#ExchangeOurWorld

[usnatarchives]

Fulbright Scholar Cancy Chu in the Heritage Science Research and Testing Lab at the National Archives at College Park. Photo by Lindsay Oakley.

We Welcome Cancy Chu - Our 1st Fulbright Scholar!

Candy Chu, a Ph.D. candidate from the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation at the University of Melbourne, has joined our Heritage Science Research and Testing Lab for the 2022–2023 academic year. 

Trained in conservation and book arts, Chu will be testing synthetic paper to further her research on the conservation of the material in cultural collections. 

She hopes to determine the best methods for repair on damaged synthetic paper, which requires a different treatment than normal paper because of its plastic components. This research dovetails with her research on conservation of plastics found in paper-based collections. 

Read more: Fulbright Scholar Joins Heritage Science Lab By Angela Tudico | National Archives News

Related: join us on Twitter November 4  for #AskAConservator Day! Our conservators will take over Twitter to answer your burning conservation questions!

See also: Conservators: Magicians of the Archives!

Peek inside our amazing Heritage Science Lab!

Heritage Science Research and Testing Lab at the National Archives at College Park. Photo by Lindsay Oakley. 

[communityinclusion]

Reflections on My Disability Inclusion Journey and Visit to the USA

Sande Erick is a 2023 Fellow in the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement. This program is sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion (HI). The following blog post was written by guest author Sande Erick.

Memories of my Stammer

I have stammered for as long as I can remember. Going through high school in Kenya was difficult. My peers were insensitive and openly made fun of my speech impediment, mimicking the unpleasant sounds I made when speaking. To date, I still experience mockery and stigma attributed to my stammer. However, my lived experience has given me an opportunity to be a changemaker in my community, advancing an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities.

Boston Encounter

Throughout my life and with Joe Biden’s presidency and the story of his struggle with a stutter, I developed an urge to visit the US. Today, as a champion for disability inclusion and a visiting fellow, I am so delighted for the opportunity to experience the US and exchange inclusive civic engagement practices.

When I arrived at the Boston Logan International Airport, Heike and Christa, two members of the Professional Fellows Program (PFP) team, were already waiting for me. As we drove off to the hotel, seated by the window, I notably observed the accessibility features in the built world. All this while Heike shared interesting sites that Clara, a visiting PFP Fellow from Tanzania, and I could visit in Boston before our orientation at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI). We got an opportunity to sightsee around Boston together, visiting Harvard University, the Boston Tea Party Boat, Faneuil Hall, Boston Public Library, and the Massachusetts Statehouse, whilst following the Freedom Trail through the Boston Public Garden.

Clara (3rd from right) and I (2nd from left) at Boston tea party boat during a sightseeing visit in Boston

I was puzzled by what seemed like deliberate efforts to make the built surrounding inclusive. Public transport is explicitly accessible, with disability signage all over the streets. When we visited the Boston Public Library, I noticed a person using a wheelchair navigating the library all by himself. For me, it spoke volumes to the accessibility of the built environment.

Clara and I in Boston Public Library

Later, at the orientation, I got to interact and exchange experiences with advocates and experts in disability inclusion, representing different organizations in Massachusetts. I got to appreciate that the milestone in disability inclusion, spanning from the built environment to social inclusion, is a result of years of consistent advocacy work by persons with disabilities and their organizations. Even so, full inclusion is yet to be realized.

Inclusion in Alaska

I write this one week into my Fellowship exchange program at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), the Center for Human Development (CHD). My mentor is Kelley Hartlieb. She’s an amazing person with a wonderful family that made me feel at home within the shortest time possible. Landing at Anchorage International Airport, Kelley and her family picked me up in a typical American truck, a Toyota Tacoma. In no time we arrived at my new home, and I learned so much about the city of Anchorage and the Chugach mountains from Kelley and her family’s narration during the drive.

Kelley and the CHD team have been instrumental in providing professional support and introducing me to pertinent organizations with expertise in matters of disability. First, I participated in a virtual series session put on by the Disability Abuse Response Team (DART) that was focused on removing barriers and increasing capacity to effectively address substance abuse survivors with disabilities. I found this interesting and peculiar at the same time. Substance use is increasingly becoming a menace, yet, back at home, little attention is given to this subject, especially among the disability community.

