Community Connections
The Community Connections Program, is designed to promote public diplomacy through the exchange of cultural ideas and values between participants, US families and local community host organizations.
Participants express their gratitude
This program offers home-stay based practical training opportunities in the US for entrepreneurs, local government officials, legal professionals, non-governmental organization leaders and other professionals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Local community host organizations arrange internships for participants based on interests and experience.
Legacy has hosted many Community Connections programs since 1993:
- Rights for People with Disabilities – In 2011, ten professionals from Samara, Russia represent community based programs that support people with disabilities, support groups, schools and universities, policy makers, as well as local, state, and federal government programs that promote the rights of people with disabilities.
- Adaptation & Integration of Physically & Mentally Challenged Children & Youth into Society - In 2009, ten participants from Crimea, Ukraine, represent healthcare and education systems, social workers, administrations of secondary and boarding schools, pedagogues, psychologists and NGOs working in this area.
- Educational Standards and Monitoring – In 2007, ten education professionals from Kharkiv, Ukraine, are introduced to the education monitoring systems used in Virginia.
- Role of Religion in Democracy - In 2004, Religious Leaders from Azerbaijan met with Religious Leaders in Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland.