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American-Style Democracy in Action Health and Social Services

Forging better understanding through Open Minded Discussion September 8-16, 2007 View agenda Partners
LWVLA has been chosen to host five Russian visitors this September 8 through September16, 2007 as part of the 2007 Russian Civic Hosting Program. This project is sponsored by the Open World Leadership Center through the League of Women Voters of the United States.
The objective of this exchange program is to provide the delegates with an understanding of elements of American civil society. The theme for the Los Angeles area meeting is Health and Social Service. The Open World Program brings small delegations of emerging leaders from Eurasia to the United States to see American-style democracy in action, and to help forge better understanding between the two nations. The program, a nonpartisan initiative of the U.S. Congress, is managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center that has joined with the League of Women Voters of the United States to organize this project.
Theme for the 2007 Los Angeles Area meeting: Health and Social Services

Health Care Coverage for All
Cost Management of Health Care and Social Services
Improvement of Health Care Quality
Financing and Administration of Health Care and Social Services
Retirement Income

Representatives from local government, business, and nonprofit nongovernmental organizations will be providing insight into our health and social services policies and programs to our Russian visitors. Open World emphasizes programs that utilize a community-based approach to promote the health of citizens and provide effective social services. Our focus is on programs, services, and educational efforts that enable citizens to be healthy, self-sufficient, and productive members of society.
Activities planned include visits to health care facilities, schools, homeless shelters, social services agencies, and NGOs focused on the community's health, safety, and well-being. Our delegation will examine issues related to elder care, disability rights, special education, and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and other medical conditions prevalent in Russia including HIV/AIDS, TB, heart disease, effects of substance abuse, smoking, diabetes and obesity.
The roles of philanthropy and volunteerism in the provision of health and social services will also be addressed. Programs that demonstrate public-private cooperation are particularly important to the itinerary we have prepared.
LWVLA invites the Russian delegates and all participants to join us in our mission to inform, engage and empower through promoting informed and active participation in government.

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