May 31, 2009:   Improving America's Image abroad - A Pilot Project Involving Dulles Airport.   The Working Group has been exploring how to enhance America’s image abroad, including a pilot project at Dulles Airport to improve the experience of entering foreigners..  Larry Roeder and Tim Buchholtz are managing this project and need volunteers for what is expected to be an expanding project.  Speaking at the event was Sally Harvey of Traveler’s Aid, the oldest NGO in the United States.  An agreement as reached at the meeting for a partnership between Traveler's Aid and our group in which we will advertise to the larger Democratic community in Loudoun County, as well as Loudoun County for Obama and the working group membership for volunteers willing to assist foreigners entering the United States via Dulles Airport..  This will be done through a joint formal announcement developed by Sally and Larry.  Any volunteers would need to vetted by Homeland Security.  This is an exciting development because it offers a practical application of the working group's desire to stimulate positive change in keeping with the Obama vision.   For questions on volunteering, contact Sally Harvey, Program Manager, Travelers Aid, Washington Dulles, International Airport, Washington, DC 20041.  Call 703-572-7350 or email Sally at Sally.Harvey@MWAA.com.  The website for TravelersAid is www.travelersaid.org.

March 14, 2009.   Restoring America's Image   Following a discussion in February of Tim Buchholz's presentation and ideas from Basant, Larry and others, a pilot project was proposed  to examine how foreigners are treated as they enter US ports, especially Dulles Airport.  Whether justified or not, many foreigners complain of their treatment at the border.  The point of this phase of the project is to discuss this with Homeland Security and Dulles airport to garner an understanding of their own perceptions of this problem and to propose possible ideas to reduce tension at the point of entry.  One idea was to use cleared volunteers as "greeters" to welcome visitors before they reach the uniformed immigration officials.  These greeters might reduce tension, especially with foreigners suspicious of armed policeman.  Though soft interventions, this reduce of tensions could lead to a better experience once they reach the point where a passport must be shown and questions asked.  The goal is not to reduce the ability of Homeland Security to do its job, but rather to enhance America's image, and also by reducing tension perhaps even increase effectiveness at the border.  Larry Roeder and Tim Buchholtz agreed to manage this project.   In April, Larry Roeder discussed this project with Homeland Security.  No decision by them has been made to meet with us.  Larry plans to try again in May.

May 12th, 2009:  Larry talked with Sally Harvey of Traveler's Aid, which also uses volunteers in Airports.  Sally likes our idea and wants to explore the possibility for partnership.  She also has ideas on people to meet with at Dulles; but before that happens, will attend our group meeting on May 31.