ABOUT IRG >> Overview

The Institute for Representative Government (IRG) was established in 1988 by a group of former Members of Congress as an independent, bipartisan, non-profit organization to provide high level, professional exchange programs for parliamentarians from developing or newly-established democracies. With this vision, legislators from emerging democracies could come to the United States, learn how government operates on the national and state levels, and interact with current and former lawmakers.

In a typical IRG program, a group of 10 foreign parliamentarians comes to the U.S. to meet with Members of Congress and state legislatures and their staffs. They also meet with officials in government agencies at the federal, state, and local level and with non-governmental organizations. The study mission is designed to emphasize a particular topic of importance to that country, such as the role of committees, government transparency, or economic development.

Since its inception, the IRG program has involved more than 50 visitations and brought to the U.S. more than 550 foreign parliamentarians. The Institute conducts four or more study missions each year. Funding for IRG's programs comes from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

A 2003 evaluation of IRG, prepared for the State Department, found that IRG's programs have successfully promoted greater understanding of the American system and effectively contributed to increased understanding between Americans and the participating countries. Most gratifying, the evaluators found that "IRG program alumni have shared what they learned about the United States with colleagues, friends and family, and their community at home."

In 2004, IRG entered into a formal agreement with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) in which NDI and IRI make all arrangements and conduct the programs on behalf of IRG. This new partnership further enhances IRG's effectiveness by taking advantage of NDI and IRI's program staff in the U.S. and their ability to monitor follow-up through their offices throughout the world.