Moses Mukami is a young Kenyan who had a link to Atlanta before he ever traveled here through the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program. When he founded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Africa Foundation, he committed himself to propagating the principles of democracy and equality for which Dr. King stood. Naturally, when offered the chance to travel to the United States he requested a stop in Dr. King’s home. Mr. Mukami’s program focused not only on civil rights efforts but also youth leadership programs, since he is the former Kenyan Chapter President of the National Youth Parliament and President of the Federation of Teens. Read more about Moses’ trip to Atlanta.

GCIV is happy to announce a new partnership with the Atlanta Forum Network. AFN is dedicated to curating and servicing live and on-demand lectures given by some of the world's foremost scholars, authors, artists, scientists, policy makers and community leaders at events hosted by world-class cultural and educational organizations in Metropolitan Atlanta. Through this online service thousands of interested people across the world partake of these lectures from the comfort of their home or office at any time they choose. Currently the Atlanta Forum Network is filming the GCIV Great Decisions Lecture Series. The first lecture, featuring Ambassador John Kelley, is online! Please note, you must have Real Player installed to view the video. Be sure to check for all eight sessions of the Lecture Series in the coming weeks. AFN will also work with GCIV to record addresses by international visitors and sessions at the upcoming Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy. Click here to see the full list of AFN partners.

We are continuing with Vicki Flier's Fifteen Ways to Increase Cultural Competence. Vicki provides cross-cultural trainings for corporations, classrooms, and many other settings. Visit her web site at www.highroaders.com.

3. Encourage language learning: Everyone knows that learning another language increases business opportunities, but did you know that it also increases cultural competence? Research has shown that language and culture cannot be separated. Studies have even suggested that language not only expresses ideas, but shapes them. Therefore, speaking only your own language keeps you trapped in your own perception and cultural system. Speaking another language widens your cultural scope.

Learning the language of business associates, even on a basic level, shows respect and responsibility, and can ease communication issues. Encourage non-native language learning at your organization; offer incentives for those who participate. Start a language club at your place of business. Many high schools, continuing education facilities and language schools offer classes for reasonable rates.

4. Use timing to increase cultural effectiveness: Having a multicultural workforce isn’t always easy. In fact, some decision makers end up feeling like cultural diversity is more trouble than it’s worth. The good news is the use of diversity at the right time makes all the difference.

For example, say you have a team of Americans, Chinese, Indians and Swiss. Put them together most frequently when innovation and creativity are called for. More ideas and strategies from different cultures equal better ideas and strategies. When the time comes to converge or come to agreements, rely instead on a small sub-group or the team leader, as this phase can be more difficult for diverse teams.

Be sure to check out the GCIV e-newsletter in coming months for more tips from Vicki Flier.

GCIV's membership is critical to the success of our organization, as it serves as an important indicator of community support for the U.S. Department of State and other agencies that rely on us to arrange programs for hundreds of international visitors each year. Becoming a member is easy - just visit our membership page to download an application.

Thursday, March 8th, 10:00-11:30 AM
IWA February Meeting
The International Women's Associates will have a presentation from Robin Davis, Executive Director of Global Health Action. Robin will discuss GHA's programs to train health and community leaders in the United States and 89 countries worldwide. Please contact Emily Bushey at 404-832-5560 x 15 to receive an invitation.

Thursday, March 15, 6:30 PM
International Dining Experience at Eurasia Bistro
Get to know other GCIV members and hosts and share your questions, experiences and insights about hosting international visitors in your home. We are also inviting our visitor from Taiwan to join us. The family-style chef's menu is $35, and includes a salad, a selection of four family-style entrees, a non-alcoholic drink, tax, and gratuity. Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-832-5560 x 13 for more information or to RSVP. Please be sure to mention any dietary restrictions.

Wednesday, March 21, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
GCIV Lunch Forum: The Role of Conflict Resolution around the World
Join GCIV visitors from the Phillipines, Nigeria, Croatia, and Zimbabwe for a lunchtime discussion. Our distinguished guests will talk about their work in conflict resolution in their respective countries. The Lunch Forum will be at the GCIV offices downtown, and participants can bring lunch or purchase a boxed lunch ($10). Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-832-5560 x 13 to RSVP.