IVLP In-Person Programming Returns in March 2022!
Latvia, Mexico & the Western Hemisphere!

April 9-13

"21st Century Changemakers - 
Supporting Independent Regional Media:
Ethical and Accountable Reporting"

Latvia

Journalists from Latvia had dialogues with Tampa Bay media professionals on journalism responsibillity and accountability, combating disinformation, investigative reporting, and public media with Al Tompkins, the Poynter Institute; Mark Douglas, former WFLA-8 investigative reporter; Dr. Casey Frechette, USF Department of Journalism & Digital Communication; and Rob Lorei, WEDU-PBS public affairs program host.

This is the in-person portion of our first "hybrid" program, which began with a virtual session in September 2021.
April 9-13

"Government Transparency"

Mexico

Representatives from Mexico's public sector, media and civil society interacted with a broad spectrum of Tampa Bay professionals involved in government transparency, including Chief Anthony Holloway, and Ms. Yolanda
Fernandez, Division Manager, Community
Awareness Manager, St. Petersburg Police Department; Judge Michael C. Bagge-Hernandez,
Judge, County Civil Division L, Thirteenth
Judicial Circuit Court; and Supervisor of Elections Ms. Julie Marcus and Mr. Dustin
Chase and staff, Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. 
April 16-23

"Law Enforcement and Community Policing"

Western Hemisphere Regional Program

Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Uruguay, Venezuela

The St. Petersburg Police Department welcomed this group of law enforcement officials for two intensive days to dig deep into the practical aspects of community policing. Chief Anthony Holloway led a discussion on the critical factors that make community policing effective throughout a diverse population. Reverend Ken Irby, SPPD Community Intervention Director underscored the importance of community partnerships to develop effective programs. And, Ms. Yolanda Fernandez, SPPD Community Awareness Manager covered the importance of strategic communication with diverse audiences. The program included a visit to the 911 Call Center and "ride-alongs" for each visitor with Spanish and Portuguese-language police officers, which gave the visitors a hands-on opportunity to see community policing in action.