Boston Volunteers Among Those Nominated For Nobel Peace Prize.

News/Features Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2001

The volunteers of WorldBoston and of 97 sister organizations from 44 states across the U.S. have been officially nominated for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize by Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.

WorldBoston and its volunteers are a part of the National Council for International Visitors' (NCIV) Volunteer Citizen Diplomats Program, which was nominated for the internationally renowned prize.

"I recommend a close examination and careful consideration of NCIV's role in the promotion of worldwide peace when determining the 2001 Nobel Peace Awards," Sen. Specter wrote in a letter to The Nobel Foundation. "Your selection process is understandably arduous, in light of the thousands of individuals and organizations deserving of this prestigious award. NCIV is such an organization worthy of your review and consideration."

WorldBoston is part of a national network of more than 300,000 volunteers from 44 states who serve as participants of the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Program and other prominent visitor exchanges. WorldBoston's mission is to promote democracy and world peace by bringing international delegations to the New England region and managing one-on-one contacts to improve cross-cultural understanding. The International Center of Worcester and the World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts are also part of the NCIV program.

WorldBoston also administers Community Connections, a U.S. State Department program that provides business and professional training to new leaders and entrepreneurs from Russia and other former Soviet Union countries in order to foster international business development, exchange, and partnerships.

"We are extremely excited and gratified by Sen. Specter's nomination, especially considering that both NCIV and WorldBoston are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year," said Tish Callanan, Executive Director of WorldBoston.

"This is a great day for WorldBoston and the highest recognition our volunteers could receive. For 40 years our `citizen diplomats' have opened their offices, businesses, classrooms, and homes for professional, cultural, and social exchanges and made friends with the world's new leaders," said Brad Minnick, a board member of WorldBoston and the NCIV. "This nomination acknowledges their tremendous efforts to foster international understanding and develop lasting ties, and we are very proud that Sen. Specter recognized their contribution."

According to Sen. Specter's nomination letter, "Heads of State, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Anwar Sadat, Indira Gandhi, F. W. deKlerk, and 185 other senior government officials have participated in NCIV-related activities." The letter also noted that, "My wife and I have participated in many NCIV-sponsored forums...We have both enjoyed and benefited from the various programs which aim to increase the understanding and appreciation of international cultures."

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to an individual or organization who "shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." The prize is announced in October and awarded in December by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. It rewards the champions of peace with no consideration given to the nationality of candidates. For more information, go to www.noble.no.

WorldBoston seeks volunteers to join their efforts to promote democracy and friendship around the world. To learn more about WorldBoston, call 617-542-8995 or visit its website at www.worldboston.org.