International Relations Committee:
This committee educates and informs LWV members on selected current international issues. The committee hosts international groups such as the Humphrey Fellows and facilitates cultural exchanges with community groups.
This committee educates and informs LWV members on selected current international issues. The committee hosts international groups such as the Humphrey Fellows and facilitates cultural exchanges with community groups.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows
For eighteen years LWV Duluth has hosted Fellows from the University of Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program at the Institute of Public Affairs and Human Rights Center at the Law School.
Humphrey Fellows study at the Minneapolis campus for an academic year to expand their knowledge at a professional level in their respective fields. The Fellows come from designated developing nations and emerging democracies such as Pakistan, Philippines, India, Egypt, Columbia, Turkey, Kenya, Nepal, and many others. The ten or twelve Fellows come to Duluth annually to meet with government and non-government representatives, and discuss mutual issues and policies. Learning about our community and local governance is a major aspect of their visit. A visit to the Mayor's office and key non-profit agencies provides perspective for participants. The city is showcased with a tour of Duluth’s attractions and the visit is punctuated with a luncheon and discussion time provided by LWV Duluth. |
2019 Visit
Each year for the past 40 years, the Humphrey International Fellows Program brings accomplished mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of academic study, related professional experience, and cultural exchange. The people-to-people approach to international understanding provides a basis for lasting ties between US citizens and their professional counterparts in other countries, and strengthens the global exchange of knowledge and experience essential to a sustainable world.
The 2018-2019 University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Fellows visited Duluth April 24th, 25th, and 26th as guests of the Duluth League of Women Voters. This year, Fellows came from Israel, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Zambia, South Africa Morocco, Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia, Tonga, and Tajikistan. They come to Duluth at the end of their exchange to learn what social services/programs a medium-size community offers and to have time to evaluate their learning experience in the program. Two delegates from Duluth’s Sister City Thunder Bay also joined the visit. The theme for this year’s visit was Current innovative social services/social justice policies and programs, economic development which bring equity for all. As with past visits to Duluth by former Fellows, the group met with Mayor Larson and other City and human rights officials, learned about the history of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial and Program, and about the American Indian Community programs—but this year they also were part of discussions with UMD faculty on the Current Life of Refugees and on Food Insecurity. |
Humphrey Fellows with Mayor Emily Larson
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