Winter 2023 SUSI On Civic Engagement: Week 1 Recap
The Study of the US Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement includes 20 undergraduates from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
During the 5-week program, the group travels to Washington DC, and Seattle to study civic engagement and participate in volunteer activities, leadership workshops, and cultural excursions.
Program themes include civil rights, grassroots student activism, volunteerism, political leadership, citizen advocacy, and minority political engagement. Throughout the program, participants take part in intensive project planning seminars to prepare them to develop and lead projects that benefit their home communities.
This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by Meridian International Center and FIUTS. The 2023 program will run from January 10-February 10 in Seattle and from February 11-15 in D.C..
It is the end of Week 1 of the Winter 2023 SUSI on Civic Engagement Program. Take a look at the photo recap to see what the SUSIs were up to during their first week in Seattle!
On the afternoon of Tuesday, January 10th, the SUSIs arrived in Seattle. They were greeted b y FIUTS Staff Nada, Jason, Olena, and Era.
After getting some much needed rest, it was time for orientation. Tuesday’s orientation was full of introductions, goal-setting, and expectations for the program.
The first full day in Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the University of Washington campus!
Orientation Part 2 included cultural adaptation and an overview of program elements and schedule! After that, it was time for a U-District Tour and dinner with FIUTS Ambassadors!
On Wednesday, the SUSIs attended their first site visit at KUOW RadioActive Youth. RadioActive Community Workshops help youth discover public radio journalism, learn basic radio storytelling skills, and share their voice.
Time for the first country presentation from Angola!
After learning some fun facts about Angola, it was time to explore Pike Place!
At night, the SUSIs were given a free evening. Many of them chose to explore the UDistrict and get food together!
SUSI participants spent Martin Luther King Day volunteering at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center. Abbey Arts focuses on local music, visual art, spoken word, storytelling, and contemporary dance. They aim to create affordable, welcoming, and inclusive experiences where people can learn and develop through education and performance in many different art mediums.
We hope that you enjoyed this photo recap of the first week that the SUSI Civic Engagement Winter 2023 participants spent in Seattle! Stay tuned for another photo recap next week.