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| |  Online Event with Ms. Michelle Logsdon for FLEX students from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova May 21, 2003 Katy Pearce: The online event will begin shortly. Thank you.  Katy Pearce: Welcome students and observers. Students, if you want to ask Ms. Logsdon a question, click on the "Ask Question" button. Please ask one question and wait at least 3 minutes before asking another. Katy Pearce, the moderator, will read your question and give it to Ms. Logsdon. Please be aware that many students are participating and not all questions will be able to be answered. Thank you. While Ms. Logsdon is typing, please write more questions. Students were asked to prepare 5 questions ahead of time, however, students please feel free to ask questions that are different from the ones which you have prepared. When the chat is finished, you must complete the evaluation form. The link to the evaluation form is above this chat window. And now, to present Ms. Michelle Logsdon. Ms. Logsdon is Deputy Director of the State Department's Office of Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of European Affairs. Michelle Logsdon became Deputy Director of the State Department's Office of Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of European Affairs in August 2002, and currently handles the portfolio for Eurasia, the Nordics and the Baltics. She has had extensive international experiences, as you have learned... Katy Pearce: from your homework assignments. She is going to answer students' questions about the future of US-Eurasian Relations, as well as questions about her work at the State Department, her professional experiences and the overall impact of exchange programs. Fortunate for all of us, she is willing to speak to Future Leaders Exchange students from Western Eurasia. Again, welcome all students and adults, on behalf the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs we appreciate your enthusiasm for this event. Thanks for joining us. Students, you may begin asking questions. To begin, Ms. Logsdon, many of the students are curious as to your duties and responsibilities as Deputy Director of the State Department's Office of Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of European Affairs, as well as how you came to hold this position. Michelle Logsdon: Thanks Katy, and welcome to all the students, teachers and others out there. I am one of two Deputy Directors in the office that handles Public Diplomacy for Europe. I handle Eurasia, the Nordics and Baltics, and we work with US embassies overseas to develop programs reaching out to the publics in those countries. I am a Foreign Service officer and this is one of my rotations--to come back to Washington and work in the department of state. I was lucky to get this position, since I love working in this region Maksym Pavlov from Ukraine asks: Since you became a Deputy Director in the Bureau of European Affairs what was the most tough assignment you've ever met? Michelle Logsdon: Thanks Maksym. I have to say the toughest part about coming back to work in Washington is not being abroad, talking with foreign publics. As you can imagine, the State Dept. is quite a large organization and it takes some getting used to. But I think it's important work, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to do it. Timur Ochkhayev from Russia asks: Hello Mrs. Logsdon, Have you always wanted to work in the sphere of international relations? Michelle Logsdon: Hello Timur. Yes, since college, I think I have always wanted to do this. I was also involved in AFS as a high school student, and that got me interested in foreign countries. Tatyana Schetchikova from Russia asks: Have you ever been an exchange student? Would you like your daughter to have this kind of experience? Michelle Logsdon: Good question, Tatyana. I would love my for my daughter to have this experience, but since she will live abroad many times with me, perhaps she will have it without being an exchange student. I never got the opportunity to do it myself, primarily becausemy family circumstances didn't allow it. Artsiom Anisimau from Belarus asks: how are you Mrs.Logsdon?what is your main goal that you want to achieve while working in State Department? Michelle Logsdon: Artisiom, you've asked a very philosophical question! I think I would like to make sure our public diplomacy programs get the support they need here in washington so that we can continue to have productive dialogues abroad and so that my colleagues in our Embassies overseas have as many tools as possible to reach out to the audiences in their countries. Olga Bobyk from Ukraine asks: I always wonder how is it possible to get different jobs in different countries where people speak different languages. What does it take to move from country to country and adapt to new surrounding? Michelle Logsdon: Olga, it's great. I can't imagine doing anything else. I love learning about new cultures, and although learning foreign languages takes time and effort, it always pays off. Katy Pearce: Ms. Logsdon, many students have submitted questions about your thoughts on the FLEX program. Could you speak