Welcome to GCIV's Newest Global Partner

 

      

 

GCIV Blog: Invaluable Programs and Lasting Impressions

 

This blog post continues our retrospective, compiled in 1998 by former GCIV executive director Anne Hansen. Please be a part of our 50th anniversary celebration in 2012 by leaving comments about your GCIV memories, reasons for hosting visitors, and beliefs about the impact of our shared work.

 

GCIV became the coordinating office for the Great Decisions discussion groups in 1993 for the state of Georgia, with Rosalie FitzPatrick managing the program. This combination of GCIV members and Great Decision participants provides a forum for the visitors to speak to interested groups about their countries and to observe U.S. citizens in small groups discussing foreign affairs.  

 

Click here to read the full blog post about GCIV's invaluable programs and lasting impressions of visitors, programers and hosts. We hope you will also share your memories/comments on GCIV's blog.

Network with Leaders from Around the World

Take advantage of the opportunity to network with international leaders from around the world by joining GCIV as a Citizen Diplomat! 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 is easy and offers perks like exclusive members-only receptions and hosting opportunities. At the next Members Only Reception in September, we will be hosting a ten Nigerian parliament members. Visit our membership page or contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org or 404-832-5560 x 17 for more information.

Introducing NCIV's Welcoming Words

The National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) is pleased to announce a new resource for network volunteers to use when welcoming international visitors. Welcoming Words is a series of one-page foreign language guides that provide translations and pronunciations of common greetings. Welcoming Words guides are currently available in ten languages, and more will be added in the coming weeks. To view and download Welcoming Words, follow this link.

GCIV is on Facebook - please "like" us!

GCIV is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GeorgiaCouncilforInternationalVisitors! We think we're pretty rad and if you do too, then you can now "like" us. You can also view images, upcoming events, who's coming to town and leave your own comments, thoughts, photos, etc.

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!

Trustees in the News

 

German TV station ARD met with GCIV trustee and President & CEO of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. Kristian Wolf to discuss the state of German businesses in the United States. Click here to view the television broadcast.     

 

 

 

 

 

GCIV trustee John Parkerson was invited to be a commencement speaker at the Georgian American University in Tbilisi, the Republic of Georgia's capital. Mr. Parkerson also serves as the Honorary Consul of Hungary, director of Clayton State University's Office of International Programs and president of the World Trade Center Atlanta. His visit was captured by Global Atlanta, click here to read the full article. 

 

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Commended by U.S. House of Representatives

 

Among the items of interest in the authorizing legislation passed late last week by the House Foreign Affairs Committee was a provision added by Representative Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) commending the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs overseas the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The provision highlights the importance of exchange programs in promoting mutual understanding. Click here to read the full Amendment.     

 

ECA Seeks Host Families for International High School Exchange Students

 

 

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks U.S. host families to volunteer to host our incoming international exchange students starting this fall.

 

Many people ask what they can do to make things better for themselves, their children, their communities and the world. By sharing your home and heart with an international exchange student, you will make a difference. What begins as an exchange of kindness, customs and culture within a family extends throughout a high school and community to touch thousands of lives.

 

If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting a student, please contact one of the placement organizations working on the program or fill out the Host Family Interest Form to be contacted about hosting.

 

We need hosts from all over the U.S. (big cities and small towns) and all you need to provide is a bed, meals and support for a visiting high school student. Click here for more information.

 

Upcoming GCIV Events

 

Tuesday, September 6, 12:00 - 1:00 PM 

Global Lunch Forum: LGBT Rights in Romania 

Join a GCIV international exchange participant for a lunchtime discussion about LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) rights in Romania. The Global Lunch Forum co-sponsored by Georgia Equality will be at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. You can bring your own lunch at no cost, or order a boxed lunch in advance for $10. Registration is 12:00-12:10, and the Global Lunch Forum begins promptly at 12:10 PM. For more information and to RSVP, email Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.

 
Monday, September 19, 6:30 - 8:00 PM (tentative date) 

Members Only Reception
One of the many benefits of GCIV membership is the opportunity to connect with delegations of emerging world leaders traveling to our state. Take advantage of this unique experience and join us in demonstrating Atlanta's famous southern hospitality for ten parliament members from Nigeria. This is a free event, but you must be a current GCIV member to attend. Space is limited, and RSVPs are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Location will be provided upon RSVP. Not a member? Unsure about your membership status? Contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org to join or renew an expired membership and we will register you for the Members Only Reception at that time.    

