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The Ukrainian Open World Leadership Program
December 8-6, 2006

Co-Exchange Directors - Kay Rockwell & Gloria Van Ackeren

udrop krainian guests included: Taras Dobrivskyy, Andriy Kolesnyk, Pavlo Kozyryev, Oleksandr Shamray, Oksana Yakuha, Volodymyr Chepik, Igor Studennikov, Viktor Tymoshchuk, Stanislav Zholudyev, and Radislav Shkvarnitskiy

FFL served as an international university of sorts as 10 young Ukrainian leaders got lessons in accountable governance and U. S. culture December 8-16 as part of the Open World Leadership Program (OWLP).  Four city mayors, four NGO administrators, and two facilitators, all from different cities in the Ukraine, studied federal, state, county, and city government as they explored how government and business intersect in the American economy.
As the Ukrainians talked to reporters, they expressed their reactions to FFL’s professional program. Stanislav Zholudyev, head of Dnipropetrovsk Youth Council said, “The most important thing was to witness the level of development of local rule, especially economic development.  We realize well that the basis of economic development and power of a country is the local economy.”
 Smila Mayor Andriy Kolesnyk said, “Ukraine is vigorously pursuing democratic development, but unfortunately it is in stagnation. (Democratic reform) is not in a halt, but political difficulty slows the development of the economy.” He expressed confidence that lessons learned from business and government partnerships in Seward would give him the tools to attract economic development to his city of Smila and to assist other cities in strengthening local economies.
Some of the highlights of the OWLP gave Christmas a special meaning for us:

Olexandr’s excitement about possibly finding Aurora as a Sister City made the Grand Island Independent newspaper.

Andriy was so impressed with Minden’s Christmas lights that he invited us to come see his city in a couple of years when they get their Christmas lights up.

Volodymr celebrated his 23rd birthday with the largest cake he’d ever had.  And, he beamed as his picture was snapped surrounded by the Seward High School swing choir girls!

Pavlo, and a few others, kissed Nebraska’s First Lady!

Stanislav was so impressed with our hospitality that he asked about starting a Friendship Force club in Dnipropetrovsk city.

Igor loved the arts.  He recommended that we emphasize the arts more to help others learn how important the arts are in our culture.

Viktor and Radislav banished Betty Starr from her kitchen so they could cook in peace for Betty and Duane!

Taras, the athlete, posed for a picture in the middle of UNL’s football field!

Oksana, one of the best facilitators we’ve had, thanked us for such a well organized and informative program.

The OWLP always offers the opportunity to involve new people in FFL. This year Julie Wisehart introduced and promoted FFL in Seward. Julie Albrecht and Liz daSilva home hosted, their first FFL activity. Patrick Adams, Nathan Johnson, Lena Kovtun, Craig Lennon, and others of the younger generation took the Ukrainians out on the town! Dan and Diana Wheeler hosted a small group dinner. Pat Martin arranged State Government Day and Charlotte Narjes lined up the one-day bus excursion. And, the list goes on – THANKS to all the seasoned FFL members, as well as new and potential FFL members for the great job everyone did to host a wonderful group of Ukrainians.