GCIV hosted seven government officials from the Philippines August 13-17. These visitors were invited to the United States under the auspices of the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. While in Atlanta the group met with key professional counterparts and experienced American culture. Click here to read more about their stay in Atlanta.

Home hospitality is an opportunity for you to invite an international visitor to dinner in your home for an evening. While the distinguished visitors traveling on the International Visitor Leadership Program are participating in a professional exchange, the State Department asks us to also include this more personal component in visitors' programs. Home hospitality gives visitors the chance to see an American home and eat a meal outside of a restaurant or hotel during their three-week program.

To become a home hospitality host, you must commit to picking up the visitors from the hotel, bringing them home for dinner, and returning them at the end of the evening. You can always co-host with a friend or neighbor to split the cooking and driving duties. We strongly recommend that our hosts attend the Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy to learn about different regions of the world and become more familiar with intercultural dialogue. GCIV announces these home hospitality opportunities through our monthly e-newsletter (check the gray column on the left under "Who's Coming to Town"). We also send an email to those who have indicated interest in hosting throughout the month when other opportunities arise. If you would like to be added to this list, please email Ashley Mastin. In the coming months we will highlight the lasting connections made by GCIV hosts and our visitors.

Sunday, September 10th - 7:00 PM
Envoy Young Professionals Event
Join GCIV young professionals as we take Ms. Yolande James, a member of the Quebec National Assembly, to see the Atlanta Braves take on the Chicago Cubs. Click here to read Ms. James' official bio. Each person will be responsible for his or her own ticket, which will be in the $10-15 range. Email Ashley Mastin to RSVP or to find out more.

Thursday, September 14th - 10:00 AM
International Women's Associates Gathering
Katherine Hutto will address IWA members and speak about her experience as Queen Noor's private secretary. Please contact Emily Bushey to receive an invitation.

Tuesday, October 3rd - 11:30 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. The lunch will take place at Soleil Bistro in Buckhead. Contact Ashley Mastin to RSVP or find out more information.

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 and to register starting September 8th.

GCIV Trustee Manuel de Barros appeared in Global Atlanta recently speaking about Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport's efforts to work with travelling foreign officials. Mr. de Barros is the airport's protocol officer and oversees the treatment of dignitaries from around the world. To read more visit Global 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 for hundreds of international visitors each year. Becoming a member is easy - just visit our membership page to download an application.