Fostering Civic Engagement and Political Participation of Minority Communities in the U.S.
OVERVIEW
From June 19-25, Global New Orleans hosted a delegation from Kosovo to explore how marginalized communities can drive systemic change and preserve their cultural identities through political participation. Participants engaged with diverse U.S. communities, from state capitals to rural towns, to learn grassroots engagement strategies and how to address the needs of underserved communities. The program emphasized bipartisan cooperation and inter-ethnic collaboration, equipping participants with the tools to advocate for their communities and work towards shared goals in the civic and political spheres.
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Mr. Milija BISEVAC
President of Civic Initiative for Zubin Potok (Gradjanska Inicijativa Zubin Potok)
Mr. Dusan BORISAVLJEVIC
President of Youth Council Gracanica
Mr. Petar DORDEVIC
President of Young Active Gracanica
Ms. Rubija REDZEPI
Community Group Leader, Romacted
Mr. Stefan STALETOVIC
Student, University in Pristina
Ms. Vijolete THACI
Program Coordinator, Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian – Kosova
Ms. Andelija VUCINIC
Intern, YIHR KS
ACTIVITIES
During their visit to New Orleans, our visitors participated in a Citizenship Ceremony and World Refugee Day celebration at Gallier Hall by the City of New Orleans Office of Human Rights and Equity. The group also attended a dynamic panel at the Nieux Society, featuring local and international experts discussing strategies to build sustainable urban environments in the face of challenges like coastal land loss. This provided the group with insights into policy innovations and collaborative solutions being implemented both locally and globally.
In addition to these events, the group met with representatives from the New Orleans Office of Youth and Families, where they learned about initiatives aimed at improving services for young people across the city. They also participated in a workshop on civic and youth engagement at Tulane University, facilitated by local advocate and esteemed Global New Orleans partner Ashana Bigard. Other activities included a visit to the Louisiana Illuminator, where they discussed the role of journalism in government transparency, and a volunteer session at the Fred Hampton Free Store, a community-driven mutual aid project providing essential goods to residents in need.
