Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (center) and Chief Judge George C. Paine II (far right) meet with rule of law delegation during Washington, D.C., orientation

The Open World Program enables emerging Russian leaders to experience U.S. democracy and free enterprise in action in communities across the United States. During 10-day trips, Open World participants learn about the roles and interrelationships of the three different branches and levels of the U.S. government. They also examine how the U.S. private and nonprofit sectors help meet social and civic needs.

The program builds mutual understanding between the United States and Russia by opening and maintaining new avenues of dialogue between U.S. political and civic leaders and a new generation of Russian leaders. Open World parliamentary visits match members of the Russian Federation Council and State Duma with host U.S. senators, representatives and governors. The program’s civic delegations focus on one of eight themes: economic development, education reform, environment, federalism, health, rule of law, women as leaders, or youth issues.

With only five members in a typical civic delegation, participants can engage in hands-on experiences, direct observation, and in-depth exchanges with their counterparts in the host community. Activities range from accompanying a political candidate campaigning door-to-door to joining a newspaper editorial staff meeting, and from sitting in on a corporate planning session to discussing a sentence in a criminal case with the judge who just imposed it. Home stays provide an introduction to American family and community life. The American hosts in turn have the opportunity to hear about the new Russia from the people who are helping to shape it.

A wide range of nonprofit and governmental organizations host Open World delegations, or oversee a network of local organizations that provide this hosting. The national host organizations or their local partners plan and conduct participants' professional programs, provide meals and accommodations, and arrange cultural and social activities.

In a major new congressional initiative, Open World established a professional exchange program for Russian cultural leaders in 2003. Nearly 60 artists, regional ministry of culture representatives, librarians from cultural institutions, museum and theater directors, and other cultural leaders are taking part in the program during its first year.

Open World conducts an extensive and active alumni program by supporting conferences, seminars, and other follow-on activities in Russia for program participants.