Iraqi Young Leadership Exchange Program
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Iraqi Young Leadership Exchange Program (IYLEP), is a one-month intensive leadership exchange program in the United States. The program was divided into three segments, with five days spent at the University of Virginia (UVA) in Virginia, twenty days at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) in California, and five days in Washington DC.
University of Virginia
Dr. MamRash departed from Erbil International Airport to Turkey, where they stayed for a day before continuing to Dulles International Airport, from which they were transported to UVA. On July 10, 2019, Dr. MamRash arrived at the University of Virginia, where they were greeted by a welcome letter from the IYLEP Undergraduate team at World Learning. The letter encouraged Dr. MamRash to keep an open mind, explore new ideas and try new food, and to put in as much effort as possible into the experience as they would gain more from it.
The program's primary objective was to expose participants to new people, ideas, and cultures, and help them develop the skills and knowledge required to become effective changemakers in their communities. The program also included two additional OPAL (Online Professional and Leadership Development) modules that participants would complete after returning to Iraq. Furthermore, participants were introduced to a vast network of IYLEP alumni in Iraq, which would help them continue their journey as changemakers beyond the program's conclusion.
At UVA, Dr. MamRash engaged in a wide range of activities that were designed to build team spirit, promote leadership development, and encourage self-reflection. Dr. MamRash's first day began with a welcome orientation that introduced them to the program staff and provided a brief overview of the upcoming week. UVA Center for Politics Director Larry Sabato addressed the group, and UVA Recreational and Intramural Sports led a series of low-contact team-building activities to help participants get to know each other better and become more united.
The following day, Dr. MamRash participated in a session that focused on finding their passion and using that vision as inspiration for the Civic Action Plan (CAP). The session also introduced participants to the Theory of Change model for civic action, which they would use to implement a project in their home community. Dr. MamRash also engaged in activities designed to provide structure and form for the Civic Action Plan, including creating mission statements, goals, and completing a graphic organizer to demonstrate their understanding of the CAP process.
On the third day, Dr. MamRash went to the Poplar Ridge Ropes Course, where they engaged in team-building, leadership, and organizational development activities. The course provided opportunities to overcome personal and team challenges, learn about trust, communication, and support, and apply these lessons to real-life situations. Dr. MamRash also went to the Center for Politics at UVA, where they learned about the basics of American politics and engaged in discussions on topics such as democracy, government, and leadership.
In addition to the above activities, Dr. MamRash also went on a tour of Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, which allowed them to learn about Jefferson's life and legacy as a founding father of the United States. Dr. MamRash also participated in a session on professional development that focused on building resumes, writing cover letters, and interviewing techniques. The session was designed to help participants prepare for their future careers and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.
After completing their time at UVA, Dr. MamRash traveled to California State University San Marcos, where they spent the next nineteen days. The program in California was structured around themes such as social justice, community engagement, and sustainability. Dr. MamRash engaged in a wide range of activities that included attending lectures, participating in community service projects, and visiting local organizations and businesses that were working to make a positive impact on society.
California State University - San Marcos
On the first day of the program, Dr. MamRash arrived at the San Diego International Airport in the afternoon and was greeted by the program coordinators. He then went on to visit the La Jolla Cove and had lunch with his fellow participants. The group arrived at the dormitory of CSUSM, called the QUAD, and had a tour of the facilities. After the tour, they checked in and settled into their new home for the next days.
The second day began with breakfast at the University Student Union (USU) followed by the IYLEP ALCI Orientation Part I. This session included an introduction to the program, an overview of the policies and procedures, and an outdoor activity at the Palm Courtyard. The group continued with the IYLEP ALCI Orientation Part II. This session covered topics such as technology and forms, health, wellness, and safety, cultural expectations, and a letter to self. Later, the group went on a campus tour and participated in a selfie scavenger hunt with CSUSM ambassadors. They ended the day with a community norm setting session at the QUAD.
Mayor Rebecca Jones
On the third day, Dr. MamRash received his student ID. Afterward, he attended an Ethical Storytelling Workshop where he learned about the power of storytelling in leadership. In the afternoon, the group had a Welcome Social at the University Village Apartments Pool where they got to know each other better. The day ended with a moderated daily debrief and individual blog session.
On the fourth day, the group went on a field trip to Balboa Park, a cultural hub in San Diego. They had lunch at Speedy Falafel and visited the International Rescue Committee in San Diego, an organization that provides assistance to refugees and immigrants. The group also explored Main Street in El Cajon, a diverse community with a rich history. The day ended with reflection on the day's experiences.
On the fifth day of the program, Dr. MamRash began with Talent Show Preparation. He then attended a Team Building Activity on Decision Making. In the afternoon, he learned about Speaking Persuasively and attended a Career Center Workshop. Dr. MamRash also learned how to articulate his IYLEP experience in his resume. The day ended with a moderated daily debrief and individual blog session.
On the sixth day, after breakfast, Dr. MamRash attended a reading session titled "Start Something That Matters: My Story," followed by a group activity. He then participated in an intercultural communication activity before attending a moderated daily debrief and individual blog session. The day ended with dinner and a visit to the Oceanside Sunset Market.
