BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Ten Russian leaders participating in the Open World Program will spend December 12th through the 20th, 2009, in Bakersfield examining Accountable Governance and Rule of Law.

Friendship Force of Kern County will host the delegation.

Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, Open World is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia and the Baltic States by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and free-market system.

While in Kern County the delegates will meet with local leaders from both the City and County, examine the operations of many local non-profit agencies, learn about local law enforcement, and even meet with local media representatives. A detailed agenda is attached, with opportunities for media coverage highlighted.

The visiting delegates come from a variety of business backgrounds, and will spend their time developing a deeper, first hand understanding of how government, non-profits, and private business all work together to build stronger communities.

“For the last 10 years we have cultivated these lasting friendships,” said Kay Pitts, local coordinator for this visit through the Friendship Force of Kern County. “This year’s theme of Accountable Governance is well-timed as State and Federal budget crisis have forced us to reexamine our own systems.”

Home-stays will allow the Open World delegates to experience American family life. They will also take part in several cultural and community activities, including a visit to the HolidayLights at CALM.

The U.S. Congress established Open World in 1999 to enhance understanding and seek opportunities for cooperation between the United States and Russia. In 2003, Congress made all post-Soviet states eligible for the program. Thanks to Open World, some 14,000 current and future Eurasian leaders have experienced American civil society and have been exposed to new ideas and practices that they can adapt for use in their own work. Open World currently operates exchanges for political and civic leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Delegate and facilitator names

Adam Rakhmanovich Sulimanov

Kseniya Valeryevna Likhacheva

Anna Gennadyevna Khetseva

Elmira Elderovna Ismailova

Sergey Petrovich Alekseyenko

Olga Yevgenyevna Sharonina

Diana Anatolyevna Salatskaya

Yevgeniy Anatolyevich Kutlunin

Zhanna Vladimirovna Ishchuk

Vladimir Anatolyevich Bebekh

Lyudmila Vladimirovna Guseva – facilitator

Yelena Sergeyevna Patapova – facilitator