From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Heartland International

Heartland International, a women- managed, nonprofit organization based in Chicago, designs, implements, and manages political, economic, and social development projects focusing on democracy and economic development.


Bring to bear the traditionally underutilized resources of the Midwestern United States on international programs

  • Governmental institutions and representatives from both state and local levels have cooperated in the design and implementation of programs for legislators, governing officials and NGO leaders from emerging democracies.
  • Over 200 Chicago area businesses, from storefront to Fortune 500, have provided business placements for Heartland International program participants.
  • Educational institutions, ranging from the University of Illinois at Chicago to the Chicago Public School System, have cooperated in the design and implementation of Civic Education programs and have provided learning opportunities for educators and administrators.

Act as a catalyst in strengthening emerging democratic institutions

  • NGO- Leaders from Belarus, Tunisia and Morocco design effective advocacy campaigns after participating in intensive and innovative training programs.
  • Government- Officials from Thailand, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya examine new goverment transparency mechanisms with the goal of transferring the knowledge to their home countries.
  • Media- Mexican, Belarusian, Russian and Ukranian journalists gain first hand knowledge of free exchange of information.

Provide training and technical assistance to encourage micro enterprise development

  • In cooperation with local business leaders in East Timor, Halibur Business Manatuto, a Small Business association, is formed to promote small business development and leadership.
  • The Business for Russia Program promotes entrepreneurship throughout Russia.

Support the role of women in economic, political, and social affairs in emerging democracies

  • TAWE (Tanzanian Association of Women Entrepreneurs) receives technical assistance training from Heartland International to further their mission of supporting women in political, social and economic affairs.
  • Women's Leadership Belarus advocates for a stronger role for women in society.

Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas between the US and international policy makers

  • Through discussion series and dialogues on international current affairs, Heartland International serves as a platform for the free exchange of ideas.

Promote mutual understanding between various segments of US society and their international counterparts

  • Through the home-stay volunteer program, local individuals and families open their homes to program participants, providing an opportunity to , "Bring the World Home".

[1]