The Congressional Office for International Leadership selected WACNWO to organize a program and host a Belarusian delegation May 9-17, 2025 in  NW Ohio. The program focused on Local Governance models in the U.S. During their visit in Lucas and Wood County as well as in Columbus the delegation explored local government responsibilities in budget-setting, plan development, service delivery etc.  They met with elected officials on all levels of government and discussed the role of active citizen participation and community organizations. Delegates engaged formal and informal associations of local government representatives to understand association and network building.

 

While in NW Ohio the delegation stayed with host families in the Old West End of Toledo. Special thanks to Stone-Gaynor, Doktor-Hazard, and Wilson-Smith families for welcoming the guests in their homes!

 

Due to some delegates requesting privacy we could not organize a large community event but we organized smaller private events in addition to professional activities. As a result, the delegation connected with about 200 Americans.