Open World: Latvian journalists explore disinformation and elections in the U.S.
From October 23 to November 2, a group of Latvian journalists representing national and regional media, accompanied by American Councils Latvia's Agnese Trofimova, visited the U.S. through the Open World Program. The delegation explored disinformation and elections, with a focus on American federalism, media communication, and the role of disinformation in journalism, which is directly related to their work in Latvia.
The first part of the educational experience took place in Washington, D.C., where participants engaged in a series of insightful activities and discussions. The Latvian delegation, along with four delegations from Ukraine and one from Uzbekistan, had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) and staff from the American Councils for International Education, and to attend inspiring speeches. Ms. Jane Sargus, Executive Director of COIL, delivered the welcome address, followed by Dr. Sam Potolicchio, President of the Preparing Global Leaders Foundation, who presented a talk on American Federalism and leadership. Valuable lessons on diplomatic leadership were shared by Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Armenia, and the Kyrgyz Republic. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from Prof. Dan Davidson, Director of the American Councils Research Center, Senior Academic Advisor, and Emeritus President of American Councils, who reflected on American culture.
Additionally, the delegation met with Ms. Laura Ortiz, Deputy Communications Director for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, at the Russell Senate Office Building, as well as Mr. Jordan Wilson, Director of Member Services at the Committee on House Administration. Both shared valuable insights into their daily work, as well as their perspectives on disinformation and media communication.
The second part of the visit took place in Jacksonville, Florida, where delegates participated in a variety of training courses and meetings tailored to their professional interests. For example, they took an educational tour at the Duval County Supervisor of Elections, toured the First Coast News newsroom and spoke with Anchor Anthony Austin, and met Congressman John Rutherford.
The group also had productive discussions with Deidre Conner, Publisher at The Tributary; A.G. Gancarski, Correspondent at Florida Politics; and Nate Monroe of the Florida Times-Union regarding investigative journalism. Additionally, the delegation visited the University of North Florida's Political Science Department, where they spoke with Professor Sean Freeder and his team about disinformation and fake news, among other topics.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the local organization, GlobalJax, for their outstanding contribution in making the program both engaging and enriching as well as for providing accommodation in the homes of their volunteers, which allowed the delegation to experience U.S. culture firsthand.
Each delegate has shared highly positive feedback regarding the program, highlighting the unique opportunity to meet and engage with inspiring professionals and the privilege of experiencing the warm hospitality of the host families.
The Open World Program, created by the U.S. Congress in 1999, fosters professional exchanges with emerging leaders from Europe and Asia. It is managed by the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) and is administered in Latvia by the American Councils for International Education Latvia in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Latvia. To learn more, click here: https://latvia.americancouncils.org/