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CORVALLIS - Eleven Macedonian professionals working to halt domestic violence in their country will participate in a training program here this month coordinated by Oregon State University's Women in International Development program.

In partnership with Corvallis' Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, educators in the university's Women in International Development designed training that focuses on strategies for increasing public and government awareness of domestic violence is sues, shelter and hotline organization, coalition-building and effective lobbying and advocacy tactics.

Program participants will join several activities open to the public after their arrival on Feb. 24. The group will be at the Corvallis Moose Lodge Pancake Feed at 122 S.W. 5th St. on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, community members are invited to meet with the group and decorate T-shirts for the Clothesline Project. The national project is a visual display that calls attention to violence against women. The project displays shirts designed by woman survivors of vio lence and families and friends of victims. For information, contact the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence at 541-758-0219.

The OSU Women in International Development program is part of the campus Office of International Research and Development. The training is supported through a grant from the United States Agency for International Development. TRANSIT-Europe/World L earning is the programming agent.

Built on the belief that no nation can reach its full democratic potential when many of its citizens live cramped by fear and violence in their own homes, the program will lend support to leaders in the growing Macedonian anti-domestic violence movement, said Charlotte Haynes, director of Women in International Development. For information, contact Haynes at 541-737-6406 or email: [email protected].

"We are very excited about this program and are looking forward to partnering with the Corvallis-based Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence." Haynes said. "One of the goals of the Women in International Development office is to forge strong alliances with local non-government organizations so that our international programs help not only our partners from less developed countries, but also enable us to build capacity and cultural sensitivity within our own community."

"Ending violence against women is very important to effect progressive social change," said Ilene McClelland, CARDV Community Services Director. "CARDV is honored to partner with OSU as we bring our community's perspective into the global arena."

The program, which runs through March 17, builds upon the success the Macedonians have achieved at home, including the work of the Association for the Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women. Haynes and Tina Alexanderson, CARDV executive director, will jointly manage the program.

The center will lead sections on public outreach efforts and shelter and hotline development and administration. Plain Talk, a non-profit group focusing on educating young people on child abuse and domestic violence, will take the lead in developing plans to bring awareness into Macedonia's schools.

Trainers from OSU's Family Community Leadership Program will conduct sessions on coalition-building and effective organizational management. Mobility International, a group that promotes equal opportunities for people with disabilities in international ex change and development, will provide a workshop on issues of domestic violence as they pertain to people with disabilities.

Participants will also meet with legislators at the county and state levels, with members of the law enforcement and judicial communities, with health care workers, and with U.S. counterparts in groups including civic, educational, and advocacy organizati ons.

Participants will also take part in English lessons provided by OSU's English Language Institute.