Global Ties U.S.

Catch up with Citizen Diplomat Awardee Rid-All Green Partnership, an urban agricultural center and community education hub in Cleveland, Ohio, to learn more about their work to strengthen communities through food. Shares Rid-All in this read: "Food is a common language that unites all people. It is the foundation of how we share agricultural ideas and techniques at a grassroots level to foster community development." gties.us/RidAllGreen

A new public art exhibit has arrived in Cedar Rapids, IA. The traveling exhibit, , features the stories and photos of 38 U.S. taken while abroad on 20 programs. The exhibit is hosted locally by Global Ties Iowa and installed at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library through September 11. Since launching in fall 2023, the ExchangeAlumni exhibit has traveled to three U.S. cities and introduced more than 80,000 people to how . Learn more⬇️

Exhibit promotes opportunities to share Iowa with the world Area higher education officials gathered Friday to promote opportunities for Iowans of all walks of life to bring Iowa, and the Midwest, to the world.

Registration is open for "Crescent City Connections: Creativity Through Exchange." Join Global New Orleans & International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) September 23-24 as we explore the culture and history of New Orleans & gain a deeper understanding of : gties.us/DBH_NOLA

📣TODAY: The traveling photo exhibit is now in Iowa! 📍Hosted locally by Global Ties Iowa and installed at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, the exhibit is on display through 🗓️September 11.

Only 5 cities across the United States were selected to host this special public art exhibit that features the stories and photos of 38 U.S. abroad on 20 U.S. Government programs. Since launching in fall 2023, the exhibit has reached almost 90,000 people across the United States to celebrate and showcase the power of exchange. 📸🌎 Iowa is the penultimate stop for the exhibit. Learn more and go check it out while it's in town: gties.us/AlumniExhibit

ExchangeAlumni Photoville Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

opens doors for many young people, broadening their perspectives and building the networks these future leaders will need to make a difference. From an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on diversifying Japan’s agricultural sector to include more women and youth, to hands-on learning opportunities for teenagers from the UK and Oregon to build skills and succeed academically and professionally, three Global Ties Network members—The International Center, Columbia Council For Internationals, and WorldOregon—discuss initiatives to empower rising young leaders to make an impact. Read in :

Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow - Global Ties U.S. Compiled by Kathryn Lakin, Communications Intern International exchange opens doors for many young people, broadening their perspectives and building the networks these future leaders will need to make a difference.

"I always wanted to be a soccer coach, but the opportunity hadn’t arrived,” said Nicole DiSante, a The Fulbright Program ExchangeAlumni. Nicole now heads Soccer Girls, a 2024 Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund project that works with schools “to create a sense of teamwork, build self-confidence, build healthy lifestyles, and increase positive, healthy relationships” for girls playing soccer in Marseille, France.

Learn more about Nicole's project and how she's helping girls to "take up some space on the soccer field" in this read:

Exchange Alumna Kicks Off Program to Empower Girls on the Soccer Field - Global Ties U.S. By Kathryn Lakin, Communications Intern Editor’s note: Nicole DiSante is a 2010 Fulbright alumna and two-time Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF 2023 and 2024) grantee. Her 2024 CDAF project, Soccer

Who is a leader? A new short film by WorldOregon's 2023-2024 Young Leaders in Action (YLA) cohort set out to explore this question as part of their capstone project. We spoke with Deb Delman, manager of the YLA program, about the ways YLA inspires local teens to take action and become leaders. “They say youth are the leaders of the future. Really, they’re leading now,” said Deb. Read the story and watch the film in : https://gties.us/4dd6mph

The Leaders of Now: Young Leaders in Action at WorldOregon - Global Ties U.S. By Kathryn Lakin, Communications Intern Editor’s Note: Deb Delman is the Youth Leadership Manager at WorldOregon, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member in Portland, Oregon, where she oversees the Young

THIS WEEK: The traveling photo exhibit is on its way to Cedar Rapids, IA 📍where it will be hosted by Global Ties Iowa and installed at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. This special exhibit features 38 images and stories taken by U.S. citizen abroad on 20 U.S. Government exchange programs and aims to inspire local audiences to becomes future exchange participants.

Go check it out if you:
📸Want to see the world
💡Be inspired by U.S. ExchangeAlumni
🌎Explore opportunities for

Details: gties.us/AlumniExhibit

Did you know that the impact of programs continues long after the program ends? On , meet two ExchangeAlumni who are building on their exchange experiences here in the United States and abroad through the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund ( ). Ram Devineni is an alumni of the American Arts Incubator Program and led the project “Resilience Augmented Comic Book and Street Art Workshops in Bogota, Colombia." Leorian Ricardo is an alumni of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI who led the project “Be the Superhero of Your Own Story / Sé el Superhéroe de tu Propia Historia.” We spoke with both about their projects, the power of storytelling, and why : https://gties.us/3XCWNuM

Alliance for International Exchange

is an opportunity to spotlight the transformative power of . Here's another fact: Thanks to the Global Ties Network and programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), communities right here in the United States are benefiting from people-to-people interactions with leaders. Findings from our new 2024 Community Impact Study showed that almost 800 respondents in 28 U.S. states learned more about other cultures, developed stronger community connections, and boosted their local workforce thanks to their involvement with exchange programs. See more in our 2024 Community Impact Study: gties.us/CommunityImpactStudy

Alliance for International Exchange

Today is —a nationwide celebration of the power of . All day long we'll be highlighting how the Global Ties Network builds relationships, partnerships, and trust through exchanges like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and why .