On the seventh day, Dr. MamRash started with a talent show rehearsal, followed by a workshop on diversity and inclusion. After lunch, Dr. MamRash and the other participants went to the American Language Culture Institute's Annual Beach Picnic, held at Craven Circle, where they enjoyed various activities before returning to campus for dinner.
On the eighth day, the group set off to explore the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
On the ninth day, after breakfast, Dr. MamRash and the other participants went bowling and had lunch at Urge, a local restaurant.
The tenth day began by an intercultural communication activity. Dr. MamRash then headed to the beach to participate in a volunteering activity, beach clean-up, before taking the Sprinter back to campus. The day ended with a moderated daily debrief and individual blog session.
On the eleventh day, Dr. MamRash started by a presentation on "10 Things all Great Leaders have in Common" and a session on conflict resolution. After lunch, he participated in another moderated daily debrief and individual blog session. The day ended with a visit to San Marcos City Hall for a tour before dinner at Pita Guys and returning to campus via the Sprinter.
On the twelfth day, Dr. MamRash had a visit to the Campus Cougar Food Pantry, where he learned about food insecurity on college campuses. Afterward, he worked on the preparation for the farewell slideshow. Dr. MamRash watched a documentary about Iraqi and Syrian refugees in USA. Dr. MamRash volunteered at a food bank as community service activity. The evening, they had a moderated daily debrief and individual blog before dinner.
The the thirteenth day, Dr. MamRash visited Vallecito’s Sustainable Garden in San Marcos. After lunch they had a talent show dress rehearsal in which Dr. MamRash wore Kurdish traditional clothes. The next activity was a team-building activity and communication treasure hunt. In the evening, they had a moderated daily debrief and individual blog.
On the fourteenth day, Dr. MamRash participated in an interfaith dialogue. Afterward, he worked on the mural preparation concept plan and composition. After lunch they had the talent show followed by a moderated daily debrief and individual blog before attending a World Buffet with CSUSM Ambassadors at Civic Center Park in San Marcos.
The the fifteenth day was a fun day for Dr. MamRash as he visited Disneyland.
On the sixteenth day, Dr. MamRash went to Seaport Village and then to Pecto Park for a Padres Game.
On the seventeenth day, Dr. MamRash worked on the mural project in which he painted different symbols of religions that exist in Iraq, to show the pluralism of religion and coexistence regardless of the differences in their beliefs . They had lunch and participated in a round table on student leadership with American peers. They then prepared for the farewell slideshow before attending a final beach bonfire and dinner at Oceanside.
On the eighteenth day, Dr. MamRash participated in a team-building activity. They then discussed Voice & Identity in Social Media and Countering Violent Extremism before preparing for the farewell ceremony run. They had a "Chocolate Tasting" session! and had a moderated daily debrief and individual blog.
On the nineteenth, Dr. MamRash reflected on the "Letter to Myself" and evaluated the program. They had a farewell event in the afternoon, where Dr. MamRash gave a speech about his experience in California with the program.
On the twentieth day, Dr. MamRash departed early in the morning for the San Diego Airport and flew to Washington DC, the final phase of the program.
Closing Workshop in Washington DC
On Thursday, August 1st, 2019, Dr. MamRash arrived in Washington DC. After settling into his room at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel, he attended the opening dinner and review, where he met with the other participants and program organizers. The night concluded with free time to rest and recharge for the upcoming activities.
On the second day, Dr. MamRash began his day with announcements and teambuilders, where he participated in activities aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork among the participants. The day continued with a dialogue session and concurrent sessions focused on various topics. Later that afternoon, Dr. MamRash visited the Newseum to learn about fighting fake news, followed by free time and dinner in Georgetown.
On the third day, the schedule was similar to the previous day, with more concurrent sessions and a visit to various monuments in Washington DC. After the tour, Dr. MamRash had free time to experience various sights in Washington DC.
The fourth day began with teambuilders, followed by civic action planning sessions. After a visit to the Smithsonian Museums, Dr. MamRash had a unique experience, visiting the Voice of America headquarters and conducting an interview. In the evening, he attended a soccer game between D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field.
On the final day of the program, Dr. MamRash packed his belongings and enjoyed breakfast with teambuilders. The day continued with a dialogue session and closing circle, followed by lunch at Marib Restaurant. The program concluded with a trip to the airport for Dr. MamRash's flight back to Iraq via Turkey.
Conclusion
During the program, Dr. MamRash had the opportunity to network with other young Iraqi leaders, learn from experienced American leaders, and gain new insights into leadership and civic engagement. He experienced different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, which broadened his perspectives and understanding of leadership. He appreciated the chance to explore Virginia, California, Washington DC and learn about American culture, as well as the opportunity to share his own experiences and knowledge with others. He faced challenges and overcame them, improving his skills and knowledge. Dr. MamRash valued the program as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Overall, Dr. MamRash found the Iraqi Young Leadership Exchange Program to be a rewarding and enriching experience, providing him with new skills, knowledge, and connections that he could apply to his work in Iraq.
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