Russian speaker/researcher

[colist-admin at comm-org.utoledo.edu]

[ed:  I forward to you the discussion between Lloyd and David regarding 
Igor's trip to the United States.  Food for thought and maybe help?]

From: ljacobso at cspinet.org

While Igor's project sounds fascinating, I'm just curious, how all encompassing
a picture can he really get of community organizing (and democracy) in this
country if he doesn't include any visits to the South?! What about our civil
rights movement history and legacy? What about seeing the Highlander School?
What about efforts to organize in the Colonias of Texas? The comparative
struggles of union organizing in the region? Etc, etc?

It seems to me that understanding the regional flavors that have so colored our
nations history of organizing are important for someone reporting back to a
nation now struggling with these issues themselves. However, he's missing the
very part of our country with the richest history - both of incredible 
successes
and of constant challenges.

Is there anything we can do in this forum to help expand his itinerary? Is 
it an
issue of funding, or of access to local hosts?

Just curious,
-Lloyd-

Lloyd Jacobson
Coordinator, Grassroots Advocacy
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Alcohol Policies Project
Washington, DC
ljacobson at cspinet.org

*********************************

From: "David M. Chavis" <dchavis at capablecommunity.com>

I have made the same suggestions and totlly agree. Issues such as the civil
rights of minorities, racism, etc --as we (many of us at least)understand
them-are really beyond their current conciousness. I encourage you to share
your thoughts with Igor directly. He is planning to visit Highlander, but
encouragement and perspective is really needed.

write him IgorKokarz at aol.com

Thanks

David