WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL), an agency of the U.S. Congress, welcomes a group of civic activists from Georgia on the Open World program this Thursday. The delegation will consist of five professionals and their facilitator. The delegation of civil and legal activists fighting for European integration includes the activist seen in media worldwide referred to as Woman with the EU flag.

After an orientation in Washington, the group will travel to Illinois, where they will be hosted by the Council of International Programs Chicago (CIP Chicago).

In Illinois, CIP will provide a comprehensive program featuring the work of numerous well-known organizations working to improve lives, such as the Arise Chicago, Better Government Association, Beverly Area Planning Association, Center for Conflict Resolution, Federal 7^th District Court of Appeals, Metropolitan Planning Council, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Mikva Challenge, and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. They will also meet with Representative Danny Davis, (D-IL 7^th) and the President of the Village of Bensenville.

While in Illinois, the delegates will stay with families in Chicago, Elmhurst, and Oak Park.

More than 31,000 current and future leaders from partner countries have participated in the Open World program.  The Open World program is one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs that promotes mutually beneficial options for engagement between future national leaders. It is a powerful tool for Congress to engage professionals and legislatures in critical regions of the world.  Program participants are provided with exposure to the work of Congress, American politics, accountable governance, and volunteerism while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about the Open World program, please visit www.openworld.gov/