As events have unfolded, I wanted to provide an additional update on the initiative to have Louisiana join the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
The most recent update I published explained that I had contacted the OIF explaining the steps taken to have John Bel Edwards sign a letter expressing the interest of Louisiana to join the OIF as an observer and also the correspondences I had with the State Department, in working with Senator Cassidy’s office, that gave the federal government’s approval for Louisiana to apply.
Shortly after sending the message to the OIF, I received a reply from the Office of the Secretary General inviting Louisiana to apply formally and that we have until April 10th to submit our application. I then messaged Ms. Peggy Feehan, the new Director of CODOFIL, to explain the next steps. In working with Ms. Feehan, there’s been a committee formed that has started work to complete the application. Most recently, I contacted the OIF requesting a dossier from a former observer candidate to serve as a model for us while compiling Louisiana’s application. I received Ontario’s dossier, which I sent to the CODOFIL committee.
The next step is to formally write and complete the application before April 10th. I have received feedback that the application has moved forward with the cooperation of universities and stakeholder groups. Once submitted on April 10th, the OIF will formally vote our candidacy in October at the Francophonie Summit in Yerevan. The completion of our dossier would be a milestone in advancing recognition of Louisiana’s diverse francophone and creolophone communities, and I believe the coordination to put this together speaks strongly to grassroots efforts and enthusiasm to support our communities.
I am always to exchange with people and organizations who are interested in this initiative and would like to know more.
Scott Tilton
scott.tilton@sciencespo.fr