 

Wednesday, September 21, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Envoy Professional Development: Tactics of Networking

Do not leave your networking to chance! Envoys join us on September 21, 2011 to learn from leading networking expert Chi Chi Okezie of SIMPLEnetworking on "Tactics of Networking." Gain inside strategies for growing a viable network, establishing quality and profitable relationships and career advancement. This is a seminar you can not afford to miss! Refreshments will be provided. The cost is $30. Please note, if 20 people attend the price will be reduced to $20. So feel free to bring a friend! This professional development opportunity will be at the United Way Building, Logan Room, 100 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. For more information and to RSVP for the event, email Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.    

 

Community Events

 

Ongoing - September 4, Noon - 5:00 PM 

Oglethorpe University Museum of Art: "Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priest: Modern and Contemporary Indian Art" 

From the collection of Shelley and Donald Rubin, this is the first public display of more than 50 works from 30 of India's most famous artists, including Francis Newton Souza, Sakti Burman, Seema Kohli and Maqbool Fida Husain. With imagery from all walks of life, from the poorest citizens to dynamic deities, the works in this exhibition focus on India's people. Exhibition is at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, 4484 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30319. For more information, visit www.museum.oglethorpe.edu.

 

Fridays in September 2011

Films that Matter

Join the National Center for Civil and Human Rights each Friday evening in September after Labor Day for contemporary movies with civil and human rights themes. Screenings are free, open to the public and will take place in neighborhoods across Atlanta in partnership with the Atlanta BeltLine and Central Atlanta Progress/Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. The schedule is as follows: September 9, The Constant Gardener in Reynoldstown; September 16, The Pursuit of Happyness in Washington Park; September 23, Remember the Titans in Woodruff Park; September 30, Philadelphia in Historic Fourth Ward Park. For more details, visit www.cchrpartnership.org.

 

September 4-5, 2011

Nibble and Noshfest

This two-day event offers the chance to get a unique taste of Jewish life including the food, the music, the humor, the culture, the community, the Rabbi and the beautiful synagogue sanctuary. Sample foods from area restaurants, enjoy live performances and comedians and buy crafts from local artisans. Renowned Israeli musician Yair Yona will perform on Monday at 3 p.m. Noshfest is at Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia 30062. For more information, visit www.noshfest.com. 

 

Tuesday, September 6, 4:00 - 6:00 PM

"The Revolution of 1911 and its Impact on Political, Economic, and Social Developments in Mainland China and Taiwan" 

Part of the Halle Speaker Series and co-sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta (TECO) and the Carter Center China Program. Speakers include Mary Brown Bullock of Emory University, Hanchao Lu of Georgia Institute of Technology, and Kwei-Bo Huang of National Cheng Chi University in Taiwan. The event is at Emory University, Robert W. Woodruff Library, Third Floor, Joseph W. Jones Room, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30322. Free and open to the public, but guests must register by September 5. Click here to register and for more information.        

   

Wednesday, September 7, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

10th Annual Business Summit & Expo

Presented by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC). Breakfast, business panels and the expo are free and open to the public. Luncheon tickets are $35 for chamber members and $40 for non-members. For more information, visit www.ghcc.org or email Juanita Rivera at jrivera@ghcc.org.   

 

Wednesday, September 7, 4:30 PM 

"Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box"  

The story and celebration of how one woman's jewelry collection was used to make diplomatic history. Exploring the use of the pin or brooch as a means of personal and diplomatic expression and featuring a gallery of fascinating photographs, this unique, intimate, and revealing biography offers a whole new side of Secretary Albright, one of our most beloved public servants. Presentation and book signing by Dr. Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The event is at The Carter Center, Cecil B. Day Chapel, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov.   

 

Thursday, September 8, 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM

"Emerging Power and Geopolitical Shifts in the 21st Century: View of Indonesia"  

A luncheon presented by Atlanta Council on International Relations (ACIR) featuring Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Indonesian Ambassador to the United States. The event is at the Capital City Club, 7 Harris Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The lunch and program is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. To make a reservation, please email Francesca Cesa Bianchi at fcesabianchi@hotmail.com before September 5 with ACIR in the subject line.

