Compiled by Kathryn Lakin, Communications Intern
The Global Ties Network consists of thousands of dedicated professionals and volunteers who open their communities to international visitors. Through recent International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project, the Global Ties Network connected international visitors with local organizations working to integrate migrants, promote civic engagement, and strengthen cultural institutions. From learning about Native American political participation in Montana to exploring youth and migrant-focused organizations in Chicago, IL and Miami, FL, international visitors had the chance to learn more about the role volunteers play in shaping communities across the United States.
WorldMontana
Program: Fostering Civic Engagement and Political Participation of Minority Communities in the U.S.
NPA: FHI 360
By Deb Mitchell, Executive Director
Late at night on June 13, WorldMontana greeted seven delegates and interpreters from Kosovo at Helena Regional Airport. The visitors arrived at 10:00 p.m., exhausted from the traveling, but excited to start the meetings the next day on “Fostering Civic Engagement and Political Participation of Minority Communities.”
Programming began at the Montana State Capitol, where the visitors were enamored by the building’s artwork and Greek Neoclassical architecture. Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, founder of Upper Seven Law, delivered a wonderful presentation on “The Uniqueness and Importance of the Montana Constitution.”
Rylee is a published lawyer and has won many interesting cases, so if you are interested in reading some of her material, you can find a list here.
Upper Seven Law’s hospitality was a highlight for the group. Rylee offered to open her staff and office for coffee and refreshments, and this intimate and casual meeting provided an opportunity for the group to ask many questions and prepare to take on more adventures.
Visitors at a Serbian church in Butte, MT.
The delegates were also able to visit the Serbian Church in Butte, where they toured the beautiful church and enjoyed an amazing sit-down dinner made and served by the church members. Church members gave the delegates seats at the head of the table and served their food first as signs of respect. The dinner inspired much laughter and discussion, with a toast of plum brandy for all. The visitors then enjoyed a trolley tour of Butte, learning more about the town’s history through stories from the guide.
Patrick Yawakie, a member of the Zuni Pueblo tribe and longtime organizer on the Flathead reservation, visited with the group virtually to discuss Native American political participation in Montana. Montana’s population is 26% Native American, so it was important to discuss this piece in the programming.
Visitors on a boat tour of the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness.
The visitors spent their last day at the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, taking a 2-hour boat ride up the Missouri River that followed the same trek Lewis and Clark took in 1803. The cold day did not dampen the spirit of the group. They enjoyed seeing much of Montana’s flora and fauna, and they witnessed a pair of eagles fly to their nest within the cliffs.
We love to show off our great state and see the appreciation from the visitors in their smiles and their eyes. Thank you to FHI 360 and Janine Branch for choosing WorldMontana as a stop for this stellar group from Kosovo. They left Montana with great memories and civic connections.
WorldChicago
Program: Young Leaders RISE – Renew, Inspire, Serve, and Empower
NPA: American Councils for International Education
By Megan Spillman, Program Manager, WorldChicago, and Emily DiMatteo, American Councils
WorldChicago focuses on bringing IVLP groups into as many of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods as possible, and projects such as Young Leaders RISE – Renew, Inspire, Serve, and Empower, gives us the opportunity to highlight the work of young leaders across the city. This group, programmed in collaboration with American Councils for International Education, welcomed 10 young leaders to explore youth civic engagement, leadership, and political inclusion in five cities across the United States: Washington, DC; Burlington, VT; Portland, ME; New Orleans, LA; and Chicago, IL.
Visiting Yollocalli National Museum of Mexican Art.
In Chicago, the group met with Tre King, a board member at Chicago Votes, a nonprofit organization focused on building a more inclusive democracy through voter registration, education, and activation. The group also visited Yollocalli, a youth initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art, which offers free arts and culture programming to youth and young adults. The IVLP group experienced the Juneteenth holiday by joining a guided tour of the Bronzeville neighborhood, led by urban historian, Shermann “Dilla” Thomas of Chicago Mahogany Tours.
Global Ties Miami
Program: Migration in the Americas
NPA: World Learning
By Alexandra Ruiz, Program Manager
In May, Global Ties Miami had the honor of hosting a Western Hemisphere program on “Migration in the Americas.” We hosted eight esteemed leaders from Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Peru as they toured the country in an effort to understand the migration patterns that bring individuals to the United States. While in Miami, they had dinner with local community members; celebrated Memorial Day; and met with five organizations that welcome migrants to Miami, offering direct services to families and individuals. Visitors met with the Miami-Dade County Office of New Americans, the Miami-Dade County Office of Community Advocacy: Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, and the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
Visitors pose between meetings.
Visitors learned about the large influx of residents in need of services, ranging from legal help to access to food. While visiting Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, the visitors sat down with Gepsie M. Metellus, Executive Director of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, and Center staff to discuss how the Center advocates for the Haitian community’s needs while offering much-needed services. Sant La’s mission is to empower, strengthen and uplift South Florida’s Haitian community and ensure successful integration of migrants by providing free access to information and existing services.
The group then had a touching conversation on migration, not just of the Haitian community into the United States, but from other South American countries. The visitors were keenly interested in how they could support Haitian migrants that traverse their own countries, even asking Sant La if they would like to partner with them to send volunteer Haitian Creole interpreters to these different countries to communicate more effectively with the migrants.
Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center works in tandem with the community it serves. The visitors witnessed the impact of the Center’s work on the community. Our visitors also gained new perspective on the United States by observing this culture of giving back and community service. Community service and volunteerism are key to the integration of migrants into any community.
The meetings that we coordinate in our city are just the starting points for these exchanges. These exchanges forge connections, and they would not be possible without the leaders in our local communities who understand the value of community service and involvement, and always say yes to meeting and hosting our visitors.