Citizen Diplomacy in Action

April 23- May 14, 2009, Historical Preservation; Ukraine
ICW is currently hosting a group of 10 delegates from western Ukraine on a program entitled "Preservation of the Historical and Social Environment of Cities." This program is a Community Connections program arranged through USAID.  The goal of the program is to raise awareness among the targeted group about the importance of preserving the historical, cultural and social environment of cities and to examine how this can be done while assuring services and economic security for the population.  Participants will learn what makes a city attractive to live in, how citizens are involved in determining, maintaining or transforming their environment, and what are the key elements that need to be considered (schools, hospitals and other services). Participants are placed in with Worcester area families as homestay guests during their visit.

Viewing Boston from the Prudential Building Skywalk The group began with a tour of Boston on April 25th with Ukranian speaking guide which began at the Prudential Building Skywalk for a view of Boston from 50 stories up. This was followed by visits to the Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, several Freedom Trail attractions and Harvard University.
United Way of Central Massachusetts On April 27 they began their formal program with a visit to United Way of Central Massachusetts and a presentation on the United Way mission.
Seven Hills Foundation respite home In the afternoon the group visited the Seven Hills Foundation and received a briefing on their family services program which supports families with loved ones with disabilities. This photo is at one of their respite homes for short-term use by clients with disabilities.
Worcester Historical Museum On Tuesday, April 28th they visited the Worcester Historical Museum to learn about Worcester's history.
Main South CDC project In the afternoon they received a presentation from Jack Foley, Clark University Vice-President for Government and Community Affairs on the programs with Main South Community Development Corporation to restore the neighboorhood around the Clark University campus. This is the group viewing some of the homes renovated and built by the CDC for low income community residents.
Habitat for Humanities On Wednesday, April 29th they visited with Metro West/Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanities to learn about their program.
Worcester Common In the afternoon they visited with Robert Antonelli, Assistant Commissioner of the Worcester Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Division who gave an overview of some of the projects involving Worcester parks and recreation areas. This photo shows them viewing a current project at the Worcester Common.
Roman playing Mechanics Hall organ After a presentation by Preservation Worcester, they visited Worcester's Mechanics Hall, one of the world's greatest concert halls, where Roman, their Ukranian interpreter, got a chance to play the pipe organ in the Great Hall.
Ukranians in traditional dress Ukranians Irina, Boris and Alla wearing traditional dress to a Pot luck dinner at the home of International Center of Worcester board member, Bill O'Brien, on Sunday, May 3rd.
Centro Las Americas They began Monday, May 4th with a meeting at Centro Las Americas to learn about Worcester's annual Latin American Festival.
First Night Worcester This was followed by a visit to First Night Worcester headquarters to learn about Worcester's annual celebration of First Night.
American Antiquarian Society In the afternoon they visited the American Antiquarian Society to learn about their preservation of significant american historical documents.
Blackstone Valley Historical Corridor On Wednesday, May 6th they spent the day with National Park Service Ranger Chuck Arning touring parts of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor including Waters Farm, Vaillancourt Folk Art at the restored Manchaug Mill, the Whitin Mill Restoration in Whitinsville, the Upton Historical Society and the Farnumsville Firehouse in South Grafton.
National Trust for Historic Preservation Thursday, May 7th in Boston began with a meeting at the Northeast Regional Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation followed by a walk to the Museum of African-American History and Otis House Museum.
Mass Office of Business Development In the afternoon they visited with representatives of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development.
Meeting with Congressman James McGovern On Friday, May 8th they met with US Congressman James McGovern for a question and answer and "photo op" session.
Worcester City Treasurer This was followed by a meeting with Worcester Assistant Treasurer and City Solicitor in the Worcester City Council chamber.
Afternoon meeting with Tim McGourthy, Director of Economic Development for the City of Worcester.
Worcester Art Museum They concluded the day with a tour of the Worcester Art Museum with Museum Director, James Welu.
Museum of Russian Icons After a weekend in New York City, on Monday morning, May 11th they visited the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, MA
Meeting with Mayor Lukes They concluded the day with a meeting and discussion with Worcester Mayor, Konstantina Lukes.