The women, who range in age from 32 to 39, were schoolgirls when the Soviet Union fell in 1991, said Sandra Gangle, who spearheaded efforts to host the women.

Gangle is a Salem attorney and past president of the League of Women Voters of Marion & Polk Counties, which is hosting the group. She said the visit "will help them build their new democracy," and she's more than happy to assist them in their efforts.

"[They are] working hard to improve the world they live in," Gangle said. "They are creating the culture and structure under which they will live."

The visitors, who arrived July 29, are meeting with political leaders, court personnel and women's organizations. They'll be treated to social engagements that include a dinner cruise on the Willamette River.

They're visiting such historic sites as the Oregon State Capitol and Mission Mill Museum, and taking in regional attractions including Silver Falls State Park and the Oregon Coast.?Staying in the homes of local league members offers an inside view of family life in the United States.

The group will meet with Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Salem Mayor Janet Taylor, as well as other state and local officials. They'll see democracy in action as they tour, among other places, Salem City Hall, the Marion County Elections office and Oregon Supreme Court.

The guests are especially eager to learn about the influence of women in U.S. politics and economics, and how government and nongovernment agencies work together to meet social challenges, according to their hosts.

Jeanine Grater, a spokeswoman for the League of Women Voters of Marion & Polk Counties, describes the visit as "a handshake across the world" and says she welcomes the international exchange.

?"When you can talk to people directly, that's what's going to bring about world peace," Grater said. "You can't get that by reading books or magazines."