Publicizing of American Good Will Urged

Dear Gentlemen and Ladies:
      During my lifetime as I studied the atrocities of Nazi Germany's "ethnic cleansing" and knew of the suffering and death that occurred while "good people" did nothing, I had the luxury of telling myself, "If I had been alive then, I could not be silent. I would have done something." The horrors are happening again, and I was right. I feel compelled to do something.
     I write to you for information on what can be done to help. If and when refugees are fortunate enough to reach US shores, I offer my home as a transition point. What organizations are working in Albania and Macedonia to assist victims who have been able to flee the Serbian-inflicted horrors?
      Please make easily available to the public all avenues through which we may offer ways to help. Publicize opportunities for compassionate Americans to involve themselves so that it will be possible for Mr. Milosovich to understand that in the United States there are not only consumers with deep pockets, but people of deep hearts and of conscience who will arm themselves with all humanitarian means to hobble the evil that his behavior produces.
      Thank you in advance for your assistance with this information.
      Sincerely, (...@aol.com)

American Spirit of Generosity in Kosovo Refugee Crisis: Offer of Home

I wish to share my house with a few refugees. My house is a 4 bedroom (2 vacant), carpeted living area with fireplace,(and pinball machine. 1 1/2 baths, laundry, shared kitchen and dining area, welcome to use my living room TV, 2 VCR's, stereo. Also, I have 2 PC computers available for E-Mail back to Kosovo/Albania, games. word processors, etc. I am 59 years old and live alone. It would be a pleasure to have them as house guests. I am Christian. Their religion is not important. Ethnically, they are humans in need. My background: B.S. Aviation Management, minor Business Management, ex-air traffic controller, ex-public speaker for FAA, ex-electronic salesman, served in U.S.Air Force as air to air. I am on Social Security Disability. I would need financial assistance for their food and necessities of life. I would try to persuade a large grocery store chain to provide food. (Tax write-off for them). I would need beds and bedding for them. I have a king sized hide-a-bed (old ) in basement living area, but no beds for the 2 vacant rooms I have 1 extra dresser, but would need another. Since I have had public relations experience with the news media, I would solicit them to give a public service announcement to provide clothing. References available from neighbors and church members. You may inspect my property any time. My 2 grown children (19, and 28), live nearby. And can help provide transportation. Please advise me,who and where do I contact to give this information. (...@email.msn.com>

US-German Congressional Youth Exchange

I wanted to take the time to share my experience of Germany supported by the Congress-Bundestag Exchange Program for Young Professionals!
      For an entire year my perspective of the world broadened, my understanding of a unique culture expanded, and my character strengthened. I changed because I, along with 59 other American, were forced to adapt to new circumstances; we were thrusted into situations where the rules of what "works" in the States, were no longer applicable. In order to survive in our new environments, we needed to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn.
      Amazingly enough, just when we thought we knew ourselves as Americans inside and out, we learned through our experiences so much more of what defines our culture and how that colors our views of the world. The time we spent in Germany was a time in which we grew within ourselves and with our fellow participants, and moreover, will surpass the labeling of being a mere memory. For it is everyday that I find myself using tools to achieve my goals, which I had developed abroad. (...@hotmail.com)

Tibetan Monks Visit Stevens Point, Wisconsin

"From January 23 to January 25, a group of about 16 Tibetan Monks visited the city of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This was the third stop on their World Peace Tour. There was a talk given at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, and several workshops were held at a local business. I personally thought it was fascinating, and gave me a much greater appreciation of the Tibetan culture, of which previously, I knew almost nothing about. The monks stayed with several families in the area. Their main focus was not to focus on politics, on the conflict with China, but on their religion. The workshops were introductions to Dharma meditations, a chanting class, and two blessing ceremonies." (...@coredcs.com)

Overseas Advising Centers for Students Win Support in U.S. Congress

"It looks as though the overseas advising centers that provide information about U.S. higher education to students around the world have been spared the budget knife.

The Senate and House of Representatives appropriations subcommittees that set the budget for the United States Information Agency have both recommended that fiscal-1999 funds for the network of about 450 centers be maintained at the current level of $3.1-million.

In the budget that President Clinton proposed to Congress, those funds were to be reduced by one-third. Last year, more than 200,000 students visited the centers.

Funds for the centers have been significantly reduced in recent years, to the distress of U.S. colleges and international-education groups, which lobbied against another cut.

"A lot of advocacy work was done on student advising, and I think the message was heard," said Michael McCarry, executive director of the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange.

The budget panels also called for increases in funds for the U.S.I.A.'s international educational- and cultural-exchange programs. The Senate panel approved a bill that would provide $ 205-million for such activities, $6-million more than the President requested and $7.3-million above the current level. The House subcommittee called for an increase of $2.27-million over the current fiscal year. A conference committee will determine the final amount.

"A couple of programs that were fairly significant were cut back, or had no funds identified for them, and we're going to work through the conference to see if we can improve that," said Mr. McCarry. Those programs include the Muskie Fellowships for graduate students and professionals in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics.

(Reported in the "Chronicle of Higher Education" July 10, 1998)