.org Zachary (Zach) Chasnoff is a Community Organizer at Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE) a powerful organization of low- and moderate-income people in St. Louis. As a professional organizer Mr. Chasnoff is interested in housing and fighting corporate power. He put together the first ever defense of a home facing foreclosure eviction in St. Louis. He were successful in preventing the eviction for over a month. He helped pass legislation that required mediation between banks and homeowners facing foreclosure. Mr. Chasnoff has led a campaign to implement participatory budgeting in St. Louis. He has won implementation on this campaign in the citys 6th Ward; city wide implementation is expected to pass for next years budget. As a volunteer Mr. Chasnoff has organized several local endeavors. He has used his connections as a musician to organize a variety of benefit concerts, including those for the West Memphis Threes legal defense fund and the organization Food Not Bombs. Most recently, Mr. Chasnoff put together Beats For Eats, a concert to benefit Operation Food Search. Beats For Eats inaugural show took place October 1st, 2010, the second concert took place in the Fall 2012. Concerts are planned to continue annually. During Spring 2012 Mr. Chasnoff helped organize Occupy the Midwest, the first regional gathering of Occupiers from different cities all around the Midwest.

Over 500 people took part in Occupy The Midwest. Mr. Chasnoff works incredibly hard and demonstrates the rigor necessary for true base building, knocking doors every night when necessary. He also has intrinsic tendencies of leading from behind, and letting others determine the path forward for the group, important skills to illustrate for younger organizers.

Additionally, Mr. Chasnoff does thoughtful and effective leadership development, taking volunteers through the leadership ladder of engagement. His approach to leadership development is to challenge volunteers and to debrief thoroughly after different tasks to create teaching moments. While in Europe Mr. Chasnoff will do training in the following topics: (1) Direct Action: Planning and execution from banner drops to locking down (2) Home Defense: standing up to big banks/ housing as a human right (3) Participatory Budgeting: democratizing money Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE) hosted two Spring 2013 Professional Fellows: Monika Vaskovicova from Slovakia and Delyana Mihneva from Bulgaria.

www.organizemo.org
Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE) seeks to be a powerful organization of low- and moderate-income people building power in our communities. MORE is part of several national and local networks, including Leadership

Center for the Common Good, Rising Tide North America, Right to the City, Missouri Jobs with Justice and Missouri Organizing Collaborative. MORE leaders and activists believe that Missouri is positioned at a unique intersection of social, economic, climate, and environmental injustice. They believe that as corporate power continues its

unabated expansion and the gap between the rich and the poor widens, there has never been a better time for our low-income communities to come together and fight back. MORE strives to transcend divisions of class, age and race as they envision and build the more just, sustainable world in which people would like to live.

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ITINERARY *
Thursday, February 6 8 Mentors depart from different destinations of the U.S. to Budapest, Hungary Note: Quanisha Smith will leave the U.S. on February 14 for a 2-week program Friday, February 7 Budapest, Hungary Arrival in Budapest Ferihegy airport individually and take an airport shuttle directly to the hotel. Check-in to hotel for 3 nights; Afternoon: Meeting with Elizabeth Balint, GLC Project Manager and Anita Vodal, Spring 2013 Alumni; Overview of Budapest program; Evening: Orientation dinner with local alumni Saturday February 8 Budapest 8:00-11:00AM: Hotel meeting room Orientation to Hungary and workshop preparations; 11:00AM-1:00PM: Sightseeing; Lunch 1:30-3:30PM: Review Workfare Movement for the Future Meeting with: Balint Vojtonovszki, community organizer and Fall 2012 Alumni 4:30-7:00PM: Introduction to community organizing for Roma students of the Central European University organized by Dzhevid Mahmoud alum us at CEU and Spring 2013 Alumni 7:30PM: Dinner with local alumni; Learn more about their activities.
6:30-8:00PM: (Optional) Sightseeing on the Danube River on the Legenda boat (for these who participate: be 20 minutes early at the boat station) 8:00PM: Dinner in the City gary; Check-in to hotel for 5 nights 5:45PM: Jim Picchetti arrival to Bucharest, Romania; Elizabeth Balint and Saskia Harak will join in Szeged for February 19 and 20; Justin Terrell, Zach Chasnoff and Saskia Harak will travel to Banska Bystrica, Slovakia for 3 more nights. ******* February 16-20 Subgroup 1: Trip to Szeged US Mentors: Leah Torrey, Saskia Harak, Elizabeth Balint Organizer of the Szeged program: Andrea Tajti, Fall 2013 PFP alumni Cell: +36-30760-0452

