Please contact Shell Stuart at shell@gciv.org or  404-832-5560 x 21 to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Delegation Spotlight

 

Last month GCIV hosted a delegation of NGO leaders from Spain, who's organizations represent immigrant and minority rights. The group was participating in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) examining best practices in the U.S. in NGO management and advocacy efforts. The delegates lead groups representing African or Afro-Latin immigrant minorities in Spain, and this was an opportunity for them to learn about the U.S. policymaking process as well as how different minority groups are represented in the United States.   

 

While in Atlanta, the delegation met with organizations that represent minorities or support advocacy efforts including the Global Village School, the Human Rights Program at The Carter Center, Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda, Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the Center for Pan Asian Community Services. They also toured the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site.  

GCIV trustees Laurie Nichols and Jai Rogers hosted visiting Fulbright scholars for dinner in November 2011.

GCIV in the News

GCIV's Great Decisions Foreign Policy Lecture Series in Dunwoody based on the Foreign Policy Association's briefing book was featured by numerous publications in January including the Dunwoody Crier, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Reporter Newspapers.

GCIV works with a number of community organizations and neighborhoods to create and sustain discussion groups. If you are interested in starting your own Great Decisions group, joining an existing group or would like to pre-order your 2012 Great Decisions books, please contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.

Consular Corps-ner

 

 

   

GCIV Blog: Testimonials of Citizen Diplomacy

 

 

   

Become a Citizen Diplomat this Year!

Become more globally-minded this year! Become a Citizen Diplomat member of GCIV. 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 and host hundreds of distinguished international visitors each year. Becoming a member or giving a gift membership is easy and offers perks like exclusive members-only receptions and hosting opportunities. Visit our membership page or contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org for more information.

Discover Diplomacy

The U.S. Department of State has launched a new interactive website to introduce the world of diplomacy and the work of the Department to high school and college students. Through the use of video clips, audio tracks, images and interactive components, the site covers the basic questions about diplomacy: who engages in it and where, as well as an exploration of the range of international issues addressed through the diplomatic process. Check out what is diplomacy here: www.diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy.

Win a FREE GCIV Membership!  

If you like GCIV, like us on Facebook! When GCIV accumulates 500 likes, one random lucky fan will receive a free one-year Citizen Diplomat membership or renewal of their current membership for a year! You can also view images, upcoming events, who's coming to town and post your own comments, thoughts, photos, etc. Click here to like us now: www.facebook.com/GeorgiaCouncilforInternationalVisitors!

Facebook is a social networking site where users create a personal profile, add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile. There is no fee to participate. Sign up and "like" us today!

The CASIE Speakeasy

On the first Wednesday of the month, the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education (CASIE) presents a model language lesson and a different language each month at Speakeasy. The rules of the Speakeasy are simple. Instructors prepare a one hour lesson completely in the target language with no use of English. Then participants, usually with little prior study of the language but many multilingual, converse. Turkish, Danish, Kurdish and Greek are currently scheduled for 2012. NOTE: CASIE is currently looking for other instructors, particularly in languages not commonly taught in American schools. This is a great opportunity to promote languages and culture. For more information, visit www.casieonline.org or email John Wilson.

Win 10 Pounds of Guittard Chocolate

"One Story at a Time: The Impact of Citizen Diplomacy" is the theme of the 2012 NCIV National Meeting. So what's your story? Tell us what citizen diplomacy means to you, and you could win a 10 pound bar of Guittard Chocolate!
 
One of the unique side benefits of Cari Guittard coming to speak about Citizen Diplomacy at the 2012 NCIV National Meeting is that she is married to a fifth generation chocolate family from San Francisco. Guittard Chocolate is one of the last family-owned and operated chocolate companies in the U.S. and they specialize in single varietal dark chocolate, sourcing cacao from all over the world. Engaging Americans in citizen diplomacy is a passion of Cari's and she has generously donated a 10 pound bar of Guittard chocolate to the winner of the Citizen Diplomacy Chocolate Challenge.
 
Enter the challenge by submitting a short essay (500 words or less) or a short film (1-3 minutes) answering the question, what does citizen diplomacy mean to you? Send submissions to Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org by February 10, 2012. The best entry, as judged by Cari and a small committee, will win a 10 pound Guittard chocolate bar as well as have their submission featured during Cari's remarks at the NCIV National Meeting Citizen Diplomacy Luncheon. All entries become the property of NCIV.

International Environment Project Olympiad (INEPO) Submission Deadline is February 3!