on this please? Michelle Logsdon: Thanks Katy--that's an easy one. I had my first experience with FLEX students while serving in Kazakhstan. I remember they were the most enthusiastic, active group of young people I had come across in my career. I think the FLEX program is one of our best new programs that allow students to gain some real insight into the US while going home and becoming REAL leaders in their communities. I've been very impressed with the activities of FLEX alumni from all the countries where FLEX exists and I hope to hear good things about all of you after your return to your home countries. Olga Makhova from Russia asks: This program gives a lot to us, what does it give to your country? Michelle Logsdon: Olga, that's a good question. I have heard from host families and host schools about the ways in which you enrich the communities you live in here. I guess overall, it's very important for Americans to have personal contacts with people from other countries since often Americans don't travel abroad enough you offer them the chance to learn, first hand, about places, cultures, history, that perhaps they would not otherwise have learned and that helps us be better prepared to function in the world. Artem Lukinov from Russia asks: My friend in high school says: It is really great that you are here. I am glad that there is such a program, but why American citizens have to pay for it? Why doesn't your country pay? Can you, please, comment on this? Michelle Logsdon: Artem, I think perhaps he doesn't understand the great value this program gives to the US. The US government is committed to supporting exchanges such as FLEX because it is very much in our interest to build relationships with countries abroad. It's money well spent. Katy Pearce: On a similar note, Ms. Logsdon, many students have asked about the future of the FLEX program and if funding will continue for it. Can you please speak on this topic? Michelle Logsdon: Katy, I understand that this year the funding levels for FLEX are going up the other good thing to note, is that we have recognized the great value of the FLEX program, and it is being replicated in other regions of the world for the first time. Katy Pearce: Many students wish to know your thoughts on how they can be "good FLEX alumni" when they return home. I believe that this is a very timely question! Michelle Logsdon: Get involved. But I have more to say. Alumni will hear from the program agencies about how to sign onto STATEXCHANGE website, and how to get connected to other alumni when they return home. But most importantly, FLEX alumni can get involved in their local communities look for ways to do small projects that address local issues/problems. FLEX alumni perhaps can't change the world, but they can change a bit of their immediate world added together, they can do amazing things, and have in many countries since the inception of this program. Tatyana Popova from Russia asks: How do alumni from this exchange program contribute to further development of the relationships between the US and their countries? Michelle Logsdon: Tatyana, you will find many opportunities to do just that. There may be seminars or conferences sponsored in your home area, that you can get involved in or you might start a group of friends of the USA to do something as simple as celebrate Halloween and introduce your neighbors to US holidays or customs all of these types of activites promotes understanding, and just by talking with your family, friends and colleagues about your first hand experiences in the US you can build understanding about the US. Lena Zubareva from Russia asks: What important impact on US-Eurasian relations did exchange programs have so far? Michelle Logsdon: Lena, exchange alumni in your country and others have contributed to futhering our goals to promote democracy and civil society. One example is in Moldova where FLEX alumni are currently working to 'get out the vote' for the local elections that are happening next week. Daniil Barkalov from Russia asks: I read and personally heard a lot about mixed, and often unfavorable attitudes towards the United States in my country and all over the world. In your opinion, what are some possible causes of this situation? Michelle Logsdon: Daniil, there is a lot of talk now about negative opinions about the US--anti-americanism. I know that a lack of information and good communication can lead to misunderstanding of US motives overseas...some blame the media and films. What is important is that we do not expect everyone to agree every time with every position we hold. That would be impossible...countries and peoples have different interests and different opinions. What we strive for is for others to understand our position, and for us to respect each other when we disagree this, is the case, for example, right now with Russia. Our governments disagreed on the issue of Iraq, how to handle it, but we continued, and are continuing, to consult to understand each other's position, and to work toward solutions. Kamilla Nizamova from Russia asks: What can we do to eliminate so-called aggression towards US and Americans in our countries except telling about our experiences