World Affairs Council of Ctrl Fl

I have been spending alot of time working on how to improve the social networking skills of both my staff and my org.

So here are a few things that might be interesting.

Do you Twitter? Tweet? Twit Pic?
These all can be confusing but to keep up with an ever present need for instant information might be useful when dealing with clients or visitors.

www.twitter.com/themaxupdate

Now from anywhere you can receive updates on what exactly visitors are doing during the day if they are with me. What kind of meetings they are involved in and also what events are going on.

Web 2.0 for more people is a new concept that we are trying to get out. If you were to Wiki “Web 2.0″ www.wikipedia.com then you will find all sorts of levels and definitions.

Next week I will be speaking to a group in DC on technology and how to incorporate it

I started the day by sending an email to the agricultural science manager at Epcot requesting a meeting with the visitors from Serbia. I hope to get a positive answer. I then worked on the newsletter for the months of January to March. I also made a list of the year 2008 visitors who came to Central Florida, and finally, I started writing a proposal for a counter-terrorism project. Overall, today was a good day apart from the weather.  I am getting ready to leave to attend the Gaza panel debate at Rollins College.

Akpedje

Today I called the Orange County extension center to set up a meeting for the Sebian visitors that are coming at the end of the month. I spoke with Mr. Mudge, the agent specialized in animal husbandry. We were unable to set an exact time for the meeting because we are still waiting for the UF meeting to be set up. Nevertheless, the extension agent was understanding, very nice and helpful.

I also sent out another proposal for an Interfaith Dialogue program with visitors from Iraq. I am also still working on the immigration program proposal. Finally we worked on updating literature and front cover for the book for Max’s trip to Washington. This literature is mainly about the different organizations, people, and places that best reflect central florida’s great appeal for the International Visitor programs.

Juliana Machata                                                                                                                                Intern

In anticipating the Serbian group on Agriculture which is supposed to be arriving later this month, I had contacted the UF/IFAS program event manager, as that is a major focal point for the Party, but my message was not returned. That remains a top priority. Additionally, in preparing for Max’s trip to Washington next week, we revised and updated some of the organizations literature to better reflect the potential programs we have to offer. By the beginning of next week all of our literature should be up to date and hopefully, our plans for the Serb party will be finalized. Still a lot of work to do.

Hasan Bhatty

Intern, ICCF

Today we first discussed an incoming group of Serbs who will headed to Central Florida to learn about agriculture. The IFAS Program at University of Florida is an extensive program partnered with state affiliates all over Florida. Its research leg is ranked as #1 in the nation for agriculture, which makes the program a must see for a visitor (even if Gainesville is about 2 hours away.) I am awaiting a response from the IFAS program coordinator, which will determine how and if we will be able to incorporate a major part of their trip. In addition to working with IFAS for the Serbian agricultural advisers,  I submitted a proposal to have a party from Azerbaijan come to Central Florida to learn about “Islam in America.” The Islamic community of Central Florida is very diverse and populace, which will provide a great learning experience for our visitors, should they come. We also discussed a few trips we may be taking collectively around the area, and what other projects we will be working on this semester. I hope to meet some influential people!

Hasan Bhatty

Intern, ICCF

Today we began working on the agriculture program from Serbia which will be in mid-February. My main task was to get the contact information for the Alachua County (Gainesville) and Orange County (Orlando) extension centers. I contacted them and informed them of our program. I am still waiting to hear back from them. I also had to look up animal husbandry farms in Central Florida where the visitors can see first-hand how most ranches are run. We also had our first conference call with Washington discuss whether our program plans were suitable for the Serbian visitors. They said it was good.

I also began working on a proposal for an immigration, refugees and population program. This is a program is not scheduled until late spring. Although I began my proposal I have not been able to finish it. This is because the program topic is too broad so I am waiting for the program officer to contact me with more details so I can narrow my options.

Finally, we all got together at the end of the day and we talked about the upcoming member events and upcoming visitors.

Juliana

ICCF-intern