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Roundtables
Throughout the program, various types of meetings were conducted. Besides lectures, presentations, observations and seminars, several roundtable discussions were organized. Such discussions proved to be one of the best ways for the US trainers to share a large amount of in-depth and specific information with high-level professionals while also learning about the work of their colleagues in Velikiy Novgorod.
| One such meeting occurred in the Mayors office; the group consisted of the Velikiy Novgorod City department heads or representatives. In this open, give and take type of atmosphere, the professionals were able to ask us specific questions, on issues in which they were addressing at that moment. This was a very efficient way to exchange information while problem solving, as it allowed everyone to ask specific questions concerning, or relating to there own particular program interests or goals. It also allowed the other professionals in the room to see and hear the projects, and problems concerning the projects, that the City of Velikiy Novgorod is currently working on.
- Officer Michael Marcano |
Continuity
The US trainers often remarked how much they felt at-home because of all of the familiar faces they saw every day. The continued involvement of so many program alumni is a testament to the value of the exchange. The repeated participation of many agencies in Velikiy Novgorod demonstrated their commitment to learning as much as possible from their US colleagues. This continuity also helps to ensure the sustainability of the exchange, as many of the alumni and partners plan to continue exchanging ideas long after the program is over.
| Although we were on a tight schedule, I believe we took full advantage of the time allowed to share pertinent information, which allowed a bond of friendship and better understanding of each agencies goals, as well as, how to best reach those goals. Which will surely serve as a benefit for each individual agency, as they continue their close collaboration with each other, to improve their programs, to create new programs, and to refine strategies for problem solving. -Officer Marcano |
Delegation Selection
The professionals that traveled for this phase of the exchange were selected not only by the RPD and Project Harmony, but also by past program phase alumni. There was great enthusiasm to host the trainers, and PH partners in Velikiy Novgorod had a clear concept ahead of time of the skills of these trainers what benefits they could bring to the program. The involvement of a growing community of LEEP alumni and program participants has added a new level of depth and quality to each program phase.
Separating the Trainers
By sending the trainers to present at different venues on some days PH added many training hours to the program, and allowed each trainer to reach a wider audience in a limited amount of time. This practice also allowed the trainers to have individual experiences that they could then share with each other. This is one of the most cost and time effective practices for any training program.
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