In 2001, 12 Bosnian and Herzegovinian public officials and NGO representatives learned about grassroots advocacy during a program organized by the International Center and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The visitors participated in both classroom and field experiences. Instructional sessions taught by university faculty, community leaders, and local government officials covered topics including effective grassroots strategies, communicating messages through the media and the Internet, and organizing and conducting public hearings.

In 2007, Ranko Skrbic, Minister of Health from the Republic of Srpska, visited the Vinson Institute to learn more about its nationally recognized instructional programs for elected and appointed government officials.