Leading into the 4th week we were set for a week of great attitudes – the whole city is in the best form! Work was normal on Tuesday but on Wednesday our host ‘mom’ Karen had presented the team with an opportunity to go on a tour of the Whitehouse – an ideal opportunity that we all pretty excited about – some even went to the extent to check President Bush’s schedule to see if he would be in, which he was, to our disadvantage. The reality being we would not see him in addition to the fact that with him being in we probably got to see alot less!! But it was pretty interesting and we were all thankful for the opportunity.
The highlight of Wednesday had to be the WIP media forum and debate…
The PR task force group had came to the idea of an event that would launch some aspect of WIP to the media etc however the great Aileen Gittens came up with the idea of a media forum where we had journalists attend who were questioned on the media situation in DC and globally regarding the current presidential campaign and war on Iraq etc. Thus raising the profile of WIP in the convenience of a pre organized event – very economical!! The media forum was a great insight to local and international media and with such names attending as we could not be anything but impressed.
Post media forum was the great debate. Three WIPpers had to battle three debaters from Georgetown University on the Guantanamo Bay. There has always been a stigma with the WIP debates so needless to say we were a tad apprehensive about it. The WIP team was pro immediate closure and the Georgetown Team we were opposing immediate closure. The WIPpers stood up with such confidence; knowledge and enthusiasm for the topic… the Georgetown team… were an active bunch didn’t quite address the issues they dragged up. Needless to say it was ‘no brainer’ as they say here in the State that the WIP won the debate hands down – however no formal vote was cast!! (I voted and they lost)
Thursday was a half day in the office due to the holiday weekend so the WIPpers had a voluntary group discussion on the North and South situation in Ireland. Over the past few weeks the group has grown closer and closer together however occasionally the odd comment would arise and people would get somewhat offended by what is perceived as a misunderstanding of what they represent. Thus in respect of this the opportunity arose for a group discussion on this matter. It was seen as an opportunity for people to explain where they come from and what and why they believe in what they do – it turned out to be the most positive evening, each person in attendance spoke about their situation followed by a question and answer session were very reflective and valid points arose. I think the evening promoted the best of understanding and appreciation for each other and brought the group even closer together for which the group should be congratulated for!!
I do however feel that this short passage does not give the even any justice – the wonderful Clare Herbert however has a fantastic rendition of events for which you should go read!!!
http://www.wiprogram.org/journals/archives/111-emstrongWashington-Us-on-Northern-Irelandstrongem.html
