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A delegation of officials from cities along the war-torn
border of Croatia recently learned about numerous community
initiatives during a week-long tour of Georgia. They were
hosted by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s
International Center for Democratic Governance (ICDG).
“These officials are facing serious issues related to
finance, culture, and resettlement,” reports Rusty Brooks,
ICDG faculty member who coordinated the visit. “Our
goal was show them economic development partnership models
that they could apply in their communities.”
For example, the Gilmer County Affordable Housing Committee’s
“Blueprint for the American Dream” is a nationally-recognized
program to provide low-income housing through a cooperative
effort between local banks, the Goldkist Corporation, the
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. “One of our goals was to show the visitors
ways to think out of the box,” reports Renee Dotson,
county extension coordinator.
The concept of volunteerism is virtually unknown in a large
part of the world, Brooks emphasizes, and the Croatian project
exemplifies how the benefits of outreach can extend from the
university to other parts of the world. “At ICDG, we
see ourselves as bringing the world to Georgia by taking delegations
around the state and showcasing outstanding examples of local
initiatives and volunteerism. At the same time, we are providing
opportunities for Georgians to meet officials from around
the world, learn about the problems they confront, and build
alliances.”
In Dahlonega, the Croatian visitors looked at partnerships
between North Georgia College and State University (NGCSU)
and the community. “Their visits to the gold mine and
the museum gave the group ideas on how a historical landmark
can be marketed as a tourist destination,” says Kimberly
Foster, NGCSU outreach director. The group also spent time
at the Habitat for Humanity international headquarters in
Plains, the Camilla Tennis Pro-Am fundraiser, the Southwest
Georgia Regional Development Center, the Colquitt\Miller County
Arts Council’s Swamp Gravy production, and an industrial
park initiative of the Thomasville/Thomas County Chamber of
Commerce.
ICDG is involved in other outreach in Croatia through institutions
there and Brooks is optimistic about a larger coordinated
effort. “As is often the case with a volunteer or outreach
project, you start with one small endeavor in the hopes that
its benefits will grow and expand,” he concludes.
Competing in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities
for international experiences. Our students are flocking to
study-abroad programs, thriving on the challenges inherent in
confronting a new cultural environment. More and more, students
on campus are also making choices that reflect an understanding
of the importance of global awareness—from living in a
residence hall-based language community to starting a radio
program in another language to minoring in a foreign language.
These experiences, whether at home or abroad, influence how
our students perceive the world and their place in it. We’re
producing graduates prepared to be world citizens—well
informed, culturally sensitive and technologically sophisticated.
They’re ready to take on the challenges of our global
society, and they’ll be equally at home whether in the
Peach State or the Republic of Georgia. |