Monday, February 10 Budapest & Travel day Early Morning: Check out from hotel in Budapest; Group A Slovakia: Justin Terrell, Zach Chasnoff, Saskia Harak, Leah Torrey, Jim Picchetti and Elizabeth Balint 8:15AM: Depart from the hotel 9:00-11:00AM: Meeting at the Ministry of Human Resources, Dep. Of Social Inclusion with Dr. Laszlo Ulicska, Head of the Department, and Jozsef Angyal, Fall 2013 Alumnus 11:00AM-12:00Noon: Early lunch 1:00PM: 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 and Spring 2012 Alumni.

Sunday, February 16 9:00AM: Orientation to Szeged program 10:00AM: Visit the Calvary Chapel 12:00Noon: Welcome lunch 4:00PM: Meeting at the University of Szeged Ministry Monday, February 17 10:00AM: Meeting at the Dartke and Agora offices 12:00Noon: Working lunch 14:00PM: Mentoring workshop for Professional Fellows Alumni from Szeged 18:00PM: Working dinner Tuesday, February 18 10:00AM: One day workshop with local church leaders about organizing 13:00PM: Lunch 14:00PM: Workshop continues 18:00PM: Dinner Wednesday, February 19 7:30AM: for Saskia Harak and Elizabeth Balint - traveling from Budapest to Szeged by train; Leah Torrey and Andrea Tajti (Fall 2013 Alumni) will wait at the train station; Drive together to Szeged City Hall. 10:30AM: Meeting with Dr. Tibor Papp, International Relations Officer of the City of Szeged 11:00AM: Visit the University of Szeged with Ilona Ujszaszi, Director of Media Center and Journalist

Group B Romania: Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios, Kara Bender 6:00AM: Depart from the hotel and travel to Ferihegy airport and fly to Bucharest, Romania 7:10AM: Check-in at the airport See separate schedule for Group B Romania February 10-20 (page 14) Contact person: Nicoleta Chirita, GLC Sunday, February 9 Country Director for Romania Budapest ******* 8:00-10:30AM: Hotel meeting room: Saturday February 15 Orientation continues with preparation Bratislava & Banska Bystrica, for the European activities Slovakia / Szeged, Hungary 11:00-1:00AM: Discussion with members of the Kozert Association about 10:00AM: Jim Picchetti is leaving Bratitheir community development and educa- slava to Vienna airport to fly to Buchational work with Roma youth/Roma com- rest, Romania; 2:15PM: Quanisha Smith arrival to Bumunities 1:30-2:30PM: Authentic Roma lunch at charest, Romania; Romani Platni a community-based initia- 5:00PM: for Elizabeth Balint - traveling back from Bratislava, Slovakia to Budative pest, Hungary; 2:30-6:00PM: Sightseeing 4:00PM: Visit Kugler Art Salon with For Leah Torrey - traveling from Bratislava, Slovakia directly to Szeged, Hungypsy fine and folk arts

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

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2:00PM: Lunch 3:00PM: Visit a Senior Center in Szeged and discussion on community organizing in the senior community 4:30PM: Youth organizing training for Catholic Roma College 7:30PM: Dinner in the Tiszavirag Romania to Budapest, Hungary and check-in to hotel for 1 night; For Leah Torrey and Saskia Harak return from Szeged to Budapest and check-in to hotel for 1 night ******* February 21-24, 2014 Subgroup 2: Trip to Debrecen, Hungary US Mentors: Jim Picchetti, Quanisha Smith, Kara Bender, Saskia Harak, Leah Torrey and Elizabeth Balint Organizer of the Debrecen program: Annamaria Kovacs, Fall 2013 PFP alumni Cell: +3670 3747 685 2:00-5:00PM: Training continues 7:00PM: Farewell dinner Evening: Evaluation of the Debrecen program; plans for follow on activities ******* Tuesday February 25 Budapest 8:00AM-12:00Noon: Delegation from Debrecen returns to Budapest; Check-in to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon: Free time 5:00PM: (Tentative) Celebration of Black History Month - presentation by Quanisha Smith in Budapest 6:00PM: Delegation from Bulgaria returns to Budapest and check in to hotel 7:00PM: Joint Dinner with all 9 US delegation members and Elizabeth Balint; program assessment; discussion of the remaining schedule

