US young political leaders bipartisan mission to ARG

Rep. Daniel Patterson (lower right) & ACYPL delegates talk with Aida Ayala, Mayor of Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina. Sept. 13, 2011 Javier Valdez photo

Sept. 19 UPDATE: It was a great trip. For live trip notes & photos, please go to @RepPatterson twitter or Rep. Patterson facebook for Sept. 8-19.

LEGISLATORS, BUSINESS LEADERS CHOSEN FOR ARGENTINA EXCHANGE
Group Will Visit Four Cities, Interact With Prominent Political Leaders

WASHINGTON DC (Sept. 6) – On September 10th, DC-based international education NGO the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) will send a 7-member bipartisan delegation of American political and policy professionals to Argentina.

The delegates, who hail from various political careers both within and outside government, joined the delegation after ACYPL selected them from a pool of nominees. Each one qualified for the program based on their age (25-40), their political involvement, and their travel history (ACYPL ensures that delegates do not travel to countries they have visited previously.)

The exchange aims to educate the delegates about Argentinian national and local governance and politics as well as explore the global issues affecting US-Argentina bilateral relations. During the 10-day program, delegates will examine Argentina’s governance, politics, policymaking, international affairs, and culture. Through interactions with Argentinian government officials, business and community leaders, advocacy experts, scholars, and diplomats, the young leaders will gain a better understanding of Argentina as well as enhance their leadership and public diplomacy skills.

After a brief orientation in Washington, DC, the group will travel to Mendoza, Chaco, Corrientes, and Buenos Aires. During their time in country, the delegates will meet with justice officials, members of Parliament, executives like mayors and governors, cabinet members, journalists, and business leaders. In addition, they will make several cultural stops, learning about the history of Argentina and experiencing its unique landmarks. ACYPL exchanges place a strong emphasis on diversity and bipartisanship.

The delegation includes Democrats Monisha Merchant (Senior Director, Product Management, Level 3 Communications), Curtis Johnson (Associate Director of Governmental Affairs, FMCSA, Department of Transportation), and Daniel Patterson (Member, Arizona House of Representatives, Tucson) and Republicans Sara Beth Gregory (Member, Kentucky House of Representatives), Lance Gooden (Member, Texas House of Representatives), and Lisa Stickan (Assistant Prosecutor, Cuyahoga County and Chairman of the Young Republican National Federation). The group will be escorted by ACYPL alumnus Manny Flores (Director of the Division of Banking, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation).

Since its founding in 1966, the American Council of Young Political Leaders has designed, organized and managed unique international exchange activities for young (age 25-40) political and policy leaders worldwide who are selected based on their current political leadership roles and potential for future achievement. ACYPL programs are designed to promote mutual understanding, respect, and friendship and to cultivate long-lasting relationships among next generation leaders. Each year, with support from the US State Department and a wide range of corporate, labor, foundation and individual partners, conduct exchanges with 25-30 countries around the world. ACYPL has a network of over 7,500 alumni in 100 countries, many whom have risen to positions of national and international prominence, including over 40 current members of the US Congress, 6 current US governors and ambassadors, and cabinet ministers and parliamentarians around the globe. ACYPL news release