Yemen activists with politically active Morehouse College students.

GCIV Hosts Visiting Fulbright Scholars

GCIV has been selected as one of only three national hosts for a Fulbright Visiting Scholars Enrichment Seminar in the 2011/2012 academic year. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has chosen GCIV's proposal on democracy and human rights as "one of the strongest in a strong competition." The seminar will be held in Atlanta November 2-6, 2011 and will focus on democracy, human rights, women's issues and trafficking in persons. Visiting scholars will attend plenary sessions, panel discussions and workshops in partnership with such prestigious institutions as Emory University, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, numerous NGOs and reputable scholars on the above topics. In addition, scholars will participate in cultural excursions, walking tours of some of Atlanta's most notable historic sites and plenty of interaction with the GCIV network. For more information about the seminar, please contact Irene Bailey at irene@gciv.org.

The GCIV community is invited to welcome the worldwide delegation on Thursday, November 3 at the Cherokee Town Club. You may also participate in the International Dining Experience with the scholars on Friday, November 4 at one of four downtown restaurant options. Volunteers are needed to lead cultural outings to Atlanta attractions on Wednesday, November 2 from 2-4 p.m. If you are interested in RSVPing for one of these events or volunteering to escort the scholars, please contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.

GCIV in the News

GCIV was the International Education Program winner for our educational initiative "Today I Met..." at the Atlanta Business Chronicle's annual Atlanta World Showcase and Governor's International Awards.

The Chronicle dedicated a special section to the following issue on the award winners, including GCIV. Click here to read "Raising global awareness through diplomacy."

2012 Great Decisions

Are you passionate about foreign affairs? Do you love to debate?

Start a Great Decisions discussion group in your community today! The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has announced the 2012 Great Decisions topics included in their nonpartisan briefing books:

• Middle East Realignment  
• Promoting Democracy
• Mexico
• Cybersecurity
• Exit from Afghanistan and Iraq
• State of the Oceans
• Indonesia 
• Energy Geopolitics  

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.

Home-Stay Hosts Needed

 

 

 

GCIV is seeking volunteer home-stay hosts for an Open World delegation from Russia studying social issues and healthcare in the U.S. Five delegates, one facilitator and one interpreter need hosts from December 2-10, 2011.    

 

Home-stay hosts are asked to provide a private bedroom, drop-off on weekdays at a central meeting point by 9:30 a.m. and some meals. Hosts are invited to participate in the professional day when appropriate as well as cultural activities with the delegation and will receive a small stipend to help offset costs. If you are interested in being a volunteer host or would like more information, please contact Irene Bailey at irene@gciv.org or 404-832-5560 x 13.

Since its founding by the Library of Congress in 1999, the Open World Program has enabled more than 16,000 current and future Eurasian leaders to experience American democracy, civil society and community life; work with their American counterparts; stay in American homes; and gain new ideas and inspiration for implementing change back home. Some 6,000 American host families and their communities in all 50 states have partnered with U.S. Congress and Open World to make this ambitious public diplomacy effort possible.  

   

GCIV Blog: Staff Spotlight

GCIV welcomes the newest member of our team, RJ Paulisick, Program and Technology Coordinator. Robert John (RJ) Paulisick, a native of Washington D.C., is a recent graduate of Georgia Tech earning his B.S. in International Affairs. While at Tech he performed undergraduate research analyzing expert opinions concerning nanotechnology applications within the nuclear energy and nuclear weapons industries. He has previously worked as a research associate for the India, China America (ICA) Institute and the British Consulate General. RJ also has extensive experience as a web developer and designer from his internship with local interactive marketing firm, What's Up Interactive. He speaks a little German and when he's not playing piano, he's out playing basketball or tennis.

 

Click here to read the full blog post. If you are a former intern or a volunteer, we hope you will share your memories/comments about your experience on GCIV's blog.

Give the World

Not sure what to give your friends, neighbors, co-workers and loved ones for the holidays? Why not give them the world! A gift of membership in GCIV provides unique opportunities to meet emerging world leaders and learn first-hand about global issues. Gifts of membership are tax-deductible. 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.

Consular Corps-ner: France-Atlanta Returns

 

 

 

After last year's success, the Consulate General of France and Georgia Institute of Technology partner again to present a new edition of "France-Atlanta: Together Towards Innovation." 15 French-American events in the scientific, business, cultural and humanitarian domains will take place between October 26 - November 12, 2011.

 

Prominent figures from France will travel to Atlanta for France-Atlanta 2011 including Dr. Christophe Legendre, world renown adult nephrology-transplantation specialist from Necker Hospital, highly respected French choreographer Pierre Rigal and Sandrine Chopin of the French NGO Handicap International as well as representatives from French businesses like Areva, Veolia and Suez Entertainment.

