By Patricia Marby Harrison, Ph.D., Chair, Global Ties U.S. Board of Directors and Divisional Vice President of Professional Exchange Programs, World Learning
The global challenges that our communities and countries face can feel daunting and discouraging. Yet, even amid these challenges, the Global Ties Network has continued to build something powerful: personal connections that bridge continents, ideas that spark change, and collaborations that strengthen communities. The stories of 2024 that will stay with us may be personal and individual, but taken together, the cumulative effect demonstrates the value of international exchange programs in creating a more interconnected world.
In my view, one of the highlights of 2024 has been the substantial evidence of the effectiveness of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Over the years we have seen first-hand how our efforts have made a difference, from our interactions with participants to the connections we made with new resources that have broadened our reach in our communities.
But we now have new types of data to prove the power of exchange programs. For example, through the U.S. Department of State’s IVLP Impact Awards, which provide resources and support for alumni to implement community projects, we can track how IVLP alumni have enacted what they learned on their program. To date, more than 600 alumni from over 140 countries have used their Impact Awards to improve their communities by creating economic opportunities, encouraging new partnerships, addressing inequities, and promoting education. These community projects are a direct result of the connections the participants made with their U.S. counterparts in communities across the United States, thanks in large part to the work of the professionals who power the nationwide Global Ties Network.
The impact of these exchanges extends beyond individual participants to the communities they touch, both within the alumni’s home and in the United States. The Global Ties U.S. Community Impact Study is another key data source, providing quantified evidence of what we have long thought: that exchanges benefit both U.S. and international counterparts alike. In only its second year, the Community Impact Study already has given us a new framework to explain the domestic benefits individuals acquire as a result of exchanges, including the development of skills and networks. The 2024 results provide compelling evidence that exchanges are not only a means for professional growth and cultural enrichment; they are catalysts for building stronger, more resilient communities.
For me, another highlight of the year was the 2024 Diplomacy Begins Here Summits in Kalamazoo and New Orleans, which were powerful illustrations of how foreign policy resonates in U.S. communities. The saying “think globally, act locally” explains how we can see our communities’ unique interests in a global context, and how intertwined our interests are with other countries.
This idea of global connection brought to life by local action is at the heart of the work done so steadfastly by so many talented people in our Network. As we look back to celebrate major anniversaries – the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, and AFSA all marked centennials in 2024! – we also look forward to celebrating the 85th anniversary of IVLP in 2025 and, in 2026, the 65th anniversary of this remarkable Network.
Knowing that this work is vital to creating a more connected, inclusive world, it has been a great honor for me to serve as board chair of Global Ties US. I look forward to continuing to work with you to build stronger communities through exchanges.
As the Germans say, “Es gibt viel zu tun. Packen wir’s an!” (There’s a lot to do. Let’s get started!)