THE EXCHANGE  |  JULY EDITION

Mandela Washington Fellows are now in Week 5 of their Civic Leadership curriculum at the Presidential Precinct. The Fellows have spent time at the University of Virginia, Morven Farm, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Highland, and James Madison's Montpelier, and the program now moves to Williamsburg for two final weeks at the College of William & Mary. Fellows will ultimately travel to Washington D.C. for a program-wide Presidential Summit in early August.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX. 
Charlottesville News Covers Mandela Washington Fellowship
at Highland
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Looking Back: 2015 Precinct Fellows Featured in YALI Network Podcast "YALI Voices"
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Register to Attend: 2016 Africa Ideas Summit
Want to engage with and support 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows? Next week in Williamsburg, all 25 Fellows will be presenting at the Precinct's Africa Ideas Summit, a full day Ted-style talk conference.  Fellows will present solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in their countries, from advocating for the rights of person's living with disabilities, to creating more inclusive governments, to engaging youth into leadership in civil society, to promoting women's health. We welcome all members of the Precinct community to join for any portion of this event.
THE AFRICA BUSINESS FORUM
Fellows to Attend Africa Business Forum
The Africa Business Forum will convene global business executives, government officials, academic leaders and the Precinct's 25 Mandela Washington Fellows from 17 African countries to discuss today's business environment in Africa and opportunities for spurring economic growth, good governance and private sector investment. The program will include moderated panel discussions, lightning roundtables, and an informal networking lunch at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C.
THE YOUNG LEADERS OF THE AMERICAS INITIATIVE (YLAI)
Precinct to Host YLAI Program in Fall 2016 
President Obama's Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program empowers entrepreneurs and innovative civil society leaders to strengthen their capacity to launch and advance their entrepreneurial ideas and effectively contribute to social and economic development in their communities.  In fall 2016, 250 YLAI Professional Fellows from Latin America and the Caribbean will expand their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through fellowships at businesses and civil society organizations across the U.S.  Fellows could engage in job shadowing, work as part of a team on a project, join client meetings or partner meetings, and participate in technical meetings, among other activities.
WHAT WE'RE READING
James B. Murray, Jr. the Precinct's founder, shares an article that he hopes may be interesting or thought provoking for the Precinct's constituencies. In particular we hope to attract the attention of young leaders from around the world who may look to the Precinct for an unbiased, non-judgmental window into current thinking on democracy, the rule of law and best political practices. We will post each article on the Precinct Network in the spirit of stimulating dialogue and critical thinking. 
UVA alumna speaks truth in Mideast - and faces punishment

As the Precinct continues to host the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship, w e are moved by this opinion piece by a Professor at Precinct partner, University of Virginia - addressing the difficulties encountered by young leaders at the intersections of culture, religion, and liberty.    - James B. Murray, Jr.
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