 

 

 

Language and Exchange Opportunities

  

2012 JET Memorial Invitation Program (JET MIP) for U.S. High School Students  

The 2012 JET-MIP program will provide 32 high school students with the opportunity to go to Japan for two weeks as a group to meet Japanese students, experience Japanese culture and study the language. The program was created in 2011 in memory of two beloved American teachers of English who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami. The program is open to 11th and 12th graders who are currently learning Japanese, and it seeks to honor the principles which the lost teachers valued during their lives. The trip is tentatively scheduled for July 8-26, 2012. For more information and to submit an application, visit www.jflalc.org.    

 

Summer 2012 Federal Service Language Academy   

North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) will host the second summer language academy for high school rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in June and July 2012. The Federal Service Language Academy (FSLA) is a 3-week residential program for students who are interested in an immersion intensive language experience, fitness and exploring international-related careers with the federal government. Students will be immersed in intensive language instruction in first-year Arabic, Chinese, Russian, German, Korean or second-year French from highly qualified teachers as well as participate in a daily fitness program, receive career counseling from federal agencies (CIA, FBI, State Department, Homeland Security and U.S. Armed Forces) and receive high school credit for successful completion of the academy. Application process is open January 16 - April 1, 2012. For more information and to apply, visit www.northgeorgia.edu/summeracademy.   

 

Upcoming GCIV Events

  

Tuesday, February 28, 12:00-1:00 PM

Global Lunch Forum  

Join an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumna for a lunchtime discussion about how the IVLP impacted her advocacy and educational work in Israel presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast. Location TBA. You can bring your own lunch at no cost, or order a boxed lunch in advance for $10. Contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org to RSVP and for more information.     

  

Friday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM

International Dining Experience

Get to know other GCIV members and share your questions, experiences and insights about hosting international visitors in your home. GCIV's International Dining Experiences (IDEs) take place at a different international restaurant around the 15th day of every other month. The meal is prefaced by announcements of GCIV's current and upcoming activities, as well as introductions of international visitors present. Don't forget to bring a guest - this is a great way to introduce your friends and neighbors to GCIV! We are hosting two delegations from Greece and Libya. Meet at Mezza Lebanese Bistro, 2751 Lavista Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30033. Reservations are required. For more information and to RSVP, email Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.     

 

Community Events

  

January 21 - April 15, 2012

Mandala: The Sacred Circle of Tibetan Buddhism 

The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University showcases the sacred art of Tibet in the special exhibition, community outreach and educational programs celebrating the rich religious and artistic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual significance of the mandala. Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning "circle." The mandala, one of Himalayan Buddhism's most ubiquitous symbols, is created as an artistic aid for meditation. Depicting a realm that is both complex and sacred, the mandala is a visualization tool meant to advance practitioners toward a state of enlightenment. The Museum is located at 571 South Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 and is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.carlos.emory.edu.

  

January 27 - February 12, 2012

The Red Balloon by Théâtre du Rêve
Théâtre du Rêve, Atlanta's unique French-language theatre company, brings to life Albert Lamorisse's popular book about a young boy who makes friends with a shiny red balloon. Featuring puppetry and live original music. Performed in a combination of French and English at the 7 Stages Back Stage Theatre located at 1105 Euclid Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. For more information, visit www.theatredureve.com.    

 

Thursday, February 2, 7:30-9:00 PM
"Update on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Negotiations"

International Issues Forum (IIF) discussions are free and open to the public. They are located at the Villa International Library, 2nd floor, 1749 Clifton Road (0.4 miles from Briarcliff), Atlanta, Georgia 30329. Additional parking is available across the street. For more information, email mjjohnst@gmail.com.      

 

Saturday, February 4, 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Turkish Cooking Class

Presented by the Istanbul Center, step into the healthy yet delicious world of Turkish Cuisine and amaze your guests with sensational Turkish recipes! Full sit-down, multiple-course meal after each class! Space is limited. $15/class. For details and registration email Zehra Ozturk.     

 

Tuesday, February 7, 7:00-8:30 PM

"Dark Forest Black Fly"

Watch exclusive documentary footage of the elimination of river blindness from Uganda. The Carter Center is a leader in the fight against this debilitating parasitic infection that is one of the major causes of preventable blindness in the world. Following the brief video, a panel will discuss the challenges of eliminating the disease worldwide and their experiences making the film. Panelists include: Gary Strieker, executive director for Cielo Productions, Inc., and Carter Center staff featured in the film - River Blindness Program Director Dr. Frank Richards and Carter Center Epidemiologist Dr. Moses Katabarwa. The event is at The Carter Center's Ivan Allen Pavilion, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.cartercenter.org.