I also took part in a virtual meeting with a consortium of organizations for persons with disabilities in Alaska. During this meeting, the consortium reviewed different policies and bills directly impacting the disability community in Alaska. I’m amazed at how organizations of persons with disabilities have made significant contributions to the policy space. I am currently watching Crip Camp, a documentary about the disability movement in the US, to get an understanding of the historical perspective and contribution of renowned individuals like Judy Heumann who is considered the “mother of the disability movement.”

This fellowship has been an opportunity to reflect on my disability inclusion journey, appreciating the strides I’ve made while staying cognizant of the bigger inclusion picture for all.

[scholarshipja]

The @gilmanscholarship Advisor Ambassador application is open! #ExchangeOurWorld @exchangeourworld Apply at the link in the #gilmanscholarship bio! #scholarshipjamaica (at ScholarshipJamaica.com) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqBRbMYuZ2S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[tint-followtaxes]

"𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙖 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧  𝙨𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙" said Eglah

 ...at the end of the 2 days capacity building workshop for Senior Government Officials and Civil Society Organisations, we held in #taraba state on Open Government Partnership and its guiding principles, equitable taxation, fiscal transparency and effective citizens engagement. 

The participants were also engaged on how to access procurement data from the Taraba State Open Contracting Portal (TOCOPO) for procurement monitoring and anti-corruption vanguard. 

Various commitments have been made by the participants and we have committed to the continuous provision of technical expertise and handholding the Taraba state non-state and state actors towards the full implementation of its OGP action plan. The capacity building session is part of the "Following taxes to improve service delivery project" funded through an Alumni TIES small grant from the U.S. Department of State. World Learning International Exchange Alumni Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

@world-learning​ , @alumnities​

[michelebenjamin]

Giving Alms: Every morning at 5:30am 300+ monks collect alms in the form of food. This is Is what they depend on for subsistence. We are supposed to be careful not touch the collection basket. Each person gets a basket of “Sticky Rice” 🍚. One takes a piece of rice and drop it in each collection basket. The skirt or “sin” I’m wearing is traditional Lao with weaving them includes elephants along the border. The show was so nicely loaned to me is very old and it belongs to my friend’s mother. The flowers are made specially to give offerings at the temple. #michelebenjamin #exchangeourworld #laos (at Luang Prabang) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByY0xKjFcpP/?igshid=esctt0xs1ha0

[armenkassabian]

#bargaining Buying local in #Malagasy in #Madagascar #whatsoutsideyourwindow #elprograms #creative #day139 #fellowPDO #fellowmidyear #lifeofafellow #fellowfriday #traveltuesday #teachabroad #exchangeourworld #fellowfirsts #fellowimpact #DearFutureFellow #fellowfriends #ELPalumni #ELFontheroad #elpstaff #ELSpecialist (at Morondava) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByD6qByAjwq/?igshid=ckfsvvsywc4r

[dancemotionusa]

Dance as Mutual Understanding

by: Sarah Horne, DMUSA Project Director

It’s difficult to reflect back on my time with DanceMotion USA℠ because I’m still processing that the program is really coming to a close. When I was first introduced to the concept of cultural diplomacy in 2014, it seemed a vehicle for political gain. When I actually experienced cultural diplomacy as the tour manager of the Mark Morris Dance Group’s DanceMotion USA℠ residency in Cambodia, Timor Leste, Taiwan, and China, I understood that it was a vehicle for change; a tool to be used to connect individuals through something as simple yet powerful as dance. I can honestly say that partaking in that residency changed my life.

Small town Massachusetts girl, never in my wildest dreams could I have foreseen travel to destinations like Cambodia; and Timor Leste, I had never even heard of it. Yet, the people I met in these destinations became my family for the 5 weeks we were abroad. We moved together, ate, laughed, shared highs and lows, connected on intimate and personal levels, and all expressed the same desire to live a happy, healthy life; to provide for our families; to take pride in our work. The world really is small and humans all need and want the same basic necessities. Whether we’re in South East Asia or America, we’re inevitably the same, this program allowed me to fully understand that.