Friday, February 21 8:00AM: Depart to Debrecen 12:00Noon-3:00PM: Check-in to hotel Nemethy Panzio for 4 nights; Lunch with Annamaria Kovacs and orientation 3:30PM: Driving to Hajduhadhaz. Visit the Youth Film Club and meeting with the youth group; ******* Afternoon/Evening: (Tentative) The Tuesday, February 18 Black History Month Celebration: Pres3:52PM: for Saskia Harak - take the train entation by Quanisha Smith at the from Bratislava, Slovakia to Budapest, American Corner of Debrecen Hungary; Elizabeth Balint will meet her in Budapest and check-in to hotel in BuSaturday, February 22 dapest for 1 night; 9:00AM-12:00Noon: Sightseeing in De8:00PM: for Justin Terrell and Zach brecen Chasnoff - traveling to Vienna, Austria 12:00Noon-2:00PM: Lunch and stay overnight at an airport hotel 2:00-6:00PM: Travel to Berettyoujfalu and visit the Civic Village Wednesday February 19 7:00PM: Dinner Bucharest / Vienna / Sofia For Neil Sealy and Emira Palacios - flySunday, February 23 ing out from Bucharest to Sofia, Bulgaria 9:00AM-12:00Noon: Sightseeing in DeFor Zach Chasnoff and Justin Terrell - brecen flying out from Vienna, Austria and ar- 12:00Noon -2:00PM: Lunch rive in Sofia, Bulgaria; Emil Metodiev, 2:00-6:00PM: Meeting with young peoSpring 2012 Alumni will meet with them ple and learn about the Sub.hu and Opera in Sofia, Bulgaria Associations project: Waves of Youth See separate schedule for Group C in Central Europe Bulgaria February 19-25 (page 15) 7:00PM: Dinner Contact person: Emil Metodiev, GLC Country Director for Bulgaria Monday February 24 8:00AM: Check out of hotel Thursday February 20 9:00AM-12:00Noon: One-day commuTravel day nity organizing training at Eletfa EgyeFor Quanisha Smith, Kara Bender, Jim sulet /LifeTree Association; Picchetti - flying out from Bucharest, 12:00Noon: Lunch at Flaska restaurant

Thursday, February 20 10:00AM: Meeting at the Saint Agota Foundation which provides social services; Discussion on community organizing 12:00Noon: Lunch 13:00PM: Afternoon activities For Leah Torrey - discussion on youth organizing at IdeaTree Youth Community Center For Saskia Harak, Elizabeth Balint - visit Algyo and Retirement home; Discussion on community organizing with seniors 5:00PM: Program evaluation and plans for follow on activities 6:00PM: Travel back Budapest by train

Wednesday February 26 Budapest, Hungary 8:00-10:00AM: Hotel conference room: Report on the experience and accomplishments in each country 11:00AM-12:30PM: Lepjunk, Hogy Lephessenek Association (Parents of kids with disabilities) 12:30-1:30PM: Lunch 2:00-6:30PM: Visit Community Organizers Learning Circle at the Civil College Foundation organized by Mate Varga, GLC Country Director for Hungary, President of CCF Thursday February 27 Budapest 9:00AM-12:00Noon: Hotel meeting room: Program evaluation & discussion of the follow on activities 12:00Noon -1:30PM: Lunch 2:00-3:00PM: Meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest 3:00-7:00PM: Free time 7:00PM: Farewell Dinner with alumni and program partners Friday February 28 Budapest 3:00-4:00AM: Early departure to Budapest Ferihegy airport to return to the U.S.
Have a save trip home!

