The Friendship Force of The Villages recently participated in the Open World Leadership Center, hosting Russian entrepreneurs for a week as they learned about all areas of local government, public works and private/public partnerships.
“They were very intrigued by The Villages,” said one of the hosts, Dorothy Dobbs.
The Open World Leadership Center, established in 1999, is a legislative branch agency that supports Congressional outreach in establishing lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders from Russia and their U.S. counterparts in democratic institutions.
The group of business owners – five men and one woman – from throughout Russia met each other for the first time in Washington, D.C., then traveled together for their time in The Villages. An interpreter from South Florida joined the group for their tours.
The group met with local law enforcement, visited a water plant and attended a Community Development District orientation meeting in The Villages. In the evenings, they were hosted by members of the Friendship Force. The group also reciprocated one evening by preparing a Russian dinner for all of their hosts.
Dobbs noted that three of the five could speak conversationally in English.
“We had interesting conversations,” she said, adding that they ranged from politics to everyday topics.
“I think the group learned a lot and so did the hosts,” said Friendship Force host Chuck Pace. Ignoring the headlines and politics of the two countries, “I think we learned how much alike we all are in our everyday life.”
“Like us, they love their family and country and want what is best for both countries,” added Dobbs.
The hosts had a jammed-packed itinerary, mixing educational outings and speakers with some fun visiting the squares for shopping and listening to the music.
“I think they danced in the squares every night they were here,” Dobbs said. “They had one request we hadn’t included in the itinerary – they wanted to hit a golf ball.”
So, Dobbs said, the itinerary was adjusted to include hitting a bucket of balls at the Lady Lake Golf Driving Range.
The Friendship Force, a non-profit cultural organization focused on promoting understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy, was started in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Friendship Force of The Villages meets once a month at Covenant Methodist Church and is open to non-Villagers. For more information, send an email to [email protected].
