Forum for U.S.-Russian Dialogue
Welcome to the Forum Home Page
The Forum for U.S.-Russian dialogue (formerly the Forum for U.S.-Soviet Dialogue) brings
Russians and Americans together for dialogues. Once a year, the Forum sponsors a conference,
alternating between the United States and Russia. As a result of this annual meeting, education
and
medical programs have been established, business deals have been made, members from both
countries have gained knowledge to help them advance in their professionals, and many
friendships
have been established. The Forum is a tax-exempt organization, funded by conference fees,
donations, and small grants from non-governmental sources.
Who are we?
The Forum is governed by a Board of Directors nominated by Forum members. Members
include
educators, physicians, businessmen, military personnel, attorneys, graduate and undergraduate
students, financial specialists, journalists, and those interested in any way in Russia and the
Russian
people.
What do we do?
The Forum sponsors a yearly conference. The 1995 conference was held at the University of
Florida,
and in summer of 1996, the conference will take place at a site in Russia. Conferences combine
meetings of several commissions (for example, regional problems, the media, education,
post-Cold
War military cooperation, the arts, public health, the environment, religious issues, etc.) with
excursions and informal get-togethers. Each commission is co-chaired by one American and one
Russian. When necessary, simultaneous interpreters provide quick translations.
Delegates to the 1995 conference stayed in the Reitz Union Hotel at the University of Florida.
The
participated in an opening ceremony and dinner, commission meetings, visits to the Gainesville,
Florida Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, a picnic at Ginnie Springs with
opportunities
to swim, kayak, tube, play volleyball, and eat barbecued ribs. The delegates also attended a
meeting
open to the public and held a closing ceremony at which commission discussions were
summarized
by commission co-chairs.
The American and Russian co-chairs usually establish the rules for each commission. There is
usually a set agenda, with deviations from the agenda sometimes occurring during intense
dialogues.
Several delegates may be asked to prepare short position papers to serve as starting points for
dialogue. Americans meeting with Russians for the first time will notice that Russians approach
many problems differently than we might. Sometimes Russians express anger or distrust toward
the
United States government. The open nature of Forum dialogues allows both sides to work
together
on position papers about various issues.
How you can get involved.
The Forum is now actively looking for delegates for the 1996 summer meeting in Russia. We
are
negotiating with Russian partners to plan the meeting, which may involve a riverboat cruise or a
stay
at a resort, and delegates will also visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. We are usually able to keep
the
cost for a Russian trip to under $2000, including air fare from New York. Exact time, place, and
costs will be published on this page at a later date.
If you are interested in the Forum for U.S.-Soviet Dialogue, send an Email message to one of the
two
addresses listed below. Include your name, Email and surface mail addresses, home and work
phone
numbers, profession, interests, and anything else you'd like us to know about you.
Send Email to W. Robert Rout,
M.D., Forum Chair
Send Email to Kathleen King, Forum
Vice-President for Communications