The U.S.-Jordan Leadership Exchange Program (UJLEP) is a program implemented by IREX in Jordan under the U.S. Department of State. It is designed to build leadership skills, encourage cultural exchange, and promote collaboration between participants from Jordan and the United States. It consists of three main phases: an intensive 6-day leadership training, a professional 4-week exchange in the U.S., and an action project aimed at creating a positive impact in local communities. As a fellow in UJLEP’s third cohort, I had the privilege of experiencing each of these phases, which turned out to be a transformative journey for both my professional and personal growth.
A Transformative Professional Placement at Better Utah
During the U.S. exchange phase, I was placed at the Alliance for a Better Utah, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting accountability, transparency, and fairness in governance. My time there was both insightful and rewarding. I delved into campaign finance rules, analyzing policies related to the use of campaign funds and identifying gaps in transparency. This included examining practices in other U.S. states to inform potential reforms.
I also had the opportunity to draft legislative language addressing issues of accountability. This experience taught me how to turn research findings into actionable solutions. Throughout this journey, I worked closely with my supervisors, Jeff and Chase, whose guidance developed my understanding of non-profit advocacy and governance in the U.S.
Cultural Exchange and Personal Connections
One of the most memorable aspects of the program was the cultural exchange. Living with a host family was an eye-opening experience. It gave me a chance to see American daily life up close and share my own Jordanian culture with them. Over shared meals and conversations, we found surprising similarities and built a genuine bond of mutual respect. My host family’s hospitality and warmth made me feel at home despite being far from Jordan. They were curious to learn about my traditions, and in return, they introduced me to aspects of their culture I might not have experienced otherwise.
Food became a wonderful way to connect with people, leading to conversations about Jordanian cuisine and traditions. I was happy to introduce my host family and colleagues to flavors and dishes from my home country, creating lasting memories of cultural sharing.
Lessons That Will Last a Lifetime
This experience taught me many lessons that I carry with me in my personal and professional life. I learned how to analyze policies and draft practical solutions, and I developed skills in communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. Living and working in a new cultural environment also made me more adaptable and open-minded.
I grew as a leader through this journey. UJLEP emphasized the importance of collaboration and creativity in leadership. This growth will help me in my ongoing work at New Tactics in Human Rights, where I train and mentor human rights defenders to develop advocacy campaigns tailored to their needs. I am particularly grateful to New Tactics for giving me the opportunity to attend UJLEP, which has significantly enriched my perspective and professional skills.
Reflecting on My Role as a MENA Trainer
As a MENA trainer in the New Tactics in Human Rights program, my primary responsibility is to train, mentor, and empower human rights defenders to craft effective advocacy strategies. The skills I developed during the exchange have enhanced my ability to fulfill this role. The insights I gained have provided me with innovative approaches to addressing challenges in human rights advocacy.
The cultural experiences also play a vital role in my work. The ability to adapt and connect with diverse communities, which I honed during the exchange, has improved my engagement with participants from across the world. This reinforced the importance of understanding local contexts while drawing on global best practices, a principle I strive to embody in my training and mentorship.
A Journey Worth Taking
Participating in UJLEP has been a life-changing experience. It provided me with knowledge, skills, and inspiration that will continue to shape my work and personal growth. The combination of professional development, cultural exchange, and leadership training has not only enhanced my abilities but also strengthened my commitment to creating meaningful change.
I am deeply thankful to New Tactics for making this transformative experience possible, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my ongoing efforts to empower human rights defenders and drive positive change.
