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The Cornerstone Project was funded by a U.S. State Department grant and provided multiple learning and training opportunities through the exchange of local, elected and appointed government officials from Wisconsin and Nicaragua. Seven cities in Wisconsin and four cities in Nicaragua participated, with 21 individuals from each country being involved. The Cornerstone Project has helped us to strengthen and develop new partner city relationships. Through bilateral exchange, participants were able to bridge the gap of cultural and linguistic differences and "make friends for America" with our people-to-people approach. Participants learned that in most facets of life, their concerns, challenges, and interests were the same, leaving only small differences that could be easily overcome.
The guiding philosophy of this project was based on four cornerstones that stabilize effective government. Just as table legs support a tabletop, these cornerstones support a democratic society. The four cornerstones of good governance are economic, moral, social, and environmental development. When any one of these elements does not function well, the entire democratic structure can become unbalanced.
The Cornerstone Project facilitated an exchange of city planners, mayors' assistants, solid waste administrators, county supervisors, and various other municipal and town officials by utilizing international videoconferencing and travel. The project was carried out with the support of the Nicaraguan Institute of Municipalities, the Nicaraguan Mayors Association, the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua, the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, UW Extension, and the Center for Small Cities.
One of the positive effects of the exchange was improved commitment and excitement towards citizen involvement, strengthened laws and compliance, and better environmental, educational, and anti-corruption programs. Melvin Romero, mayor of Boaco, Nicaragua, described this infectious change as one that spreads cooperation, goodwill, and dedication throughout the workplace and community. Even those of different political parties, with opposing viewpoints and who had no previous cooperative record, now work together in harmony and alignment. With a great deal of success, officials at higher levels of government also instituted duplication of these methods.
Recycling and garbage disposal projects have been initiated in each of the participating Nicaraguan cities with continued success. Pilot neighborhood and juvenile programs were implemented to educate consumers on the impacts of purchases, packaging, disposal, and sanitation choices. Incubator business development committees have been formed to investigate opportunities. To share equipment, knowledge, and training, alliance groups have been formed between the participating cities in Nicaragua.
In addition, the implementation of programs with so few resources has given Wisconsin participants new perspective in managing their communities with today's budgetary challenges. "Services necessary for a community to operate effectively are the same the world over," says Mike McCord, a participant from Clintonville, Wisconsin. "It's how we manage the resources we have and the impact to them that constantly needs to be addressed."
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