Päivitys 4.8.2020: Cleveland 2020-ohjelma on siirretty koronavirustilanteen takia vuodelle 2021, tarkempi ajankohta ilmoitetaan myöhemmin.
Where: Cleveland, Ohio
When: October 31 – November 5, 2020 (*Election Day November 3, 2020)
U.S. Elections and the Political System
Program Description
This exchange program for young professionals from Finland will offer insight into U.S. society by providing a deeper understanding of the electoral process and the politics in the United States. The program will include a number of topics depending on participants interest, such as:
- Legislative process and/or electoral process
- Local government action
- Identity politics
- History of civic activism in the United States
- Citizens as guardians of democracy
- Civic education in schools and youth in politics
- The role of interest groups
The program will run from October 30th, 2020, through the election day, and will end on November 6th. The Participants will spend the entire program in Cleveland, Ohio, the county seat of one of the most electorally important counties in a key United States swing state and the site of the 2016 Republican National Convention.
About the Partnership
“U.S. Election and Political System” is an international exchange project coordinated in partnership with the Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA) in Cleveland, Ohio, Unites States and Suomi-Amerikka Yhdistysten Liitto (SAM) in Finland. CCWA is a registered 501 ©(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire engagement in international affairs and world cultures. The organization has been recognized as a national leader in coordinating U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange and has half a century of organizational experience in exchange programming.
Tentative program itinerary:
| Friday
October 30th |
Saturday
October 31st |
Sunday
November 1st |
Monday
November 2nd |
Tuesday
November 3rd |
| Arrive Cleveland, Ohio
|
CCWA Orientation
Tour of Cleveland & cultural activity (e.g., Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) Home Hospitality – Dinner & Halloween activities with host families |
Free exploration & cultural activities, such as:·
Cleveland Museum of Art · Performance at Playhouse Square (mini Broadway) · Cuyahoga Valley scenic train ride |
Session I: Master class in the U.S. government system, from local to federal
Session II: Panel with experts on “hot topic” elections issues & the role of identity politics Session III (volunteering): Monday Night Meal Rectory (serving food to the homeless) |
Session I: Canvassing activity
Session II: Observation at a Board of Elections (as available) Session III: Activities with youth and student activists (as available) Session III: Join an evening election watch party
|
| Wednesday
November 4th |
Thursday
November 5th |
Friday
November 6th |
||
| Session I: De-brief on the election with local experts
Session II: Meeting with activists for equity and inclusion, e.g. Black Lives Matter Session III: Case study on local government: e.g., Lean Six Sigma in local government
|
Session I: Case study on local government: e.g., the Cuyahoga County corruption scandal
Session II: Lunch event with local elected officials Session III: Session on U.S. Constitutional law or other topic of interest Farewell event with CCWA staff & local Clevelanders
|
Depart Cleveland, Ohio | ||
Price: €2,600/person (including accommodation, transportation, program, and some meals as described in the final program. Airfare is not included in the price.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please email Lena Grenat
and you will be first to receive information about the
program as it comes available.
Partner: 