(Above) Delegates enjoyed a delightful evening of home hospitality before departing for San Francisco.
The March 2009 Estonian Delegation
We had a busy two days with our delegates from Estonia who examined how citizens, especially minority citizens, participate in the democratic process. Despite their delay in arriving in Pensacola due to mechanical difficulties with their flight, they were able to explore the diversity of America by meeting with a variety of people & organizations. Discussions included the Obama presidential campaign with Juanita Scott & Dr. Gael Frazer, charity work for Native Americans with Chief George Dodge, challenges facing Spanish-speaking people in Northwest Florida with Grace McCaffery, and the work of the Escambia Community Clinic with Dr. Roger Samson and Natalya Whitehorn. They also learned about the history of the region through a visit to the T.T. Wentworth Museum.
During their visit to the Pensacola City Hall, Mayor Mike Wiggins presented the gentlemen with Honorary Citizenship. Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson also spoke with one delegate who was interested in possible future economic development opportunities.
To round out their stay, the group met representatives of the local Russian & Ukrainian populations, gave a presentation on Estonia to Boy Scout Troop 628, and were hosted to a lovely dinner in the home of Marianne Estess.
With Boy Scout Troop 628 in Cantonment
After the Q & A session on Estonia
Home hospitality in Gulf Breeze
Chief Dodge spoke about his charitable work.
At the Russian Baptist Church in Pensacola
To see all of our delegation photos, go to www.pnj.com & enter "citizendiplomacy" (one word) under the "Search People" feature. Once on our page, select the photos box to find photo folders organized by event.
Visit our calendar to view upcoming events and to see how you can become involved with the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council.