 

This unique partnership is presented under the high auspices of the Ambassador of France to the U.S., the Governor of Georgia and the Mayor of Atlanta. For more information, visit http://france-atlanta.org.  

 

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.

How do you picture citizen diplomacy?

Please send us your favorite photos of visitors! GCIV will submit the best photos to our national organization, NCIV, for their annual photo contest. Submissions can feature visitors at home hospitality, school visits, cultural events or in any setting that captures the experiences of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). We are also collecting stories and anecdotes in preparation for next year's 50th anniversary! Please send photos and stories to nicole@gciv.org.

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!

6th Annual Istanbul Center Art and Essay Contest

 

 

 

Middle and high school students in Alabama, Flordia, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are invited to submit an original artwork and/or essay in the Istanbul Center's annual contest on the theme "1 Billion Hungry in the World: What's Your Role?" The purpose of the contest is to have students be aware of and involved in solving social problems in our world today. Each year the program theme looks towards global peace and intercultural understanding. The prizes include all-expense paid trips to Turkey and gift cards for both students and teachers! Submissions will be accepted until January 27, 2012. For more information visit www.artessay.org or www.istanbulcenter.org.     

 

Read It. Embrace It. Express It.

 

 

 

In honor of International Human Rights Day, the Ford Motor Company is partnering with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to sponsor a metro-Atlanta middle and high school student essay contest based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) called "Read It. Embrace It. Express It." There are a range of possible topics but each have to do with the continuing relevance of the UDHR. Prize winnings are furnished by the Ford Motor Company. Please note, the submission deadline is November 4, 2011. Click here for more rules, submission details and more information.      

 

International Environment Project Olympiad Returns to Georgia!

 

 

 

Exchange Opportunities

  

Invitation Program for Japanese-American Students (March 2012)  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is sponsoring a two-week paid program in Japan designed to provide Japanese-American students with an opportunity to learn about various aspects of Japan including politics, economy, society, history, culture, language, etc. and to promote mutual understanding and exchange between Japanese people and young Japanese-Americans. The trip is March 9-20, 2012. Open to Japanese-American high school and university students. Application deadline is November 18, 2011. Five candidates will be selected. For more information and to apply, visit www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp.   

  

2012 Japanese-American Leadership Delegation    

The Japanese-American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program provides the opportunity for ten Japanese-American leaders from throughout the United States to travel to Japan for seven nights. The trip creates an opportunity for Japanese-American leaders to get to know Japan and to meet and exchange information with Japanese leaders in government, business, political, non-profit and cultural sectors. The trip also enables Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding about multicultural America through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese-Americans. The trip is March 2 - 10, 2012 with a mandatory orientation January 20-21, 2012 in Los Angeles. Candidates should exhibit successful and senior leadership in chosen profession, high level of interest or experience in U.S.-Japan relations, commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japanese relations in the future and interest in expanding the role of Japanese-Americans in U.S.-Japan relations. The application deadline is November 29, 2011. For more information and to apply, visit www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp. 

Upcoming GCIV Events

  

Thursday, November 3, 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Fulbright Seminar Opening Reception

Join us in welcoming the 2011/2012 Visiting Fulbright Scholars. The worldwide delegation is participating in the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Enrichment Program in Georgia sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The reception is at the Cherokee Town Club, 155 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. Valet parking is provided. Business attire or national dress. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information and to RSVP, email Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.   

 

Friday, November 4, 6:30 - 8:30 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! Choose from four different downtown restaurants as we host a worldwide delegation of 75 Fulbright Scholars. Restaurants include Mary Mac's Tea Room, No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina, Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery and AZIO Downtown. The price is $25 per person and includes dinner, a nonalcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Please include your restaurant choice in your RSVP. For more information and to RSVP, email Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.

 

Monday, November 7, 7:30 - 9:00 AM 

Foreign Service Presentation 

Join a U.S. Department of State "Hometown Diplomat" for a breakfast discussion about the Foreign Service and the work of the State Department. Jeffrey Zinsmeister has served as the Vice Consul to the Republic of Cape Verde for the past two years. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he worked as an attorney. He is an Atlanta native and a Westminster Schools alumnus. The presentation will be in the Logan Room of the United Way Building, 100 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. For more information and to RSVP, email Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.  

   

Community Events

 

September 25 - December 11, 2011

Chagall: The Early Etchings of the 1920s

This exhibition of 65 rarely-viewed etchings and aquatints by the Russian-born painter and printmaker Marc Chagall is on view at the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art. These early etchings of the 1920s, including the "Dead Souls" prints, were originally in the private collection of Lionello Venturi (1885-1961), who is credited as the first to write about the history of art criticism. The exhibit also includes five Chagall colored lithographs from the private collection of Drs. Isaac and Yolanta Melamed. For more information, visit www.museum.oglethorpe.edu.  

