Guest author: Zorica Trajkova Strezovska
From 17th to 19th November 2023, the Executive Board of the Macedonian American Alumni Association (MAAA) participated in a two-day Regional Exchange of Best Practices for the U.S. Alumni Associations in the Western Balkans event in Tirana, Albania, organized by the Albanian United States Alumni (AUSA) Association. This significant gathering was supported by a grant obtained through the 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, aimed at revitalizing the Albanian United States Alumni Association.
The event brought together representatives from the alumni associations in the Western Balkans region (Albanian United States Alumni (AUSA), U.S. Alumni of Serbia (Fulbright and Friends), Kosovo United States Alumni (KUSA), Montenegrin American Youth Alumni Association (MAYAA), U.S. Alumni Association in Bosnia-Hercegovina (USAABIH) and the Macedonian American Alumni Association). The primary focus was on sharing best practices to enhance alumni engagement, promoting the regional cooperation and actively supporting the integration efforts of the countries in the region into the European Union - aligning with the U.S. mission in the region. The MAAA was officially represented by Bashkim Ziberi, a former Executive Board member, along with the current Board members Ognen Janeski and Irena Popovska and I (Zorica Trajkova Strezovska, in my capacity as the President of MAAA).
On the evening of Friday, November 17th, a reception was held, providing a hospitable setting for attendees to acquaint themselves with the hosts and engage in networking opportunities with representatives from various alumni associations. The event commenced with formal greetings, featuring speeches delivered by the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Albania, H.E. David Wisner. Subsequently, Ms. Fjoralba Caka, the former Deputy Minister of Justice in Albania, addressed the gathering, followed by an official welcome from AUSA's Chairman, Mr. Kristi Çina.
During the next day, November 18th, each association took the stage to provide a concise overview of the work of their association. MAAA's presentation garnered exceptionally positive reactions, with attendees expressing their admiration for the association's efforts. The unanimous sentiment among the other associations was that MAAA's work serves as an exemplary model worth emulating, signifying a commendable standard in the realm of alumni engagement.
Subsequently, participants engaged in group sessions, delving into collaborative discussions and sharing ideas on three pivotal topics: 1. Structure and governance of alumni associations for optimal organizational effectiveness 2. Effective outreach strategies for alumni integration and increased traction for the alumni associations 3. Initiatives and activities that encourage alumni participation and foster a higher level of engagement.
Concluding the event, the participants explored potential avenues for future collaboration among the associations, contemplating the submission of applications for projects, with the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund emerging as a notable possibility.
The discourse emphasized that the envisaged projects should prioritize regional cooperation and exchanges through shared forums, activities, and initiatives aligned with the strategic objectives of the U.S. Embassy. The meeting in Tirana proved exceptionally positive, providing a platform for acquainting ourselves with the initiatives of fellow associations in the Balkans and solidifying our commitment to collaborative endeavors on future joint projects.
