Open World Leadership Center, a legislative branch agency, sent a delegation of Ukraine civil servants and professionals focused on expanding energy efficiency programs in the Ukraine to Houston, Texas from March 1, 2019 to March 9, 2019.  While in Houston, the Open World delegates were hosted by the Rotary e-Club of Houston. The delegates also meet with the Rotary Club of Willowbrook, Rotary Club of Space Center, and the Rotary Club of Houston.
 
The delegation of six included: Yuliia Ivaninvna Demkovych, Oleksandr Valeriiovych Tulintsev,  Maksym Mykhailovych Vozniuk, Denys Oleksandrovych Nazarenko, and Natalia Oleksandrivna Babanina. The group was accompanied by Oleksandra Afanasieva, a biocultural facilitator, and Alexander Etlin, a bilingual translator who is a Rotarian in Cincinnati.
 
Prior to their arrival in Houston, delegates completed an orientation in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. Delegates had policy meetings with several Members of Congress including staff from/or Representative Dan Crenshaw serving Texas’s 2nd Congressional District.
 
In Houston, delegates collaborated on best practices for Energy Efficiency. Delegates met staff of Rep. Dan Crenshaw and local leaders in the City Hall of Houston.  Additional activities included a tour of NASA, Texas Center for Superconductivity, the Green Building Resource Center, and HARC in The Woodlands.  Also in the Woodlands, they learned about the Texas Pace Program for Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, and Renewable Energy Improvements to Commercial Properties. A video conference was held with Mayor Dale Ross of Georgetown since his city is recognized for its 100% renewable power and clean energy program.  The delegation stayed in the homes of local residents, serving as hospitality hosts.
 
For a taste of Texas culture, the group attended the Houston Livestock & Rodeo, toured the George Bush Library, and learned about Texas history at Washington-on-the Brazos during weekend celebrations for Texas Independence Day.  
 
More than 26,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in an Open World exchange program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.