Mark Morris and Sarah Horne at the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics in Timor Leste with a young participant

Almost a year after that residency experience, I had the opportunity to become a part of the DanceMotion USA℠ team; working to bring to fruition these residencies for other American dancers and dance companies. With the program having had such an impact on me personally, I wanted to work toward building experiences for others that would allow them the same opportunities I had. As the Project Manager for DanceMotion USA℠, I worked with embassies and cultural partners in Africa, Asia, South America, and Eurasia to build residency tours that connected American dancers with individuals who may never have met an American, or who may never have been given the opportunity to dance and move due to physical limitations and/or access to dance and dance education. Some of the vulnerable populations we worked with had caretakers who didn’t believe those in their care could dance perhaps because they were wheelchair bound or had other physical limitations. Yet, when the American residency companies were on the ground, the palpable energy of joy in the room radiated because dance really is for everyone. Those caretakers not only saw those in their care dance but they saw them light up with a happiness that comes from inclusion and the belief that we can achieve anything our hearts set out to do.

Sarah Horne being interviewed in Taiwan following a residency activity

I had the privilege to travel to Vientiane, Laos with Dance Heginbotham in 2016 and watching this company teach and exchange with individuals on the ground brought joy to my heart and tears of happiness to my eyes. I saw them experience the same transformation I had during my Mark Morris residency and I knew then that this program was more than about achieving foreign policy goals, it was about individual, person-to-person exchange; it was about the universal language of dance; it was about empowerment and joy.

John Heginbotham with Sarah Horne in Luang Prabang, Laos

In 2017, as the Project Director for the program, I traveled to Mongolia, Korea and Russia to meet with Embassy staff and cultural partners in advance of the seventh and final season of programming. Explaining the program and discussing how dance can be used as a way to connect is often harder than one would think. More often than not, those we work with expect us to want to work with professional dancers, dance students, companies, etc. and to put on performances. Yet, the power of what we do lies in the exact opposite; connecting individually with those new to dance and/or exchanging with local, traditional groups in an effort to absorb and appreciate the culture, history, and heritage of the countries we travel to.

These advance trips held an extra special meaning for me, not only did I know they would establish the residencies for the last season of DanceMotion USA℠ programming, but I was near the end of my first trimester of pregnancy, carrying with me my daughter. In her, I hope to instill not only an appreciation and love for travel but also the respect and admiration for other cultures and societies that has grown within me since my involvement with DanceMotion USA℠ began. As the world continues to grow, preserving and respecting culture and traditions is all the more important. Cultural exchange programs do that, not only by sending Americans abroad, but by bringing international artists and curators to the United States. The connections fostered through these exchanges help create space for dialogue and discussion, demonstrate shared values, and increase cross-cultural understanding.

Sarah Horne in Moscow, Russia during an advance trip

Now as the program end looms in site, I have the weight and responsibility of keeping the legacy of these residency exchanges alive for years to come so that others may understand the powerful impact of cultural diplomacy.  In bidding goodbye to this chapter of dance diplomacy, I reflect back on how dance diplomacy began during the Cold War. It was President Dwight D. Eisenhower who created the means for the State Department to facilitate cultural exchange as a way to “stimulate the presentation abroad by private firms and groups of the best American industrial and cultural achievements, in order to demonstrate the dedication of the United States to peace and human well-being [and] to offset worldwide Communist propaganda charges that the United States has no culture.” Since then, dance diplomacy has ebbed and flowed as foreign policy goals and objectives have changed. Today, dance is used as a means to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding and to establish relationships between individuals. As we look at the next chapter of cultural diplomacy, I hope the State Department maintains these goals which I hold near and dear to my heart and continues to encourage individuals to connect through the arts because they represent a universal language equal to none. It has been a privilege and an honor to be both a participant and administrator of this program; for what it has taught me and instilled within me, I am eternally changed and grateful.

