Engage America: Engaging Americans as Partners in U.S. Foreign Policy
Join Sister Cities for a plated breakfast, with reserved seating as we enjoy remarks from the U.S. State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Public Affairs – Karen Richardson. This event is FREE, but donations are gladly accepted. RSVP REQUIRED. All proceeds benefit Sister Cities of Newport News, Inc. a 501(c)3non-profit.

• When: Friday, July 22, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (EDT) - Add to Calendar
• Where: Christopher Newport University - David Student Union Ballroom 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606 - View Map
• RSVP by July 19th to 757.926.1348 / [email protected]

Ms. Richardson previously worked at the White House as Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, she was responsible for developing and managing domestic outreach to NGOs, advocacy organizations, and constituency groups, in close coordination with the White House National Security Staff, to promote President Obama’s position on a broad range of foreign policy issues. In this capacity, Richardson was also an advisor to Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett on international issues, including managing Ms. Jarrett’s involvement in international gender policy development in her role as Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls.
Richardson began working for President Obama at his Senate Office in August 2005, serving as Deputy to the Policy Director. Shortly after Obama announced his presidential run, Richardson joined the Obama for America campaign as the State Policy Director for Iowa, a role she assumed in several states throughout the presidential primary. In July 2008 Richardson became the Policy Director at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and also joined the DNC as part of then-Senator Obama’s Congressional Liaison team. After the presidential general election, she joined the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team.
Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Los Angeles, California, Richardson has a BA from Howard University, a JD from Howard University School of Law, and a Masters in International Affairs from the London School of Economics.

Youth Travel Eligibility:

1. Must be in grades 9-12 as of Nov 2016 (homeschooled children welcome)
2. Must submit a completed “Youth Delegate Application*” download at www.sistercities-nn.com
   
3. Must submit a waiver giving authority to chaperones
4. Must agree to items 3-12 below

 
Adult Travel Eligibility:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Must submit a completed “Citizen Diplomat Interest Form” (Download at www.sistercities-nn.com
3. Must be available for travel November 18 to 27, 2016
4. Must provide at the time of application a copy of a current passport good for 6 months after the travel dates
5. Must be a member of Sister Cities of Newport News (youth membership $10 / adults $25)
6. Must agree to pay the cost of airfare within 48 hours of flight booking (estimate $1,600 roundtrip), plus some meals and personal spending money ($200).
7. Must pay a nonrefundable $150 administrative fee if selected to travel
8. Must be flexible and possess an adventurous spirit
9. Must agree to serve as a “ambassador” on behalf of the City of Newport News, the Sister Cities organization and our local community*
10. Must agree to adhere to the itinerary established by SCNN and the host city
11. Must agree to be home-stayed in Neyagawa by a host family
12. Must commit to participating and executing the mission of the Sister Cities organization by hosting a future delegate or volunteering on a committee

 
*The Neyagawa Committee reserves the right to select delegates for the exchange based on the applications received, the goals of the exchange and the mission of SCNN. Failure to exhibit the necessary decorum and respect could result in removal from the exchange and exclusion from future exchanges

QUESTIONS? Call SCNN  at 757.926.1348  or email: [email protected]