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

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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 PFP Cell phone: +421 908 278 622 Monday, February 10 Bratislava
1:25PM: Departure from Budapest 4:07PM: Arriving to the train station in Bratislava, pick up by Veronica Strelcova Ceck-in to hotel for 5 nights 6:00PM: Orientation meeting and dinner with Slovak alumni Veronika Strelcova, and Zuzana Bargerova (Spring 2012 Alumni), Boba Baluchova and Roman Kollarik (Fall 2013 Alumni)

Friday, February 14 Valentine day in Bratislava

8:00AM: Depurture from hotel with Veronika Strelcova and Boba Baluchova 10:00AM: Visit shelter workshops Jakubov with Boba Baluchova; contact person Steffi Novakova; 1:00PM: Valentine day lunch with people from shelter 2:00-4:00PM: Visit Nota Bene counselling and training for homeless and social workers with Boba Baluchova contact: Ivan Lorenc 7:00PM: Food not Guns - street work experience field experience with Roman Kollarik

Evening: Cultural program

Monday, February 17 Hnusta

9:00AM: Departure to Hnusta with Maros Chmelik and Monika Vaskovicova; Meetings at Agency for Development of Gemer Region 4:00PM: Travel back to Banska Bystrica 6:00PM: Dinner

Tuesday, February 11 Bratislava

10:00AM: Sightseeing of Slovak Capital City with Veronika Strelcova and Boba Baluchova 12:00Noon: Training preparations - Round table and individual debates with alumni on how to prepare details for trainings and lunch 1:00PM: Visit at the U.S. Embassy 3:00PM: Workshop on community organizing for journalists that cover minority topics organized by Boba Baluchova

Tuesday, February 18 Trnava/Bratislava

Check-out of hotel in Banska Bystrica 8:00AM: Travel to Trnava; meeting with Martin Klus (Spring 2013 Alumni) and Gabriela Mezeiova (Fall 2013 Alumni) 10:00AM: Sightseeing in the historical part of Trnava 12:00AM: Lunch and discussions with Ph.D. students at the University of St. Cyril and Methodius 1:25-3:00PM: Black History Month Celebration with students of Public Policy presentation by Justin Terrell Departure from Trnava to Bratislava For Saskia Harak 3:53PM: Leaving to Budapest (Hungary) by train from Bratislava For Zach Chasnoff and Justin Terrell 5:00PM: Black History Month Celebration continues at the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences (FSES) of the Comenius University in Bratislava; presentation by Justin Terrell 8:00PM: Departure to Vienna airport (Austria); Check-in for one night at an airport area hotel.

Saturday, February 15 Bratislava

Check-out of hotel 9:00AM: Jim Picchetti leaving to Vienna Airport (Austria) by bus. For other US Mentors - morning mentoring with alumni 12:00Noon: Joint lunch and getting know each other 1:00-5:00PM: Participate in Learning Circle 3 with Slovak alumni and other community organizers arranged by Veronika Strelcova 5:00PM: Dinner For Leah Torrey, Elizabeth Balint - leaving to Budapest, Hungary 7:00PM: For Zach Chasnoff, Saskia Harak, Justin Terrell - travel to Banska Bystrica. 10:00PM: Check in to hotel in Banska Bystrica for 3 nights

Wednesday, February 12 Bratislava

Whole day training at the Queers Centrum to discuss LGBTQ organizing arranged by Roman Kollarik

Thuersday, February 13 Bratislava

10:00AM-12:00Noon: Training for coordinators of homeless organizations at Charita arranged by Boba Baluchova 12:00-2:00PM: Lunch 2:00PM: Training for Migrants in Cultural Center Dunaj arranged by Zuzana Bargerova 4:00PM: Meeting at Utopia with Roman Kollarik and discuss participatory budgeting experience

Sunday, February 16 Banska Bystrica

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

Friday, February 19 Schwechat/Austria

For Zach Chasnoff and Justin Terrell 10:05AM: Depurture from Vienna airport to fly to Sofia, Bulgaria

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

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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 Monday, February 10 Bucharest 11:25AM: Arrival in Bucharest of Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios and Kara Bender; Check-in to hotel 1:30-3:00PM: Lunch 3:00-6:30PM: Welcome, orientation at CeRes offices 7:00PM: Dinner in the City Center Tuesday, February 11 9:30AM: Depart to CeRes offices 10:00-11:00AM: Overview on Citizen Participation in Romania by Nicoleta Chirita: 11:00AM-12:00Noon: Overview on Roma history and the Roma situation in Romania 12:00-1:00PM: Community Organizing in Romania by Ioana Petrache (Spring 2013 PFP alumna) and Iustina Neagu, Fall 2013 PFP Alumna 1:00-2:30PM: Lunch at Don Taco restaurant 2:30-4:30PM: Presentations of the U.S. Mentorsorganizations 4:30-6:30PM: Visit the Roma Museum with Elena Carbunaru, Fall 2013 PFP Alumna 7:30PM: Dinner at Energiea restaurant. Wednesday, February 12 9:00AM: Depart to training location 10:00AM-5:00PM: Introductory training in Community Organizing 7:00PM: Dinner at the hotel Thursday, February 13 10:30AM: Depart to meeting location 11:30AM-1:00PM: Visit House of the Journalist arranged by Laura Stefanut, Fall 2013 PFP Alumna 1:00-2:30PM: Lunch 2:30-6:00PM: Workshop for journalists on community organizing 7.30PM: Dinner in the City Center Friday, February 14 Bucharest 10:00AM: Depart to CeRe offices 10:30AM-1:00PM: Advanced workshop for Community Organizers 1:00- 2:30PM: Lunch 2:30-4:00PM: Advanced workshop continues; mentoring and consulting 5:00-6:30PM: Visit the Policy Center for Roma and minorities; meeting with mothers from the Club, arranged by Raluca Negulescu, Spring 2013 PFP Alumna 8:00PM: Dinner and time for rest Saturday, February 15 Bucharest / Brasov Morning: Trip to Brasov by car for Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios, Kara Bender to visit Mihaela Carstea, Spring 2012 PFP Alumna Sightseeing & discussion on local organizing activities Check-in to hotel for 1 night For Quanisha Smith, Jim Picchetti - arrival in Bucharest 2:15PM: Quanisha Smith from Hungary 5:45PM: Jim Picchetti from Slovakia Pick-up from Otopeni airport; drive to Bucharest; check-in to the hotel. Evening: open, time to rest Sunday, February 16 Brasov / Bucharest Morning: check-out from hotel in Brasov for Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios, Kara Bender; travel back and check-in to the hotel in Bucharest; Join Quanisha Smith and Jim Picchetti at the hotel 1:00-3:00PM: Lunch for whole group 3:00-6:00PM: Introductions for Jim Picchetti and Quanisha Smith; Program assessment, debriefing from previous days. 7:00PM: Dinner Monday, February 17 Bucharest 10:00AM: Depart from hotel 11:00AM-1:00PM: (Tentative) for Quanisha Smith - Black History Month Celebration, Presentation at the U.S. Embassy for others US Mentors - Visit other NGOs 1:00-3:00PM: Lunch 3:00-6:00PM: Workshop on Coalition Building 7:00PM: Dinner Tuesday, February 18 9:00 AM: Depart from the hotel 10:00AM-5:00PM: Visit a Roma neighborhood Workshop for NGOs that are service providers and interested o learn about community organizing arranged by Raluca Negulescu Program Evaluation in Romania & planning of follow on activities 7:00PM: Farewell Dinner Wednesday, February 19 For Neil Sealy, Emira Palacios: Early morning check-out of hotel and drive to airport 8:05AM: - Departure from the airport to Sofia, Bulgaria For the rest of the group: Cultural sightseeing; Visit to museums 5:00-7:00PM: Visit one of the neighbourhoods where CeRe is doing community organizing; Discussion with the leaders. 8:00PM: Dinner Thursday, February 20 8:00AM: Jim Picchetti departure to fly back to Budapest, Hungary 1:45PM: Quanisha Smith and Kara Bender fly back to Budapest, Hungary

