GCIV recently hosted four visitors from Thailand who came to Atlanta to study religious and ethnic diversity. The group consisted of educators and advocates for the Thai Muslim community. While participating in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program, the group hoped to meet with leaders of various religious communities, learn about interfaith work, and see diverse communities working together. They were able to meet with a wide variety of professionals in Atlanta April 17-22, 2007. Read more about their program in Atlanta.

We are continuing with Vicki Flier Hudson'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.

7. First ask, "What should I not change?": When working abroad, many decision makers arrive overseas with a vision and tasks to accomplish. They look at the existing system and ask themselves, "What can I change to make this better?" While this initiative is admirable, a step in the process is missing.

The best question to start with is "What should I not change?" Although the systems in place may not be familiar ones, part of increasing cultural competence is taking your thinking to a new level, a new paradigm. Perhaps a system in another culture will offer better solutions or improvements to current ones. By taking the time to see what should not be changed, you also build trust among your associates.

8. Examine your leadership competencies: Successful decision makers understand the criticality of leadership development. The search for good leaders can make the difference between growth and loss. Are you training and looking for leaders in all the right places? Take your leadership competencies and requirements, put them on your desk and have a good, hard look. What are the values conveyed? Are those values biased toward your own culture?

For example, take the phrase "shows strong individual initiative and always seeks to win." How would someone from a culture that values harmony, teamwork and respect for superiors view this phrase? He would probably feel that leadership positions in your organization are not for him, even though he may be the best person for the job.

Don't miss out on resources - examine your leadership competencies and bring them into the global era.

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, May 3rd, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Envoy Young Professionals Event: Turner First Thursdays Art Walk
Join GCIV Young Professionals in welcoming six participants of the Middle East Partnership Initiative at the Turner First Thursdays Art Walk. We will gather at the Museum of Design Atlanta, and have the chance to view several downtown galleries before ending the evening at the Westin Peachtree Plaza's Sundial Restaurant. The event is free. Please RSVP to Ashley Mastin at 404-832-5560 x 13 by Tuesday, May 2nd.

Tuesday, May 8th, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
GCIV Global Lunch Forum: Human Rights in Ethiopia
Join GCIV visitor Pastor Daniel Gebreselassie, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship Ethiopia, for a lunchtime discussion. Pastor Gebreselassie's human right work begin in 1992, when he advocated for prison reform in Ethiopia and adherence to international human rights standards. Since that time, his organization has evolved into a group dedicated to justice reform, democracy and good governance. The Global Lunch Forum will be at the Regency Suites Hotel in Midtown, 975 West Peachtree Street. Participants can bring lunch or purchase a boxed lunch ($10). Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-832-5560 x 13 to RSVP.

Thursday, May 10th, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
IWA May Meeting
The International Women's Associates will have an exhibition of members' works. Please contact Emily Bushey at 404-832-5560 x 15 to receive an invitation.

Tuesday, May 15th - 6:30 PM
International Dining Experience at Fuego
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 the delegation from Latin America to join us. The menu is $30 and includes a tapas buffet, dessert, non-alcoholic drinks, tax, and gratuity. Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-832-5560 x 13 for more information or to RSVP.

Thursday, May 17th, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
GCIV Global Lunch Forum: The Media in Nepal
Join GCIV visitor Mr. Madan Kumar Sharma, General Manager of Nepal Television, for a lunchtime discussion. Mr. Sharma has been with the station ten years, becoming the general manager in 2001. The Global Lunch Forum will be at the GCIV office downtown. Participants can bring lunch or purchase a boxed lunch ($10). Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-832-5560 x 13 to RSVP.

Thursday, June 14th, 6:30 PM - 7:30 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.