Meridian implements the U.S. Department of State’s Youth Leadership Program with Central Europe

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In early July, Meridian International Center welcomed 48 youth and adult leaders from Central Europe to the United States as part of a U.S. Department of State youth leadership exchange program. The program began in Washington, DC with discussions on the U.S. federal system of government, foreign perceptions of the U.S. and community organizing with a workshop with Common Cause. The Europeans had the opportunity to visit historic landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Monument. Part of the DC experience also included a teambuilding challenge where participants put their fears and hesitations behind them to build closer bonds.

YLPCE participants gather in front of the White House in Washington, DC

After a week in DC, the group split into three groups, traveling to Burlington, VT, Kansas City, MO and Raleigh, NC for the ultimate experience with American families and meeting with local organizations. The Raleigh group visited all of the major universities in the Research Triangle area and unanimously agreed the highlight was a volunteer event with Stop Hunger Now, where they prepared meals for over 1500 people globally. In Kansas City, the group survived the heat wave and enjoyed visiting youth organizations. While there, the group volunteered with Harvesters, a group focused on providing meals for local families facing financial challenges, together the group prepared 346 full meals for the local community. The Burlington group teamed with youth from all over the world for an overnight stay at a conflict resolution summer camp to discuss common challenges faced by their communities. The group volunteered with an after school community focused on engaging underserved youth; split into smaller groups, the participants helped students with math and reading, participated in sports and games and worked on arts and crafts with the students serving as mentors for a day.

The trip included a stop at DC’s historic restaurant – Ben’s Chili Bowl – to learn more about African American history

After two weeks of fun and learning, the group reunited in Chicago, IL for final workshops focused on strategic messaging and using social media to further their goals. The closing event included presentations from each of the 16 groups about their community initiative that had been developed over the prior three weeks.

As the European visit to the U.S. comes to an end, the European students are preparing to host their American counterparts in Serbia and Hungary during a two-week reverse exchange in mid-August, coordinated by Meridian’s local partner, the Youth Initiative for Human Rights.

Team Raleigh participates in a volunteer activity at Stop Hunger Now

The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of States Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by Meridian International Center, a not-for-profit institution based in Washington, DC.

The project will continue for a second year during 2011 – 2012 with applications being accepted for Summer 2012 later this year. Check back in September 2011 for application instructions. If you are interested in more information about the program or would like to apply for the US or European exchange, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (202) 478-4459.

Please click on the links below to see media clips about the Youth Leadership Program with Central Europe.


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