here? Michelle Logsdon: Kamilla, I guess besides telling about what you saw, you can ask them why they feel so strongly the way they do. Sometimes their opinions come from misunderstanding and when you find out the basis for it, you can deal with that misunderstanding issue by issue but in the end, you can only share what you've seen and leave it at that. Ulia Ivaniuk from Belarus asks: Why does U.S. government want to be involved in Public Diplomacy? Michelle Logsdon: Ulia, Public Diplomacy is our way of reaching out to foreign publics to explain about the United States--our history, our policies, our culture, and the context in which we make decisions. We think it's very, very important to engage not only the governments abroad, but also the people--it's our bias towards democracy and the importance of the PEOPLE that lead us to value public diplomacy as a diplomatic tool. Liudmila Gorceakova from Moldova asks: Talking about public diplomacy, do you think the foreign exchange students really could influence public opinion about the U.S.? Michelle Logsdon: Liudmila, that's a good point that I left out of what I just wrote. Public diplomacy is a two way street, that brings foreign publics, such as exchange students, to the US to help the US public learn about foreign cultures. Yes, I do believe you can influence the US public about Moldova, by telling them about its culture, history, and helping them understand what your country is all about you may have learned in your political science classes here in the US the importance of lobbies lobbies that consist of national groups sometimes lobby on behalf of the interests held by foreign governments, to bring investment to foreign countries etc. That is just one example of how you can influence the US. Andriy Valchyshyn from Ukraine asks: What are the greatest achievements for US in public diplomacy missions and programs till this time? And what are the major failures for US in public diplomacy missions and programs till this time? Michelle Logsdon: Andriy, that's a broad question, but I'll do my best. If I go back in my memory, I do recall a great program we had during the cold war...your parents may know about it. We had fabulous exhibits about the United States that traveled all over the Soviet Union, telling America's story to normal, every-day Soviet citizens. I have heard from people in Kazakhstan, as well as in other former Soviet Republic, how much those exhibits meant to them, and how it made them feel closer, and gave them more understanding about the US. It's hard for me to speak about the biggest failure, since I am just one person and history is long but I would like to have done more to build our relationship in Islamic countries, to build understanding of the US and to emphasize that the US is not against Islam in any way perhaps we can do more there. Artsiom Anisimau from Belarus asks: while being so intensive about developing and improving public diplomacy in other countries is U.S. still open for point of views from other government and nations? Will U.S. tolerate if the public diplomacy is used on itself?? And can U.S. have a well-developed public diplomacy in one particular country without having traditional diplomatic relations with the government of this country. What kind of diplomacy traditional or public you think is more beneficial for the U.S.A.? Michelle Logsdon: Artsiom, I hope I remember all parts of your question. Other countries do have public diplomacy programs in the United States. Many Embassies here run exchange programs with the US, or exhibit and cultural programs, or information programs, to promote their countries and to help Americans understand their countries better we welcome that. I think traditional diplomacy and public diplomacy go hand in hand, you can't have one without the other. Timur Ochkhayev from Russia asks: Do you think that the use of public diplomacy could significantly reduce the percentage of anti-American feelings through all over the world? Michelle Logsdon: Absolutely, Timur, if we do our jobs right. Sofiya Avramova from Ukraine asks: What attitude does the Ukrainian government have toward US public diplomacy? Michelle Logsdon: Sofiya, nice to hear from you again. The Ukrainian government welcomes the range of exchange and public diplomacy programs that we have in Ukraine and we expect to continue to be able to support many public diplomacy programs there. Vera Aminova from Russia asks: Presidents meet and discuss something, but we get only the news. Can youth do something really important to improve the US -Russian relations? Michelle Logsdon: Vera, I only hear the news too but I think everyone has a role to play in improving our relations, and I hope that when you return to Russia you'll get involved as well. Kamilla Nizamova from Russia asks: Oh , my grandma was the director of the exposition center at that time and she still has materials from those exhibitions! Michelle Logsdon: Kamilla, that's TERIFFIC!!! Wish I could see some. Nataliya Kazmiruk from Ukraine asks: In what way does public diplomacy engage diverse non-government elements of a society? Michelle Logsdon: Nataliya, that could take me all day to answer. When I was in Kazakhstan, the types of organizations we dealt with were many NGOs that helped to protect the environment, women's rights, children's rights, educated the public on how to guard their own citizen's rights, including rights of the disabled, media organizations, cultural groups you name it, we did it, and it made for a very successful program. Katy Pearce: Ms. Logsdon, the students wish to know if you have visited their home countries and if so, what are your impressions of these places? Michelle Logsdon: I have had the opportunity in the past year to visit Russia and Ukraine...unfortunately I haven't been yet to Moldova and Belarus, but hope to get there this year. Lidiya Vetrova from Russia asks: Ms. Logsdon, what actions do you think will be taken to cretae better understandin between citizens of the United States and the Islamic countries? Michelle Logsdon: Russia is huge, and even though I've seen Moscow and St. Pete, I feel I haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg. I was in Kiev in Ukraine--all cities were very beautiful. Lidiya, we have been working on trying to reach out to Muslim societies there is a new plan for exchange and educational programs for the middle east and of course we continue to reach out to the Central Asian states to build our relationship there through our exchange programs. Timur Ochkhayev from Russia asks: How should we deal with those people who tell us, FSA FLEX students that this prgramm is a part of the US propaganda? Michelle Logsdon: Timur, I would tell them the truth, that no one told you what to do or say while you were here and that you got to see all aspects of the US, good and bad and that you could make up your own mind about what you saw. I don't believe that would qualify as "propaganda." Arslonbek Tishaboev from Russia asks: Are these cultural programs part of the Public Diplomacy and how do they impact our countries relations? Michelle Logsdon: Arslonbek--what do you mean by cultural programs, do you have something specific in mind??? Katy Pearce: I think that he means exchanges specifically. On the same note as the propaganda question. Michelle Logsdon: Both exchanges and cultural programs do improve our relations--because it is important for our countries and our peoples to relate on a person-to person basis and not only discuss "hard" issues such as foreign policy and economics. Timur Sabitov from Russia asks: What is the most important aspect in developing future relationships between Russia and the USA? Michelle Logsdon: Timur--communication we need to make sure we are talking at all levels--at the highest government levels, at the level of academics to academics, media and media, and of course at our level--people to people. Tanya Martos from country asks: I know its extremely hard to work in Belarus because of our government. What can we, FLEX students, do about it? Michelle Logsdon: Tanya: we are disappointed that our relationship with the government of Belarus is not at a more positive level right now. But we continue, and will continue to support exchange programs and support programs that build relationships with the people of Belarus. FLEX students can't be expected to change the world, but you can let your friends, colleagues and family know what you have learned and seen and let them know that the US government is ready to have better relations with Belarus when circumstances will allow. Liudmila Gorceakova from Moldova asks: What do you think is the major goal of the U.S.-Moldova public affairs at this point? Michelle Logsdon: Liudmila, Moldova is making good steps towards building democracy and civil society, and we want to continue to support that. That's our primary goal today for Moldova. Rayisa Vlasyuk from Ukraine asks: What issues between US and Eurasia do you think can be the corner stone in the future? Michelle Logsdon: Rayisa--building democratic systems and promoting economic reform and prosperity are the cornerstones of our policy towards Eurasia, and will continue to be into the future. Darya Pinashina from Russia asks: Do you think that the relationships between our countries affect relationships of Russia with other countries. Michelle Logsdon: Yes, the world is full of complex relationships and the US-Russia relationship does not exist in a vaccuum. Dmitriy Makhmudov from Russia asks: According to one of our readings favorable public opinion about the United States in Russia has changed from 37 in year 2000 to 60 in 2002. Why, do you think, it happened? Do you think work you are doing helped it to change. And will it decrease in 2003, after war in Iraq? Michelle Logsdon: Dmitriy: Polls are a good indicator of general public opinion, but I don't know if you can point to one reason or another for why public opinion goes up or down. I would like to take absolue credit for a rise in public opinion about the US, but then I would have to take the blame if it decreases. Let's just hope that over the long run, our two countries continue to have high regard and respect for each other. Michelle Logsdon: I'd like to ask you a question, if I may. What do you think will improve relations between the US and your countries? Olga Makhova from Russia asks: I changed