[veryeclipselawyerhairdo]

The first-time fantastic flight experience and other magical moments which accompany international travel or crossing the boarders of your home country for the first time to a new setting where everyone is curious about everyone else is a tremendous booster of morale. Successfully giving one's dreams wings is an achievement earned through much hardwork and dedication. Often it's more than just a flight - it's a defining moment that leads to a new set of opportunities and possibilities. Pictures: Open Dreams Scholars Obedine'21, Chamberline'21, Laurantine'21 & Joyceline'20 moments before boarding the plane to their new institutions. #GlobalCitizenship #internationaltravel #ExchangeOurWorld #girlchildempowerment https://www.instagram.com/p/CgkuXUqJ3eU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[snaptravel]

𝘽𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙮 𝙆𝙖 𝘽𝙄𝙂𝘽𝙐𝙇𝙇 ⏳💸🐂 ᴀ sɴᴀᴘᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟ sᴇʀɪᴇs #snaptravel @indiapoco #Shotonpoco . . . . #stockcar #exchanges #bombayfoodexplorer #stocktrading #exchangeprogram #exchangegift #exchangepostcard #stockingstuffer #exchangeplace #stockholm_insta #bombaytimes #stockingfillers #stockexchange #intags #exchangeourworld #stocktrader #bombaybicycleclub #bombaysapphire #stockholmcity #bombayplena #stockphoto #bombaydiaries #stockbridge #exchangela #stocktonca #bombaybeach #exchangestudentlife #exchangedistrict (at BSE Dalal Street) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTM0RSiMzZY/?utm_medium=tumblr

[soulfulnerd]

My favorite moment of every day of the tour with @americanmusicabroad @statedept is when we get to #connect with people. As amazing as the food, music and nature have been in #Colombia, it's always the people that leave the biggest imoression on my heart and my music. This group of talented middle schoolers from a town almost an hour away from #bucaramanga thanks to @colomboamericanobucaramanga @unab_online were able to spend the entire day with us from our workshop that morning until our show later that night. They had so many cool questions and witty jokes for me during soundcheck I think I almost lost my performance slot for the evening!jaja Qué sigan brillando estudiantes!! Bendiciones y muchísimo éxito. 😜😜😜 @exchangeourworld @usembassybogota #exchangeourworld #culturaldiplomacy Photo: @zacharycutler https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_lDANBI4h/?igshid=z4cofythgq5u

[vicolee-blog]

Congratulations to The Watson Basecamp II in Hangzhou🇨🇳 was finally ended! GROUP FIRST PRIZE🏆 My Group Challenge Issue: Xenophobia (Racism) Our solution: Non-profit Immersive Flash Theatre Surprisingly, I also connected my idol who I really really wanted to meet again two years ago!!🥰(She is a Korean, also the director of B Corps in China) Thanks to our China Coordinator at Watson, Lallas so so so much, she really really did a great great great job. Thanks to Watson and much love to all of you! ♥️ #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #basecamp #hangzhou #china🇨🇳 #friendship #exchangeourworld #changes #impactpeople #changemakers #innovators #inclusivity （在 Hangzhou, China） https://www.instagram.com/p/CH8k3R3B2Zu/?igshid=1ttaf8z45avkr

[communityinclusion]

My Journey in Alaska: Its Beauty and Natural, Breathtaking Landscapes

Clara S. Muchunguzi is a 2023 Fellow in the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion (HI). The following blog post was written by guest author Clara S. Muchunguzi.

This long-awaited journey started on May 3, 2023 when I landed in Boston and received a warm welcome from Heike and Christa, our very own PFP team leads who have been very supportive and made sure this was a dream-come-true trip. May 4 was a brand-new day, and, despite the jetlag, I got an opportunity to wander around Boston. I visited the very old, legendary, and iconic university of ancient times — Harvard University, which is still rocking and a dreamed university of many, including myself. It was mesmerizing to learn the fairytale of John Harvard’s monument: that when you touch his foot, it brings good luck. I had to try mine. Who knows? I may get my PhD there, or my son, Jayden, may go to school there, so fingers crossed. It was so enticing, and I wish I had more days in Boston.

