#IWill #DayOne

The first day of our study visit to the USA to explore models of youth volunteering.

After a really warm welcome and helpful orientation from our hosts Global Ties US, we then got a fabulous introduction to the policy and legislative context in the USA - and how civil society fits into that picture - from Akram Elias, President of the Capital Communications Group. A real masterclass and an excellent grounding for our whole visit.

A quick chat with the President of Global Ties US, Jennifer Clinton about the value of "citizen diplomacy" and international exchanges, and then it was on to a fabulous panel discussion organised by Voices for National Service and City Year. So interesting to hear about models of "service" and the work that is done locally and nationally. Always a sign of a great session when my notebook fills up page after page - lots to think about! Fabulous to also be with such a diverse group of people in our group too, with all their different interests and questions.

This evening a huge thrill - a tour of some of the famous sights of Washington DC - including The White House, Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial. I'm a massive West Wing fangirl so got goosebumps so many times! A sensational city.

Thankfully most of the day was spent in air-conditioned buildings and mini-buses - the area is experiencing an extreme heatwave of temperatures over 106 degrees - going outside felt like standing in front of a gas fire!

A great dinner at DuPont Circle - accompanied by very dramatic lightning storms but no thunder and no rain this time!