Open World Leadership Center

09/01/2022

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: COIL/OW Grant Guidelines Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

A reminder that on Friday, September 2 at 11:00 am, COIL staff will hold a one-hour info session to answer any questions potential grantees might have about the 2023 grant cycle process. Please register for the meeting in advance at the link below:

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Sep 2, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time

Register in advance for this meeting:

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: COIL/OW Grant Guidelines Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

08/29/2022

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: COIL/OW Grant Guidelines Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

On Friday, September 2 at 11:00 am, COIL staff will hold a one-hour info session to answer any questions potential grantees might have about the 2023 grant cycle process. Please register for the meeting in advance at the link below:

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Sep 2, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time

Register in advance for this meeting:

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: COIL/OW Grant Guidelines Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

08/23/2022

2023 COIL- Open World Program Grant Guidelines.pdf

The Congressional Office for International Leadership announces the release of its Grant Guidelines for submitting proposals for hosting delegations during its 2023 programmatic year. The deadline for all submissions is Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

See the guidelines here:

08/09/2022

Potential Solicitation | OpenWorld

Request for Information Notice (RFI) OWLC-22-01OWLC Market Research for Website Design and Development

Notice to Interested Parties:

Open World Leadership Center (OWLC) is conducting market research to obtain information regarding services to support converting an existing government website, OpenWorld.gov, from Drupal 7 to Drupal 8/9. To view the current website please see OpenWorld.gov. This request for information is issued to obtain comments/questions from potential interested parties regarding the services described in the attached performance statement of work. OWLC is also requesting information at this time on samples of website support previously completed by each interested company. A summary of the efforts performed by the company to deliver the website project, the URL address, total costs of the project and project customer name. This data is requested on or before November 30, 2021. UPDATE: Data requested on or before December 10, 2021.

The follow provides potential characteristics of the government plan associated with this acquisition:

NAICS Code 541511 applies (size standard - $30.0M).
The government anticipates a fixed priced contract for design, development and content management/maintenance support.
The government anticipates a competitive acquisition using GSA Multiple Award Schedule, using FAR Part 16.505. Application of small business programs is unresolved at this time.
The government intends to select the successful awardee using best value source selection approach.
Any questions or comments regarding the PSOW or this request can be forwarded to [email protected](link sends e-mail), and should reference RFI number OWLC-22-01. Any questions can also be addressed to [email protected](link sends e-mail). This notice does not obligate the government to issue a solicitation or task order for the stated services, now or in the future. The government will not reimburse any costs associated with responding to this notice for information.

A link to our website with more details can be found here: https://www.openworld.gov/content/potential-solicitation

Potential SolicitationRequest for Information Notice (RFI) OWLC-22-01OWLC Market Research for Website Design and Development Notice to Interested Parties: Open World Leadership Center (OWLC) is conducting market research to obtain information regarding services to support converting an existing gove...

07/21/2022

Today hosted medical doctors, physical therapists, and burn unit specialists from Ukraine. This group, which will be hosted in Honolulu, HI starting tomorrow, met with Rep. Ed Case (HI-1) and advocated for continuing support from the U.S. A physical therapist from Dnipro, whose husband is fighting at the Front, gave Rep. Case her husband's t-shirt as a reminder of the men and women risking their lives to save Ukraine.

06/30/2022

Welcome to our two interns for the Summer, Josh Harkins and Cameron Vega! Josh is a rising Sophomore at Middlebury College studying International Politics and Economics and Cameron is a student at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies pursuing a Master's in International Relations. The two are already making for incredible additions to the COIL team!

06/28/2022

Ukrainian Weekly Dispatch Archive | OpenWorld

The entire archive of COIL's weekly Ukrainine dispatches are now available on our website! These dispatches give insight into the lives of Open World alumni in Ukraine and across the region, telling the stories of their heroism and bravery in the face of Russian invasion.

Ukrainian Weekly Dispatch ArchiveThe following dispatches were prepared and release by COIL staff in order to keep our friends, both in Congress and across the country, informed about the unfolding invasion of Ukraine. Weekly Dispatch 1 Rerelease.pdf Weekly Dispatch 2 Rerelease.pdf Weekly Dispatch 3...

