It was a bittersweet morning that Sunday morning May 24. Many Kiwanians were saying "Good-Bye" to our new Russian friends following their three-and-a-half week stay in the Rochester, NY area. The Russian insurance executives looked tired, but realizing that they would be back in their homeland in 24 hours or so, they seemed anxious to be in Russia to see their family and to be back in their work environments. For the American committee members and the host families, it was sad, but, also time to see them leave. No more meeting schedules! No more delivering to the Marriott for pick-up! No more language barrier! Our home would be back to ourselves! On the other hand, many of us, both Americans and Russians, realized that we might never see each other ever again. The friendships which were made in those three-and-a-half weeks would never be the same. Sure, any of us were invited to visit them someday in Russia as we extended our welcome to them to return. I doubt that will ever happen though.
Letıs start at the beginning. The program, Center for Citizen Initiatives, is based on George Marshallıs plan in 1947 to aid in the European recovery following the war. In this program, Russian executives in a particular business are selected to travel to the United States to learn first hand from their American counterparts. There have been several delegations in different areas like construction, banking, insurance and even baking. This delegation which visited Rochester, NY, was the second insurance party which traveled to the United States. Basically, it is people helping people--something Kiwanians do very well throughout the world.
In early February, many Rochester area Kiwanians were contacted by the Center for Citizen Initiatives. They were looking for a local coordinator to host a delegation of Russian executives. After saying to the Genesee Divisionıs Lieutenant Governor, "this is do-able," the project was off and "staggering." The other part of the challenge was that the Russians were coming on April 30--just nine short weeks before they touched down. So much work had to be accomplished in such a short period of time. Fifteen 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. workday schedules had to be completed with work modules based on the American insurance plans. The committee looked for transportation for 15 people for three-and-a-half week period as the second task. The third area of major concern was finding homes for those three weeks. The next problem that the committee faces was that of money; how to we finance this? . . .
The committee met every Wednesday night in an attempt to pull this event together. Sub-committees were selected. Business hosts committee was headed by Kiwanian Connie Bradshaw, home hosts were chaired by Kiwanis President Mary Guillari and Carol Argento and transportation was taken on by PLG Justin Underwood. After the first two or three meetings, comments were made that almost destroyed our whole committee and our plans to host the Russians. Comments like, "let the Rotarians do it -- thatıs what they do." Well, as far as I was concerned, that was a larger challenge than that of the Russians are coming! . . .
As arrival time was approaching at a tornadic pace, the committee was becoming more and more confident. Every week more work modules were added, more socials discussed and the home hosts were completed. Let them come! The Russian insurance executives landed at the Rochester International Airport at exactly 7:32 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. Since they had been traveling over 24 hours, a very short reception was held with city officials, home hosts and many of the committee members were on hand to officially welcome them to the United States, and in particular, Rochester, NY.
With the training modules in place, starting with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of the Finger Lakes and the social life planned, we felt that we had arranged a well balanced program. For the most part, everything went well. What we didnıt plan for was the Russians need for shopping. Every opportunity the Russians found they wanted to shop. Electronic things like cellular phones, cameras and camcorders were high on the list. However, clothing was a close second. They were surprised with the difference between menıs and womenıs Levis.
Friendships developed between the Russian delegation themselves and with some of the committee members. Many of the committee found themselves playing several roles; parents, taxi-drivers and real friends as the days unfolded. "Let the Rotarians do it" faded away and was replace with "what a grand program Kiwanis pulled together for the Russians." . . .
This entire program started with a phone call from San Francisco asking if the local Kiwanis Clubs would host a delegation of Russian entrepreneurs. Saying that "This is do-able" provided new friends and a lot of fun and self satisfaction knowing that Kiwanis was helping their fellow man.
If you receive a phone call from the Center for Citizen Initiatives in San Francisco requesting that you consider hosting a delegation for Russian executives, just say - ITıS DO-ABLE. Our program is over. I, for one, will miss our new friends.
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