a lot , I know that people after spending a year in America want to change their home countries, because they know life can be better! Olga Starchenko from Russia asks: If more americans will come to our countries, and show Russians or others who they are. Michelle Logsdon: Olga, you're right, wish more americans would travel to your countries please encourage your host families to be the first! Timur Ochkhayev from Russia asks: I know that I will have a lot of questions about my life in the US from different people, do you think that the creation of the exhibit will be workable? Michelle Logsdon: Timur--did you take a lot of pictures while you were here? Why not make a personal exhibit of what you did and saw..everyday life in the USA??? Artsiom Anisimau from Belarus asks: I agree with Olga,we need to create exchange programs for Ameerican students in our countries Andriy Valchyshyn from Ukraine asks: If people who really care about national interests, peace and stability in the world will represent our governments, relations between our countries and US will improve definitely. Also, I think that American public needs more information about our countries and societies. Michelle Logsdon: Andriy--yes, you're right. I would hope that some day you will become a Ukrainian diplomat and begin a public diplomacy program in your Embassy here in Washington. Nataliya Shipulina from Russia asks: I think the increase in US tolerance towards other countries will help the relations. Understanding that democracy is significant in the world is good, but other countries might not appreciate it to the same degree as US does. And also send more Americans to see new European countries will be beneficial, not one side exchange. Michelle Logsdon: Nataliya: I agree that one-sided exchange is not as good as two-sided. If, however, Congress will only fund us at the level we have now, what do we give up to send American's abroad? Do we cut the number of foreign students coming here? It's a difficult question we have to ask ourselves, knowing that funding is never enough. Valeria Tosenko from Ukraine asks: To tell to my friends and family what I have learned in the US is not enough because it will not chage anything, it wount change the community I live in. What can I do to make a positive difference in my home town at least? Michelle Logsdon: Valeria: there are alumni offices in every Embassy -- including Kiev. Get in touch with them and find out how you can participate you'll be surprised at the number and range of different kinds of activites, and amazed at the impact they have. Katy Pearce: Students, we have 5 more minutes of questions. Thank you. Vera Aminova from Russia asks: You say we are not expected to change the world. If you could, what would you do first? Michelle Logsdon: Vera: I would help someone who needs help--if we can change something for the better, we have done something good that day. Tatyana Schetchikova from Russia asks: I dont think, everyone wants to change their homecountries after being here. I think, we can better understand the differences between our countries and live our lives trying to use this experience Michelle Logsdon: Tatyana: you're right--perhaps you don't want to change your country, but just knowing new things, you have changed your world view. Anton Chernov from Russia asks: what can i do when i go back home to preapare myself to be a diplomat and help Russia with Russia-U.S. realtionships?And does the FLEX program help those students who want to be a part of public diplomacy? Michelle Logsdon: Anton: again, try your alumni association. They will hook you into a circle of ideas and possibilities. Katy Pearce: Students, we will be closing the questions now. So that Ms. Logsdon may say some closing words before we end. Michelle Logsdon: I just wanted to say thanks very much for letting me participate with you today. I really enjoyed your questions, and feel we could have talked for many more hours. I apologize for my bad typing, and my slow answers. I wish you all the best, good luck with the end of your studies here, and a safe journey home. I hope to meet you in the future in my travels through your countries. All the best! Katy Pearce: Based on the responses, I think that everyone appreciates this. Thank you Ms. Logsdon. The students, placement organizations, ECA alumni, host families, host educators, and all others greatly appreciate this time that you have given us. Thank you Ms. Logsdon and students. We appreciate your time. We have run out of time. We hope that you enjoyed this online event and that you have learned... Michelle Logsdon: Thank you Katy. Katy Pearce: something new about the relationship between the United States and the countries of Eurasia and the impact that exchange programs such as FLEX have on Eurasian communities as well as the future relationship between these countries. Please fill out the evaluation form in order for us to continue hosting events such as this in the best way possible. Thank you so much. Students, please click on the leave button and fill out the evaluation form. Thank you. | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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