GCIV is excited to announce that the International Consular Ball on March 8th has just sold out! Guests will enjoy an exquisite dinner, dancing, and the opportunity to meet distinguished members of Georgia's Consular Corps. An Atlanta tradition for 27 years, the International Consular Ball honors the Georgia Consular Corps for its efforts in furthering international relations in Atlanta and the southeastern United States. This is Atlanta's premier international celebration and networking event, and is sure to be a night to remember.

This year's Consular Ball will feature both live and silent auctions. Exclusive auction items are revealed daily on GCIV's website. International travel packages include stays in a Swiss chalet, Toronto, the Greek Isles, Mexico, Quebec, and any InterContinental Hotel worldwide! Many of these luxurious stays are paired with air travel from Presenting Sponsor Delta Air Lines. Go to the GCIV web site to see all of the items available at the auction.

GCIV is excited to announce that CNN International Anchor Ralitsa Vassileva will serve as the host of the 2008 International Consular Ball. Ms. Vassileva anchors Your World Today and World News. Since working at CNN, she has interviewed a wide range of world leaders and celebrities. Before joining CNN she was an anchor and reporter for Bulgarian Television, where she helped develop a post-communist approach to news delivery. We are happy to have Ms. Vassileva back as the emcee of the International Consular Ball.

In January GCIV had the opportunity to host a distinguished delegation of government officials, NGO leaders, and teachers from Uganda who came to Atlanta to look at Muslim life in the U.S. Many members of the delegation heard stories about Muslims being afraid to practice their religion openly in the United States, and were afraid of what they might encounter. After spending three weeks in this country, they concluded that very vibrant and healthy Muslim communities thrived in the Unites States, and that many were party of an energetic interfaith movement. Click here to hear about the rest of their program in Atlanta.

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 or hundreds of international visitors each year. Becoming a member is easy - just visit our membership page to download an application. You can now pay for your membership online using paypal!

Saturday, March 8th - 6:30 PM
International Consular Ball
The International Consular Ball honors the Georgia Consular Corps for its efforts in furthering international relations in Atlanta and the southeastern United States. The event will be held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Individual tickets are available only to GCIV members. Contact Ashley Mastin for more information.

Thursday, March 13th - 10:00 AM
IWA March Meeting
The International Womens Associates will hear from Leslie Christopher from Belk and Kathy Spetz of Hot Couture. Please contact Emily Bushey at 404-832-5560 x 15 to receive an invitation.

Saturday, March 15th - 1:00 PM
International Dining Experience at Cafe 101
Get to know other GCIV members and hosts and share your questions, experiences and insights about hosting international visitors in your home. The menu is $25 and includes a family-style Szechuan meal, tax, and gratuity. Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-832-5560 x 13 for more information or to RSVP.

Thursday, March 27th - 6:30 PM
GCIV Host Orientation
Learn the "ins and outs" of hosting while getting to know GCIV staff and fellow hosts. GCIV will organize host orientations once a quarter to help experienced and new hosts alike stay informed and become better citizen diplomats. Participation in an orientation is mandatory for all hosts. Please join us for one at your earliest convenience. The orientation will take place at the Regency Suites Hotel, 975 West Peachtree Street in midtown. RSVP to Emily Bushey at 404-832-5560 x 15.