05/17/2022

A special day, indeed, to visit Lviv and to see old friends and new. With Mayor Sadovy on his balcony are Open World program partners from Poland, Ukraine facilitators, and mayoral staff.

05/03/2022

Our agency had an important week hosting three Ukrainian members of parliament to discuss the war in Ukraine. All three members of the Verkhovna Rada are alumni of the Open World program and represent the majority party and its opposition. The members were Halyna Vasylchenko, Non-partisan (Holos), Andrii Zhupanyn Non-partisan (Servant of the People Faction), and Yaroslav Yurchyshyn (Holos).
A highlight of the visit was a breakfast with the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. Members attending included Caucus Co-chairs, Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rep. Michael Burgess, Rep. Mickey Sherrill, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Rep. Debbie Dingell.
Throughout the week they also met with Senator Joni Ernst, Deputy Assistant Secretary Robbin Dunnigan, Representative Adam Kinzinger, and Representative Steve Womack. They were also able to attend a House Foreign Affairs Committee, where the group received a round of applause from those in attendance, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
During their visit to Washington, D.C., the delegation discussed the current war Russia is waging in Ukraine, appropriate responses to this aggression, and planning for a post-war Ukraine.

04/26/2022

Please take a look at the latest press release from our office!

04/15/2022

Cybersecurity professionals from Estonia met with the Office of the National Cyber Director in Washington. The group discussed mutual objectives, concerns, and future cooperation in this important field. The Estonians are being hosted in Baltimore by UMBC.

04/07/2022

COIL is happy to welcome two delegations from Mongolia! They arrived yesterday and will be here until April 8th. During their time in DC, they'll meet with their counterparts in the US to learn more about our system before heading to their host communities.

In the pictures below, several prosecutors are kindly signing books for COIL's library!🌀

03/31/2022

The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, in partnership with the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe, is conducting a series of online conferences to facilitate the exchange among local leaders from Ukraine and other countries. The initiative is supported by the Association of Ukrainian Cities and Association of Amalgamated Communities.

Please join via Zoom Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 10.00 - 11:30 (PDT) / 13.00 - 14:30 (EDT) / 18.00 - 19.30 (CET) / 19.00 - 20.30 (EET). Speakers include Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko, and Open World alumni including Melitopol mayor Ivan Federov (recently released from Russian captivity), and Novoukrainka mayor Oleksandr Korinnyi.

Tune into the meeting here: https://kls-agency-ua.zoom.us/j/81446412014?pwd=ZEV5TzRJUEZPV0QvbVZoa1RIRVc2Zz09

03/31/2022

The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, in partnership with the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe, is conducting a series of online conferences to facilitate the exchange among local leaders from Ukraine and other countries. The initiative is supported by the Association of Ukrainian Cities and Association of Amalgamated Communities.

Please join via Zoom Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 10.00 - 11:30 (PDT) / 13.00 - 14:30 (EDT) / 18.00 - 19.30 (CET) / 19.00 - 20.30 (EET). Speakers include Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko, and Open World alumni including Melitopol mayor Ivan Federov (recently released from Russian captivity), and Novoukrainka mayor Oleksandr Korinnyi.

Tune into the meeting here: https://kls-agency-ua.zoom.us/j/81446412014?pwd=ZEV5TzRJUEZPV0QvbVZoa1RIRVc2Zz09

03/25/2022

KYIV - Alina Mykhailova has re-enlisted to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is now participating in heavy combat. She is stationed somewhere in Central Ukraine.

Alina, an alumna of the Open World program, was hosted by the West Virginia Council of International Programs in Morgantown, WV 2019.

