Hi CCI Followers!
The first delegation of Russians Meet Mainstream Americans! (RMMA-pronounced Rama) is in flight from Atlanta to Dallas. Four Russian women from four different Russian regions met for the first time at the Moscow Airport. They flew to Atlanta where they were picked up by CCI board member Don Chapman and his wife Julie and whisked off to their large, two-story ranch home on acreage at the edge of Newnan. Two families hosted them, the Chapman’s being one of them.
Early the next morning they were at Newnan High School speaking with upper classman students who had no hesitation in asking questions. Don reports that a lively exchange took place: “Our youth aren’t hampered with past stereotypes like the older generation. They are looking toward the future.” From there on, the Chapman van moved from meeting to meeting, day after day.
The Newnan Rotary Club hosted them where a leading Rotarian in the city placed them at different tables to meet with as many Rotarians as possible. Lena Novomeyskaya from Yekaterinburg took Rotary to her city many years ago. That club is stellar (I am an honorary member) and since then Lena has taken Rotary to other Ural mountain cities where the Rotary concept has become solidly ensconced.
The ladies met with the mayor and members of the city council, had large home meetings, hospital and church meetings, meetings with city officials, etc. Each meeting used the requested Q&A format which brought out stereotypes and interactions that were healthy and open-ended. No subject was avoided, different positions and insights were voiced, making Don and other volunteers proud to be part of these meetings. He reported that all of these meetings demonstrated that dialogue on tough issues is possible… and can be done in a constructive manner to the benefit of both sides.
Don asserts that stereotypes on both sides were changed from these “bottom-up”, diplomatically-led interactions. One elderly lady left saying, “It’s all propaganda what they are saying!” Others discounted this notion. The Russian women were giving only their own personal opinions. I had encouraged them to be totally honest, regardless of what was asked. I didn’t ask for whom they voted in the March 18 election and assumed that at least one had not voted for Putin.
Last night they attended a posh annual dinner for well-off constituents in Atlanta. This is a notable non-profit that provides successful mentors for indigent school children, particularly those of color. Don is a member of this group. He started mentoring his mentee Raheem when this child was falling through the cracks in middle school. His mother was a drug addict, he didn’t know his father and was headed for a life of drug dealing to survive.
I’ve followed Don’s trials with this kid over the years. He has tried every manner of becoming a parent figure, coaxing, hammering him with ideas and examples, tough love, and constantly keeping up with him, even taking him to another state to visit his mother. It has all paid off – Raheem is onto becoming a productive member of society. He is graduating from Savannah State University in December and has already been awarded a Fellowship to cover all expenses toward his MBA. He spoke at the banquet. Our four Russian women sat with Raheem for dinner and were witness to this.
I think about the impressions that these Russians will take back home with them – no doubt this will be one of them. True to form, they used the banquet last night to introduce themselves to as many Americans as possible. They gave out their cards to encourage men and women to email them and start new bottom-up links between our two nations.
Now to learn what happens in Texas! I’m sure it will be exciting!!!
Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives