Citizen Participation in Transparent and Accountable Government was the title of a recent International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for Ukraine. Their time with us included a community coffee with locals and dinners in the homes of Leigh & Kent DeSantis and Liz & Basil Yelverton. They also visited Pensacola Catholic High School where Guidance Director Mary Kyte and students spoke about their community service graduation requirement and the importance of volunteerism.
The Ukrainians observed a meeting at Pensacola City Hall, discussed transparency and the local government with Council Executive Don Kraher, and met with Lieutenant Jimmy Donohoe at the City of Pensacola Police Department where he explained the Citizen’s Police Academy and the “when, where, and why” of local policing. Rick Outzen, Publisher of the Independent News, discussed transparency and journalism; and Dr. Gloria Horning described the environmental and social justice concerns of Wedgwood, a low-income and predominately African American neighborhood. Jeremy Evans and Susan Moore of the Escambia County Republican Executive Committee discussed the role of political parties and their place in the election process with the group while Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford and Outreach and Training Coordinator Brandi Ziglar focused on how their youth program encourages civic responsibility and leadership in youth.
Professional meetings, school visits, cultural activities, and hospitality all are important aspects of a balanced IVLP project. The Ukrainian visitors left with a better understanding of our region, local government, and way of life, leaving behind new information about their culture, challenges, and successes.