When I learned that I was going to Alaska, I had so many questions. I had barely heard of Alaska, and I had so many thoughts about what I would see there. Surprisingly, I had a wonderful four weeks of exploring, learning, and fantasizing in Anchorage, Alaska. Seeing the natural beauty of Alaska and its breathtaking landscapes brought some dazzling feelings. I am grateful for my host, Jessica Harvill, who welcomed me to her beautiful home and took me to view the beauty of the well-arranged Chugach Mountains of Alaska that were decorated with snow. I met noble people from the University of Alaska Center for Human Development and connected with brethren from different organizations. I learned their ways of life and the work they do in bringing meaning to life and to people that need special attention.

Clara (left) wood polishing materials to be used in artwork design at Hope Studio, an organization that works with people with disability.

Wildlife Encounter at the Alaska Zoo

I was mesmerized by the renowned, diverse wildlife I encountered at the Alaska Zoo, a lifesaving place for orphaned and injured wildlife animals with its own unique history. I had unforgettable moments at the zoo as I witnessed moose and the majestic moves of the giant bears in their different colors — black, brown, and white. I had such a pleasant feeling seeing the bald eagles — magnificent birds, well-known scavengers, and predators, crafted in unique color in their heads and tails — so admired for their beauty. The eagles are found in Alaska more than any other part of America and carry a spiritual symbol for the Alaskan natives that makes them very special.

Clara stands outside the big cat exhibit at the Alaska Zoo

Cultural Immersion

I have learned many good things about the Alaskan indigenous heritage. I visited the Alaskan Native Heritage Center and learned about Alaskan cultures, architecture, traditional lands and languages, and creative arts, ranging from carving, basket weaving, and sewing to silver smiting. Amazing works represent Alaskan natives, including the underground houses they used to stay in and the equipment they used for hunting and fishing. I got to know the five native tribes: Athabascans, Inupiaqs, Yupiks, Aleuts, and the Northwest Coast Indians. I was so thrilled with my visit to Alaska, and I will definitely visit Alaska again and again.

Clara at the Alaskan Native Heritage Center, standing beside a totem for one of the Alaskan Native society

[scholarshipja]

The Gilman Scholarship Application is closing in one week! The deadline is Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:59pm Pacific Time, and the advisor certification deadline is Thursday, March 16, 2023. #ExchangeOurWorld #scholarshipjamaica #gilmanscholarship #studyabroad Source @gilmanscholarship Apply at the link in our bio! (at ScholarshipJamaica.com) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpS8REquIkp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[tint-followtaxes]

Hello #Taraba Tune on to the Taraba State Broadcasting Services (TSBS) to join Dr Saied Tafida,  Muhammad Sani Kassim, Khalipha Haliru Ahmad,  Mr Tijjani Magaji Co-Chair OGP Government and Dr Joseph Gimba, Co-Chair Civil Society Open Government Partnership as we discuss the need for effective citizens engagement as a way of improving service delivery.

The radio program is part of the "Following taxes to improve service delivery project" funded through an @alumnities​ small grant from the U.S. Department of State

World Learning International Exchange Alumni, Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State @world-learning​

[statedept]

Happy Women's Entrepreneurship Day! The @statedept proudly supports women entrepreneurs worldwide through exchange programs offered through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. These life-changing opportunities connect international #WomenInSTEM with American mentors, laying the groundwork for global collaboration and long-term mentorship between different countries centered on problem-solving innovation. @TechWomen is one such program, bringing together American women in Northern California with their counterparts in the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa for a professional mentorship and exchange program at leading technology companies. Help us celebrate women leaders in entrepreneurship later this month at #GES2017, which focuses on the theme “Women First, Prosperity for All.” Follow @GES2017 for updates. #ExchangeOurWorld #TechWomen #WomenInTech #ChooseWomen

[armenkassabian]

#day75 #informationgap #activity &#singing to #relax, release #stress to #learn #better #teachersofinstagram #Mauritius #fellowPDO #fellowmidyear #lifeofafellow #fellowfriday #traveltuesday #teachabroad #exchangeourworld #fellowfirsts #fellowimpact #myclassroom #DearFutureFellow #fellowfriends #ELPalumni #ELFontheroad #elpstaff #ELSpecialist #fellow50 (at Mauritius) https://www.instagram.com/armen.kassabian/p/BvvFHxilyjPvvM-SWaxziIAtKW1a1r9LYKBwUE0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15kpfyp4umday