Read more:https://conta.cc/3JKzJAs

03/21/2022

We are pleased to introduce our Spring Program Management interns from , Autumn Marshall and Lauren Kelley! Autumn and Lauren bring their many talents to and have already proved to be invaluable members of our team through their hard work, intelligence, and dedication. 🌀

03/17/2022

A warm welcome to our first in-person Rule of Law program for 2022! Our wonderful group from Kosovo met with Judge Renee Bennett and Judge John Tunheim before heading out on a city tour to the White House, Capitol Building, and Supreme Court. 🇽🇰🇺🇸

03/17/2022

A warm welcome to our first in-person Rule of Law program for 2022! Our wonderful group from Kosovo met with Judge Renee Bennett and Judge John Tunheim before heading out on a city tour to the White House, Capitol Building, and Supreme Court. 🇽🇰🇺🇸

03/16/2022

New name, same mission! We're proud to unveil our new name; the Congressional Office for International Leadership. Our organization has continued to evolve since our founding in 1999, and our new name better reflects the work we do as we administer the Open World program.

03/08/2022

On , we are incredibly thankful for the support for the women around the world who make a difference not just in our program, but in their communities and the lives of others. We want to celebrate your achievements not just today, but every day. Thank you to all Open World participants, partners, local hosts, and staff for their work in promoting women leaders across the globe!

03/01/2022

In light of recent events, please read the following release from our office.

02/11/2022

The Open World program is officially open for business, as we welcome our first travel groups for 2022! Not only was yesterday the first day of programming for 2022, it was the first time we've hosted a group from Hungary. Delegates were welcomed by Executive Director Jane Sargus before learning about American politics from Dr. James Quirk, our own Dr. Jason Bruder, and Dr. Sam Potolicchio. Our Ukrainian delegation to Little Rock, AR was also able to meet with Senator John Boozman. A warm welcome to all of our travelers!

12/16/2021

The last day of our Ukrainian Facilitator conference ended on a high note. The day was filled with interactive sessions presented by American Councils for International Education and Open World Exchanges. We were pleased to welcome the in-coming PAO at U.S. Embassy Kyiv Ukraine who took part in our awards ceremony to honor our hard-working facilitators. Open World Leadership Center was inspired and energized by our time together. Дякую вам всім! 🌀

12/14/2021

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and Peace Corps staff/COIL facilitators talk about how the two programs complement each others goals. Thank you Peace Corps🇺🇦

12/13/2021

Talking current events and leadership with Vitali Shkliarov.

12/13/2021

Proud to welcome our facilitators from Ukraine to DC today. Greeting them include Former U.S. Ambassadors to Ukraine Bill Taylor and John Herbst and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US . 🇺🇦 🇺🇸

11/24/2021

Alumni Interview: Judge Sanduta's Final Thoughts

Judge Sanduta shares her closing thoughts on her Open World experience.

This is the fifth and final video in our new series that explores the experiences of Open World alumni through their first hand accounts of their time in the program.

Judge Sanduta shares her closing thoughts on her Open World experience.This is the fifth and final video in our new series that explores the experiences of O...

11/17/2021

Alumni Interview: Judge Sanduta on Returning Home

We sat down with Judge Sanduta to talk about how she used the experience she gained in the Open World program to help improve the justice system in Moldova. You can find it at the link below, and all of our previous videos on our OWarchive YouTube channel.

Judge Sanduta shares how her experiences with the Open World program helped her improve the justice system back in Moldova.This is the fourth video in our ne...

11/10/2021

Alumni Interview: Judge Sanduta on Building Mutual Understanding

The third video in our Alumni Interview series is now available on our YouTube channel! In this week's video, Judge Sanduta gives her perspective on the sharing of culture and building a mutual understanding between countries through the interaction of delegates with their hosts and hosting community. Check it out here:

Our alumni interview series continues as Judge Sanduta gives her perspective on the sharing of culture and building a mutual understanding between countries ...

11/09/2021

Our rule of law delegation from Kyrgyzstan met with staff at the Gainesville district office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack. The group had the opportunity to learn about the Congresswoman’s role in Congress as well as the role that the district office plays in helping the constituents of the third district of Florida!

11/05/2021

It looks like it's not just a small world, but an Open one after all! We're so proud of our alumna, Ukrainian MP Yevheniya Kravchuk and Uzbek Ambassador to Ukraine Alisher Kurmanov, also an alumnus of the Open World program, who met earlier this week at the Uzbek embassy to discuss possible avenues for cooperation between their two countries.