Here's an fact: Did you know in our last fiscal year (FY22) our Network hosted ~4,000 visitors, engaged 15,600+ volunteers in 192,000+ hours of service, and generated $80.1 million for the U.S. economy by implementing the IVLP and other exchanges? Learn more: http://gties.us/AboutUs

Alliance for International Exchange

About Us - Global Ties U.S. Global Ties U.S. is the national leader for connecting people and communities in the United States with global leaders through international exchange programs. Our work advances U.S. strategic priorities abroad

Three-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury is committed to "expanding the idea of what an athlete is and can be." Through her nonprofit Imagining More and her work as both a Global Sports Diplomacy Envoy and ExchangeAlumni Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund recipient, Shannon is empowering young athletes "to embrace their potential and become successful leaders. "

Shared Shannon: "During my Sports Envoy, I saw firsthand how sports could benefit everyone, regardless of whether they were aspiring elite athletes or simply looking for ways to become healthy, more confident people. As I flew home from Morocco, it became my goal to bring the same kind of 'Empowerment Through Sport' camp back home to the USA. "

Read more in :

Sports Diplomacy and Women’s Empowerment: A Q&A with Olympian Shannon Rowbury - Global Ties U.S. Editor’s note: Ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, we connected with Shannon Rowbury, a three-time Olympian (U.S. track and field) and alumna of the U.S. Department of State Sports Envoy

The 2024 Global Ties U.S. Community Impact Study data is in and respondents agree that . Almost 800 people covering every geographic region of the United States responded to this year's study, with 1 in 3 sharing how they've kept in touch with International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other leaders. As one person put it, “A bonus to these encounters is a lifelong friendship has begun. Now I have contacts in far corners of the world at my fingertips.”

Learn more about the benefits of exchanges like on U.S. communities and individuals: gties.us/CommunityImpactStudy

Sports are a powerful platform for global engagement. In celebration of the 2024 Olympics, we hosted three former pro athletes and Global Sports Diplomacy ExchangeAlumni Envoys, and Global Ties Network representatives from WorldOregon and Exchanges360 - International Programs, to discuss the role of for local and global impact. Check out the event at: https://gties.us/4dbuxVa

📣 Spread the word: The new 2024 Global Ties U.S. Community Impact Study confirms that makes us stronger. For the second year, more than 72% of respondents said that their involvement in exchanges like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) benefits U.S. workforce development and community-building, with respondents reporting gains in global knowledge, civic engagement, professional reputation, and international connectivity. Explore the data: gties.us/CommunityImpactStudy

Meet Daisy Khan, Doctor of Ministry, who leads the Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), a New York City-based NGO advancing Muslim women’s rights to foster peacebuilding, gender equality, and human dignity. We spoke with Daisy about the power of individuals, the impact of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and winning the Citizen Diplomat Award.

Shared Daisy: "Citizen diplomats play a critical role in preserving the core values of the United States. The one-on-one dialogue between thought leaders at the grassroots level paves a way forward for safeguarding and amplifying these values for the future." Read more in :

Q&A with Daisy Khan - Global Ties U.S. Daisy Khan, Doctor of Ministry, leads the Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), a New York City-based NGO advancing Muslim women’s rights to foster peacebuilding, gender equality, and

People-to-people dialogue is at the heart of our work. Explore how the Global Ties Network is shaping civic engagement and building community through programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in this read:

Strengthening Democracy Through Exchange - Global Ties U.S. Compiled by Kathryn Lakin, Communications Intern Through exchanges like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) the Global Ties Network connects U.S. and international counterparts to promote democratic values, strengthen civic

"It is always our goal to reduce the barriers to full participation for all of our international visitors. In our small way, Global Minnesota was able to support the visitors in the fight for equal access for all!"

On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26), learn how programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) can contribute to a more inclusive world and accessible world. Global Ties Network members Global Minnesota and WorldBoston discuss two projects and "showcase why inclusive ." Read:

Building Capacity for Accessible Exchange - Global Ties U.S. Global Ties Network members reflect on how exchange programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) can incorporate accessibility and inclusion in the forefront of IVLP discussions.