 

September 25, 2011 - January 8, 2012
"Torn from Home: My Life as a Refugee"

Today, more than 30 million people around the world have been displaced due to war and violence. Of that number, nearly 10 million refugees are children. Through this inspiring, hands-on exhibit, children ages 8-12 can explore what it means to be a refugee through the eyes of children who are forced to leave their homes and seek safety in a new land. This special exhibit is at the Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum in The Selig Center at 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. For more information, visit www.thebreman.org.     

 

Thursday, November 3, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

"Poland: Europe's Rising Star"  

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.       

 

Sunday, November 6, 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Lecture-Recital Program by Dr. Evren Kutlay 

The Istanbul Center presents a lecture-recital program by famed musician and researcher Dr. Evren Kutlay. A native of Turkey, Dr. Kutlay received her MBA and MM in Piano Performance from the University of West Georgia. In 2007, she completed her Ph.D. in Musicology at İstanbul University. She was a featured lecturer and performer at the 25th annual University of West Georgia Interdisciplinary Conference in the Humanities and will repeat this role again at UWG's 26th annual installment. She will also present a paper at the Georgia Music Teachers Association (GMTA) conference at Columbus State University this fall. Dr. Kutlay is the author of the book "European Musicians of Ottomans" and recorded a CD titled "European Music in Ottoman Istanbul." Her current research focuses on the effects of Ottoman modernization on music, the steps taken, musicians employed, works composed and the musical politics of sultans. The reception is at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. For more information, visit www.istanbulcenter.org.  

   

November 6 - 7, 2011 

Inauguration of the Genocide Prevention Institute    

The Breman Museum is launching a multi-platform effort to help the community, particularly teachers and students, become globally engaged in human rights issues. There is a panel discussion titled "Never Again! Genocide Today" on Sunday with genocide survivors from the Holocaust, Rwanda, Bosnia and Sudan and moderated by The Honorable Shirley Franklin. Following the panel is a film screening of David Goldhagen's Worse than War. The Breman Museum is located at 1440 Spring Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. For more information, visit www.thebreman.org. 

 

November 10 - 13, 2011

BronzeLens Film Festival 

Film lovers, actors and film makers will gather at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to share a creative platform of education, entertainment and empowerment discussions related to film and television. There are screenings in multiple venues across the city, as well as panels and master classes. On Sunday at Spelman College there is a Cinema and Social Justice presentation sponsored by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. For tickets and more information, visit www.bronzelensfilmfestival.com.    

  

Friday, November 11, 12:00 - 2:00 PM

"Cracking the Code for Growth: Atlanta, Coca-Cola and the World"  

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta (WACA) presents a luncheon presentation by Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. The lunch is at The Commerce Club, 191 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The event costs $40 for WACA members and $55 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit www.robinson.gsu.edu/wacatl/programs.html. 

 

Monday, November 14, 7:30 PM 

Brew HAHA  

The Marcus Jewish Community Center (MJCC) of Atlanta presents a book reading and beer tasting. Jeremy Cowan will read from his small-business memoir, Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah, followed by a tasting of his award-winning HE'BREW Beer®. The event is $11 for MJCC members and $16 for non-members and will be held at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338. For more information, visit www.atlantajcc.org. 

 

Tuesday, November 15, 4:30 - 6:00 PM

 

Wednesday, November 16, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

5th Annual China Town Hall  

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta (WACA) presents a briefing to discuss U.S.-China relations and a live webcast. Featured participants include Zbigniew Brzezinski, former national security advisor for the Carter administration; Richard McGregor, the bureau chief of the Washington D.C. Financial Times; John Garver, International Affairs professor at Georgia Institute of Technology; and Stephen Orlins, National Committee of U.S.-China Relations president. The town hall is at GSU Buckhead Center, Tower Place 200 - 5th Floor, 3348 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. The event costs $15 for WACA members and $25 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit www.robinson.gsu.edu/wacatl/programs.html.    

 

Thursday, November 17, 5:30 - 8:00 PM 

"Insurance Coverage for Business Torts"

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. (GACC South) presents this business seminar. The seminar is at the offices of GACC South, 1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30318. The seminar is free for GACC South members and $35 for non-members. Click here for more information.       

 

Thursday, November 17, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

"Banks, Governments and Debt Crises"

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.     

 

Monday, November 21, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Inside Coca-Cola

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta (WACA) presents a discussion and book signing reception featuring Neville Isdell, former chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. The event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Carter Center's Cecil B. Day Chapel, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. For more information, visit www.robinson.gsu.edu/wacatl/programs.html.