Left to right: Rebecca Bextel, Laura Duncan, and Ivan Escamilla (Program Associate for Member Relations and Grants, Global Ties U.S.) Photo credit: Laura Duncan.
Each year, the Network DC program brings representatives from Community-Based Member (CBM) organizations to Washington, DC for professional development and networking with federal government agencies and the National Program Agencies. In May, we welcomed Rebecca Bextel, Executive Director of Global Ties Wyoming, and Laura Duncan, Visitor Program Manager of the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, to Washington for this unique opportunity. Read about their experiences:
REBECCA BEXTEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL TIES WYOMING
Rebecca (fifth from right) poses with a group of social entrepreneurs from India visiting Jackson Hole, WY this past May. Photo credit: Global Ties Wyoming
How did you get involved with exchanges and the Global Ties Network?
When I was a kid, my family lived in Costa Rica and Guatemala for several years, so I had a different perspective on the world than most people in my Alabama hometown. One day, I noticed an advertisement in my local paper for a “Lunch and Learn” event with a group of international visitors. I attended and had a great time. I eventually became a volunteer and board member at Global Ties Wyoming, and recently stepped in as our Executive Director.
What is your favorite part of hosting international visitors?
I love when an international visitor starts treating me like a close friend. For the first day or two, they might act very formal, but before I know it, they are asking lots of questions and giving me personal details about their life back home.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in running a small nonprofit organization?
Jackson is a very expensive place to live and work, so we rely on lots of volunteers. They attend cultural events with our international visitors and help with programming and planning. They allow our organization to operate on a shoestring budget. Another challenge we have is getting international visitors here during the winter. I do not think most people realize how much we do here when it is cold—all of our resources are still available!
In five words or less, how would you describe Jackson, WY?
Pristine. Outdoor wildlife. Mountain paradise.
What were some key things you took away from Network DC?
It was really nice to meet all of the National Program Agencies, better understand their role, and see how certain programs end up with each CBM. I also appreciated the “shadow day” at the U.S. Department of State. It was great to learn why partner CBMs handle the entire exchange program rather than government agencies, as well as see the follow up that takes place after international visitors return home.
Any advice for future Network DC participants on how to make the most of their visit?
Rest up before you go, because there is so much to learn and take in while you are there!
LAURA DUNCAN, VISITOR PROGRAM MANAGER, WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF KENTUCKY AND SOUTHERN INDIANA
Laura (center) and Rebecca (second from right) meet with programming staff and director, Crystal Kelch (far right) at the Mississippi Consortium for International Development
How did you get involved with exchanges and the Global Ties Network?
In college, I served as an intern at the World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana under then Program Manager, Christy Rhodes. I really fell in love with the IVLP and citizen-to-citizen exchanges. Shortly after graduation, I officially joined the team as a Communications Coordinator before becoming the Visitor Program Manager this past July.
What is your favorite part of hosting international visitors?
Sharing my region and state with them. My family has lived in Kentucky for generations, so I’m very proud to share the history, culture, and accomplishments of the state. I’m also just as happy to share our challenges and learn what similarities we all face.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in being part of a nonprofit organization?
The greatest challenge is always capacity—small staff, small budget, and too much work.
In five words or less, how would you describe Kentucky and/or Southern Indiana?
Bourbon, horses, basketball, Muhammad Ali, and Colonel Sanders!
What were some key things you took away from being part of Network DC?
Putting faces to names, email addresses, and voices. Through Network DC, I finally got to meet the people who make these exchanges possible.
Any advice for future Network DC participants on how to make the most of the program?
Practice your presentation. Don’t be shy in sharing the challenges of your region—lessons are often taught where there are difficulties.
Rebecca (left) and Laura (second from left) meet with the staff of World Learning during their week in DC.