Make sure you have registered for the Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy! The summit will take place on Saturday, October 21st, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, at the Atlanta International School. All relevant information can be found at the GCIV web site, including online registration. Don't miss out on this chance to attend a free day of training to increase your cultural competency. Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-965-4342 for more information.

Please mark your calendars for next year’s International Consular Ball, which will take place on April 14th in the Oceans Ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium. The International Consular Ball honors the Atlanta Consular Corps for its efforts in furthering international relations in Atlanta and the southeastern United States. Now in its 26th year, this is Atlanta’s premier international celebration and networking event—you won’t want to miss it!

The 2007 Consular Ball Committee is now being formed. The committee will meet monthly beginning Tuesday, October 17 to plan the Ball and our signature Silent Auction. Please contact Shellie Stuart at 404-965-4333 if you are interested in volunteering in this capacity.

GCIV hosted five Education Ministry Officials and teachers from Bahrain September 19-23. These visitors were invited to the United States under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. While in Atlanta the group met with key professional counterparts, visited schools, and experienced American culture. Click here to read more about their stay in Atlanta.

GCIV partnered with the City of Atlanta’s Advisory Committee on International Relations (ACIR) to organize the first annual Atlanta Behind the Scenes. This special event affords the Consular Corps the opportunity to experience VIP visits to outstanding Atlanta institutions while giving Mayor Shirley Franklin, the Atlanta City Council and ACIR the chance to honor members for their efforts in furthering international relations in Atlanta and the southeastern United States.

The day began with a VIP tour of the Georgia Aquarium. After viewing Atlanta’s newest attraction, Carey Executive Limousine of Atlanta provided transportation to Morehouse College, where the the Andrew Young Center for International Affairs hosted a luncheon held at the beautiful new Leadership Building Conference Center. Mayor Shirley Franklin addressed the group, speaking about the Consular Corps’ importance in building bridges to the rest of the world. Afterwards she took questions on topics ranging from her recent trip to China to the Beltline. Pictured to above are Anthony Pinder, Executive Director of the Andrew Young Center for International Affairs, Mayor Shirley Franklin, and Theodore Britton, Jr., Honorary Consul General of Albania, after the luncheon at Morehouse.

Don't forget that a number of Atlanta's Consular Corps will be featured as panelists at the Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy - sign up today!

GCIV recently sent two delegations to the James Cox Center for International Mass Communications Training and Research at UGA. These Syrian and Indonesian visitors had the opportunity to meet with staff at the Cox Center and the Grady College of Journalism, in addition to students who worked at the Center. They also had the chance to meet with staff of the Red & Black, the independent student newspaper at UGA. Click here to read the story posted by the Cox Center staff.

Tuesday, October 3rd - 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM
International Business Women's Network Luncheon: Style: Don't Leave Home Without It!
This IBWN Luncheon will feature Peggy Parks, President of the Parks Image Group. Peggy will talk about making first impressions that send a clear message of credibility, professionalism and competence wherever your travels take you. At the end of the lunch, we will have a drawing for a gift certificate for a color analysis at Peggy's studio (valued at $250.00!).

The lunch will take place at Soleil Bistro in Buckhead. Contact Ashley Mastin to RSVP or find out more information. You must RSVP by Monday, October 2nd to attend.

Thursday, October 12th
IWA October Meeting
The International Women's Associates will have a presentation from the staff at Villa International hear learn about the wonderful services it provides as a home-away-from-home to Atlanta’s international visitors. Please contact Emily Bushey at 404-965-4329 in order to receive an invitation.

Sunday, October 15th - 1:00 PM
International Dining Experience at Sala - Sabor de Mexico
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 East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand) to join us. Contact Ashley Mastin at 404-965-4342 for more information or to RSVP.

Saturday, October 21st - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy
Join fellow Georgians at the Atlanta International School for a day of cross-cultural training to prepare for your role as citizen diplomat. Go to the GCIV web site for more information. Online registration is open and filling quickly!

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.

GCIV member and host Garry Guan received a “Service Firm of the Year” award from the Minority Business Development Agency. His company AALS Translation Services was recognized for its global success in the service industry. Ms. Joann Hill, Chief of Business Development Group, MBDA Southeast Regional Office, and Mr. Ronald Lanston, National Director, MBDA, U.S. Department of Commerce, presented Mr. Guan with the award. Click here to read the press release from MBDA.