Here's a press release that sounds like yada yada yada, Vermonter l goes on cool junket. Great for them. Until you get to the list of alumni of this program. Then it sounds more interesting.

Vermont Democratic Party Executive Director Jill Krowinski, who worked for Rep. Peter Welch's campaign and before that as assistant to House Speaker Gaye Symington, was chosen to the attend the American Council of Young Political Leaders' two-week international exchange program in the Philippines, starting Aug. 3. She and nine others from around the United States will to study the Filipino political system and talk about international issues.

Great opportunity for her, but then comes the list of who's done this program in the past. In Vermont, the alum include Jim Douglas and Peter Welch, both of whom have gone on to positions of stature.

Krowinski's not thinking right now about where it might take her. She said she's interested in getting more women involved in politics and leadership, and looks forward to seeing how women in the Philippines manage to overcome cultural and logistical hurdles that are perhaps even greater than those here.

Whether the program itself will elevate Krowinski herself in politics remains to be seen.

- Terri Hallenbeck