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

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

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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 Wednesday, February 19 Sofia Arrival in 2 groups: Group A (from Romania): Emira Palacios and Neil Sealy 9:20AM: Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria
Group B (from Slovakia): Zach Chasnoff and Justin Terrell 12:40PM: Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria Pick up at the airport by Emil Metodiev or Vladislav Petkov (Fall 2013 alumnus) and drive to hotel, and check-in for 2 nights Afternoon: Learn about CEGA Foundation explore the foundation activities and projects focusing on minority issues. Mentoring time for Vladislav Petkov Evening: Welcome dinner and meeting with PFP alumni - non-formal learning on alumnis achievements, experience and outcomes. Meeting with: Emil Metodiev, Vladislav Petkov, Ognyan Isaev, Peter Lazarov, Miglena Yordanova, Hristo Angelichin, Shaban Darakchiev Spring 2013 Alumna 1:00-2:30PM: Lunch in the Old Town and check in to hotel for 1 night 2:30-4:30PM: Visit Roma Organization in the biggest Roma neighborhood Stolipinovo; Meeting with: youth volunteers from Roma community. 5:00-7:00PM: Sightseeing and explore Bulgarian culture 7:30PM: Dinner public. 7:00PM: Dinner

Saturday, February 22 Sofia 10:00AM-12:00Noon: Drive back to Sofia, check-in to hotel for 2 nights 1:00-5:00PM: Sightseeing in Sofia Evening: free time Sunday, February 23 Sofia Training on Community Organizing for the Learning Circle 10:00-11:30AM: Presentations by Emira Palacios and Neil Sealy - Equalizing Power through Popular Education & Sharing your Empowerment story (methods) - Getting people to become involved in civic engagement activities 11:30AM-12:30Noon: Coffee break and Discussion on the presentations. 12:30-1:30PM: Lunch 1:30-3:00PM: Presentation by Zachary Chasnoff and Emira Palacios - Direct Action: Planning and execution from banner drops to locking down 3:00-3:30PM: Coffee break 3:30-5:00PM: Celebrating Black History Month: Presentation by and discussion with Justin Terrell:An overview of heroes in the Black Community While the Learning Circle in the morning only includes alumni and representatives of other organization involved in the newly established center for civic participation/community organizing, the afternoon presentation is open to the

Monday, February 24 Sofia 10:00AM-12:00Noon: (Tentative) Meeting with the U.S. Embassy representatives. 1:00-3:00PM: Meeting and mentoring with Hristo Angelichin, Fall 2013 Alumnus at the municipality of Sofia. Learning on how the local government works and its relation with the community organizations. 3:00-4:00PM: Coffee break 4:00-5:00PM: Evaluation of the Bulgaria program, discussion on follow on activities Evening: Dinner; free time Tuesday, February 25 Travel day to Budapest Morning: Travel to the airport in 2 groups; check-in at the airport 2 hours before scheduled departure time; Group 1: Emira Palacios and Neil Sealy 9:50AM: Departure from Sofia 10:55AM: Arrival in Budapest, Hungary Afternoon: Join the rest of the U.S. mentors and (tentative) participate in the Black History Month Celebration at the American Corner in Budapest, presentation by Quanisha Smith
Group 2: Justin Terrell and Zach Chasnoff 1:10PM: Departure from Sofia 4:30PM: Arriving in Budapest, Hungary; For both group - travel from airport directly to the hotel on your own with an airport shuttle 7:30PM: (Tentative) Meeting with Elizabeth Balint and other Alumni at the hotel for joint dinner; report on the Bulgarian program.

Thursday, February 20 Vratsa 10:00AM-12:00Noon: Drive to Vratsa Meeting with: Kalina Hristova, Fall 2013 Alumna 1:30-3:00PM: Visit the National Association of Resource Teachers Bulgaria (NARTB) - Kalinas workplace; and learn about NARTB main activities; Visit school and meet teachers from NARTB who works with children with Special Needs (SN); Mentoring time for Kalina Hristova 5:00-7:00PM: Drive back to Sofia Friday, February 21 Plovdiv 09:00-11:00AM: Drive to Plovdiv; 11:00AM-1:00PM: Site visit; Mentoring opportunity for Delyana Mihneva,

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

Many Thanks To the U.S. Hosting Organizations and U.S. Mentors for 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 all colleagues 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 to Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia in February 2014!

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