"The best way to lead is to serve," shares Olympian and Global Sports Diplomacy Envoy ExchangeAlumni Shannon Rowbury. "To really help a community, you need to be fully immersed in it. Be present, ask questions, pay attention." We spoke with Shannon about , community engagement, and the role of athletes as ambassadors for local and global impact. Her thoughts in :

Sports Diplomacy and Women’s Empowerment: A Q&A with Olympian Shannon Rowbury - Global Ties U.S. Editor’s note: Ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, we connected with Shannon Rowbury, a three-time Olympian (U.S. track and field) and alumna of the U.S. Department of State Sports Envoy

Last call to RSVP for our July 24 (tomorrow!) virtual event, The Power of Sports Diplomacy, featuring ExchangeAlumni Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State Envoys and Global Ties Network representatives from WorldOregon and Exchanges360 - International Programs. The event will be moderated by our Board Member Ben Orbach of The Ascendant Athlete, with opening remarks from our President & CEO Katherine A. Brown, Ph.D. Join us to explore the role of athletes as ambassadors for local and global engagement. Details and RSVP: gties.us/SportsForum

People-to-people programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) are key to addressing shared global issues. Over the last 10 years, the Towards a More Safe and Secure World Initiative has done just that, connecting 430 leaders to U.S. counterparts to strengthen international security cooperation and combat transnational crime. Read more in : gties.us/TMSSW

This June, we teamed up with GlobalAustin to host Mexican law enforcement reps for a U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) program on trafficking and transnational crime in Austin, Texas.

Participants gained insights from retired Austin Police Department Commander Catherine Haggerty and met with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and Allies Against Slavery to learn U.S. tactics against human trafficking and organized crime. Plus, they discovered how SAFE aids survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

From volunteer to programmer: Emerging Leader Lily Fowler discusses her path to with Utah Global Diplomacy and offers 4 tips to those considering globally focused careers. Read via :

My Diplomatic Odyssey - Global Ties U.S. By Lily Fowler, 2024 Emerging Leader and International Exchange Program Officer at Utah Global Diplomacy Embarking on a career in citizen diplomacy was not my original plan. It was a

In May, some of Mexico’s top law enforcement reps joined a U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) in sunny San Diego. They explored Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station in East County, diving into the workings of various law enforcement agencies. From community policing and engagement to innovative crime prevention strategies, the San Diego Sherriff's Department shared invaluable insights. San Diego Diplomacy Council

Spread the word: There's one week left to RSVP for our upcoming Global Ties Forum event, The Power of Sports Diplomacy, which will explore the role of athletes as ambassadors for local and global engagement. Speakers include ExchangeAlumni Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State Envoys and Global Ties Network representatives from WorldOregon and Exchanges360 - International Programs involved in programming. The virtual event will be moderated by our Board Member Ben Orbach of The Ascendant Athlete, with opening remarks from our President & CEO Katherine A. Brown, Ph.D.

Details and RSVP: http://gties.us/SportsForum

What drives International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) ExchangeAlumni Sachiyo Sakaguchi to empower the next generation of leaders? "I believe in the power of individuals coming together to bring about positive changes in the community. This belief fuels my passion for this work." We spoke with Sachiyo about civic engagement, mentorship, her Impact Award project, and how empowering the next generation can foster positive changes for women in Japan. Read more in this Q&A: gties.us/Sakaguchi Meridian International Center

Q&A with Sachiyo Sakaguchi - Global Ties U.S. Sachiyo Sakaguchi is a policy secretary in Japan’s House of Representatives and 2022 alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). She received an Honorable Mention for the Global Ties

Ahead of the Summer Olympics, we are excited to announce our next Global Ties Forum virtual event: The Power of on Wednesday, July 24 at 12:00 p.m. ET (noon). Join us to explore the role of athletes as ambassadors for local & global engagement: http://gties.us/SportsForum

The traveling U.S. ExchangeAlumni exhibit, , was just in Boise, ID with Global Ties Idaho and impressed local audiences with its combination of stories and photos from around the world. As one attendee shared: "Yes, exchanges can bring us together as a world, but so can sharing about these exchanges with others, as these photographs so vividly shared with me.” Learn more about the U.S. exhibit and its impact on almost 2,000 viewers here:

Art and Diplomacy Shine at Impact of Exchange Exhibit in Idaho - Global Ties U.S. By Maya Duratovic, Board Member, Global Ties Idaho Global Ties Idaho proudly hosted the “Impact of Exchange: Stories from U.S. Exchange Alumni” exhibit in Boise April 22– June 10, 2024.

How can comic books connect and empower communities worldwide? Two ExchangeAlumni Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund ( ) teams discuss their projects, the power of storytelling, and why .

Meet Ram Devineni, an alumni of the American Arts Incubator Program, who led the project “Resilience Augmented Comic Book and Street Art Workshops in Bogota, Colombia,” and Leorian Ricardo, an alumni of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI, who led the project “Be the Superhero of Your Own Story / Sé el Superhéroe de tu Propia Historia.”

Read: https://gties.us/3XCWNuM