11/04/2021

Our Open World Rule of Law Program arrived yesterday with a programming focus on the prevention of Trafficking in Persons. Today's program in DC featured a wide range of speakers, including Judge Anthony Trenga a district court judge in Virginia, Janice Lam of USAID Counter-Trafficking in Persons Program. Sitora Rozikova and Marhabo Rahimova of the Eurasia Foundation closed out today's presentation with an engaging discussion on combatting human trafficking in Central Asia.

11/03/2021

Alumni Interview: Judge Sanduta's Home Stay

Judge Sanduta tells us about her experiences living with her host family during her time in the US.

This is the second video in our new series that explores the experiences of Open World alumni through their first hand accounts of their time in the program.

10/28/2021

Open World Leadership Center program participants from and take in an illuminating lecture on American Culture by Dr. Dan Davidson, founder of American Councils for International Education . The Russians will be hosted in St. Petersburg, FL and the Tajiks are headed for Albuquerque, NM!

10/27/2021

Interview with COIL Alumna Judge Sanduta

Enjoy the first of our new series of interviews with Judge Victoria Sanduta. We hope that this series will provide insight into how our esteemed alumni have shaped the future of their home countries after their time with the Congressional Office of International Leadership program.

Judge Sanduta has served as a judge on the Chisinau Court for over four years where she has helped shape the judicial future of Moldova. In this first video, Judge Sanduta tells us how she selected to participate in the program and her thoughts leading up to the trip.

10/22/2021

Interview with Ukrainian MP Oleksii Movchan

We talked to Ukrainian MP Oleksii Movchan about how his time in America with Open World shaped perception of politics and gave him a newfound understanding of his counterparts in Washington.

Oleksii Movchan – Non-partisan (Servant of the People), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Regulation of Public Procurement and Effective Management of State and Municipal Property, Committee on Economic Development

Oleksii previously worked as the Deputy Head of the Program Management Department of the State Enterprise ProZorro.Sales. He is a member of the NGO "Club of Young Reformers", a semifinalist of the Open Data Challenge and a participant in the project "New Leaders". Mr. Movchan is a co-founder and vice president of the Jaguar Football Academy. He graduated from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy with a degree in Finance and the Ukrainian Catholic University with a degree in Public Administration.

10/09/2021

. Coordinator Veronica Gryschenko discusses the nominations process with Olga Matiychuk, Head of the Academics Department at in ❤️

09/27/2021

The Congressional Office of International Leadership lost a great friend this weekend with the passing of Walter Scott, Jr. of Omaha, NE. Scott played an invaluable role in our organization’s history and always held true to his belief in the work that we do. As a Member of the Open World Board of Trustees from 2004-2010, as its Chairman from 2011-2016, and through the generous contributions of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, he was a tireless champion of the Open World program. Though his time with us has passed, Walter Scott’s legacy will continue to have a profound effect for years to come.

07/30/2021

In Memoriam
The Honorable Carl Levin (1934 – 2021)
Trustee of the Open World Leadership Center (2001-2012)

It is with a heavy heart that the Center announces the passing of our friend and former Board of Trustee U.S. Senator Carl Levin (MI, 1976-2015.) Senator Levin served as a Trustee at the Open World Leadership Center from 2001-2012. He worked diligently for many years with Open World program delegations to promote peace and understanding since our agency’s inception in 1999.

Senator Levin’s keen insight and his close ties with Open World founder and former Librarian of Congress Dr. James H. Billington, steered the program as it grew from a Russia-only one to one serving strategically important countries throughout Eurasia. Senator Levin, as a Member of the Board of Trustees from 2001 through 2012, provided the insight and wisdom for COIL to become an independent legislative branch agency that hosted thousands of participants from 15 countries during his service.

We are particularly appreciative of the leadership that he provided to our nuclear nonproliferation program for Russia which ran from 2005 - 2010. Through this programming, 96 Russian nuclear experts from 32 regions and representing 57 different entities had the opportunity to meet face to face with their colleagues in Congress, at the National Nuclear Security Administration, and National Laboratories across the United States.

Senator Levin had an enthusiasm for exchanges and a belief in peer-to-peer networking that complemented the work of our agency. His zeal and passion for international collaboration at the local level made deep impacts on every participant he met. Senator Levin will be missed by alumni and our staff.