12-day exchange program will explore cultural issues that shape American identity in the 21st century through meetings, site visits, and dialogue in Washington, Baltimore, Orlando, and Dallas
WASHINGTON – Cultural Vistas is pleased to administer the Exploring American Values exchange program, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in London. This initiative will bring nine influencers, multimedia journalists, and bloggers to the United States, from May 28 to June 10, to explore contemporary American life in the context of current events and issues.
Beyond developing a deeper understanding of the American political and government structure and organization (including the balance of powers and the relationship between the federal, state, and local levels of government), the participants will look at four specific thematic areas: gun policy, police and community relations, civil rights and pluralism, and civic engagement.
During the two-week program in the United States, the group will explore the roles played by public agencies, NGOs, academia, and the media in shaping American culture and society, as well as looking at and how technology is changing the information landscape in which people in the U.S. and U.K. receive their news. Finally, the group will discuss with their American counterparts how social media and technology shape both the American and U.K. identity positively and negatively.
The intent of the visit is to provide participants with a diverse introduction to what are American values. It is very difficult to identify and explain basic tenets about a diverse society comprising of people from around the world. There are many different motivations that attract new arrivals to the United States, and these individuals help to re-energize and re-define the American society. And, social media quickens the pace of change, as young people update the process of public discussion and discourse through near-instant electronic communication.
In addition to discussions with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Faith-Forward Coalition in Dallas, and DeRay Mckesson (@deray) of Black Lives Matter, the group will meet with the Community Collaboration Division of the Baltimore City Police Department; participate in discussions with faculty and students at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Law School; and, meet with representatives of the Texas Republican and Democratic Parties.
The group will begin its visit to the United States participating in Memorial Day celebrations at Arlington National Cemetery and The Kennedy Center, and will visit Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and close the program at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
Cultural Vistas endeavors to strengthen global cooperation and build mutual understanding through its variety of special initiatives and short‐term programs. Learn more about the U.S. Embassy in London by visiting uk.usembassy.gov and @USAinUK.
About Cultural Vistas
Founded in 1963, Cultural Vistas is a nonprofit exchange organization promoting global understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions. Cultural Vistas develops international professional experiences that create more informed, skilled, and engaged citizens. Its programs empower people to drive positive change in themselves, their organizations, and society. — Learn more at culturalvistas.org.
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