 

Saturday, September 10, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

British Car Fayre

The British American Business Group (BABG) and Taste of Britain present the Atlanta British Car Fayre, a gathering of British car and motorcycle enthusiasts in historic Norcross featuring over 130 classic British cars and motorcycles. Admire the unique characteristics of the many distinctive automobiles that have originated in Britain. The True Oldies 106.7 radio Station with Randy and Spiff and traffic report guru Greg Talmadge will be onsite. No charge for the general public. All owners of British cars and motorbikes at any age are encouraged to participate. There is a small fee to show, proceeds benefit Rainbow Village. For more information, visit www.babg.org. 

 

Saturday, September 10, 6:30 - 9:00 PM

19th Annual International Welcome Party
Connect with other internationals at a free evening of dinner and entertainment hosted by the International Friendship Community (IFC). The event is at the Intown Community Church, 2059 LaVista Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, one block west of Toco Hills Shopping Center at the corner of Houston Mill and LaVista Roads. For more information, email paula@intown.org.  

 

Monday, September 12, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Remembrance of the 10-Year Anniversary of 9-11

The World Trade Center Atlanta (WTCA) presents a special luncheon in remembrance of the 10-year anniversary of 9-11. The keynote speaker is Ambassador Andrew Young and presenting remarks will be given by Candace Byrd, Mayor Kasim Reed's Chief of Staff. Everyone in attendance is invited to participate in the The 9/11 Memorial Canvas under the guidance of local artist Krystal Phoenixx. When finished, the 9/11 Memorial Canvas will be on display at the WTCA. WTCA is located at 303 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. The luncheon is $15 per person and includes a lunch buffet. RSVP to Lilia Postolachi at 404-813-6672 or lilia@wtcatlanta.com.  

 

Thursday, September 15, 7:30 - 9:30 PM 

"Making Waves: Future Conflict over the South China Sea?"
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.

Friday, September 16, 7:00 - 11:00 PM
Noche Mexicana at the Fabulous Fox Theatre  
Presented by the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta, The Institute of Mexico and The Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, Noche Mexicana is a celebration of the anniversary of Mexico's Independence. The event includes a cocktail reception, dinner highlighting the flavors of Mexico and a special presentation by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing a selection of works by Mexican composers. Individual tickets are $150. The Fabulous Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Stree, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Click here to register and for more information.

September 17 - 18, 2011
JapanFest: 25th Annual Celebration
Presented by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta and one of the largest Japanese festivals in the country, JapanFest is an annual celebration of Japanese culture. The festival features taiko drum concerts and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops including tea ceremony, kimono, and calligraphy, children's games, Japanese food and beer garden, bonsai trees, and contemporary and traditional music. The event is at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30097. Tickets are $8 (free for kids 6 and under) and can be purchased at the door. This year, 100% of all ticket package sales will be donated to earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan. For more information, visit www.japanfest.org.

Sunday, September 25, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Fiesta Georgia
The 4th annual Fiesta Georgia serves as the kick-off celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month festivities in Georgia. Fiesta Georgia is a day-long celebration of Latino culture, musical performances, sponsor activations, arts and crafts and authentic food from numerous Latin-American countries. The free festival is at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. For more information, visit www.fiestageorgia.com.

Tuesday, September 27, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
"The Swiss Connection: America's Bridge to Iran"
The World Affairs Council of Atlanta (WACA) presents a luncheon program featuring Guillaume Scheurer, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C., Hrair Balain, director of the Conflict Resolution Program at The Carter Center, The Honorable Gordon D. Giffin, partner at McKenna Long & Aldridge LLC and former U.S. Ambassador to Canada. The event will be at The Carter Center, Cecil B. Day Chapel, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. Click here to register.   

September 29 - October 9, 2011

Theater Emory presents The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Theater Emory's 2011-2012 season kicks off with Martin McDonagh's hysterical dark comedy about "Mad Padraic" who returns to Inishmore after a tour of torture and bombing in Northern Ireland only to find his beloved cat is dead. The rest of the season features "Bloody, Breathless and Bold" performances, including classic plays, new works and a collaboration with Actor's Express. The play is held in Emory's Mary Gray Munroe Theater at Dobbs University Center. For tickets and more information, visit arts.emory.edu.