Compiled by Angelora Castellano, Fall 2024 Communications Intern
International exchanges have long served as a cornerstone for fostering understanding, collaboration, and innovation between nations. Through programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), these efforts transcend traditional government-to-government interactions, thriving in the heart of communities. From Colorado Springs to Los Angeles to Buffalo, recent IVLP projects have showcased the power of local engagement in addressing global challenges. By connecting international leaders with U.S. communities, exchange programs amplify shared values and facilitate cross-cultural dialogue. Whether exploring youth empowerment, sister city partnerships, or rural traditions, these IVLP projects demonstrate how local initiatives can strengthen global alliances while creating lasting bonds of friendship and understanding.
Colorado Springs World Affairs Council
IVLP: Current U.S. Social, Political, and Economic Issues for Young European Leaders
NPA: World Learning
By Terri Browning, International Visitors Program Manager
At the end of September, Colorado Springs World Affairs Council (CSWAC) had the honor of hosting a dynamic group of emerging leaders from across Europe as part of an exchange program focused on social, political, and economic issues within the United States. This cohort was particularly interested in exploring how different communities in the United States are working to empower and uplift young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds during their Colorado Springs stop, and met with a variety of local nonprofits and community organizations that are actively working to address these challenges. These visits provided invaluable insights into the strategies, programs, and partnerships that help support marginalized youth, fostering connections and sparking important conversations about the role of community-driven initiatives in creating long-term positive change.
IVLP participants pose together. All photos provided by author.
In addition to their focus on youth engagement, the cohort expressed a deep interest in the unique aspects of U.S. culture and policy, particularly regarding the Second Amendment and gun rights. To address their curiosity and engage in a candid discussion, the leaders were treated to a debate on the pros and cons of gun rights, featuring Representative Ken DeGraff and local expert Peter Gurfein. The debate provided a platform for a nuanced exchange of ideas about the complex issue of gun rights in the United States, allowing the visiting leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives and policies that shape this ongoing national conversation. The debate was both educational and thought-provoking, offering the cohort a firsthand look at how U.S. culture, politics, and values intersect with constitutional rights.
Participants attend a panel session.
The visit of the Young European Leaders cohort was a resounding success, leaving participants with a profound appreciation for the work being done in Colorado Springs and the broader region. The visitors were impressed not only by the warmth and hospitality of the city, but also by the community spirit and dedication to social causes. The consensus among the participants was that Colorado Springs is a true gem—a sentiment that residents of the city are already familiar with, but that was echoed by these esteemed global leaders.
International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles
IVLP: Building Capacity for Subnational Diplomacy Through Sister Cities
NPA: World Learning
By Kristina Yucel, Communications and Events Coordinator, and Victoria Meza, Senior Program Officer
In November 2024, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles (ICDLA) in collaboration with World Learning welcomed six international visitors from Japan through the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on the project “Building Capacity for Subnational Diplomacy Through Sister Cities.” Their program in LA was organized to explore how city-to-city collaboration can address global challenges, foster economic growth, and strengthen international partnerships.
The group had the opportunity to meet with Sister Cities of Los Angeles (SCOLA), a nonprofit that promotes cooperation between Los Angeles and its international partners. Discussions explored SCOLA’s impactful programs, including partnerships that enhance business, tourism, and cultural exchange. These insights were further enriched by a session at USC’s Center on Public Diplomacy, where Sohaela Amiri, Ph.D., and Glenn K. Osaki shed light on the critical role city partnerships play in addressing global issues.
IVLP visitors with Sohaela Amiri from USC CPD (fourth from left), and Glenn K. Osaki from USC (fourth from right).
The delegation also met with Joel Perler from the Port of Long Beach, where they learned about the Long Beach’s Sister Ports agreement with Yokkaichi, Japan, as well as other ports across the world. The conversation underscored how such collaborations can drive innovation in sustainability and strengthen economic ties. Joel also sits on the Board of Sister Cities of Long Beach, and during the meeting he shared his insights into the role of the port in carrying out SCLB’s mission.
The program concluded with a synthesis session led by local resource Damon Woods, which the participants found especially valuable. Damon’s ability to connect together key program themes like subnational diplomacy, sustainability, and global cooperation left a strong impression and provided practical strategies for participants to apply in their own work and communities.
Reflecting on the key points, Damon shared: “On the day before Thanksgiving, I conducted a meeting with Japanese officials to explore the vital role of people-to-people exchange programs. Our discussion emphasized volunteerism, fostering community pride (not nationalism), and leveraging these values to strengthen sister city relationships and global partnerships. We also examined how current geopolitical dynamics shape cross-cultural dialogues. The U.S.-Japan relationship remains critical—economically, militarily, and socially. Grateful for the opportunity to share insights through ICDLA and the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).”
IVLP visitors volunteer at the Kardia Church for the Thanksgiving community dinner.
In addition to these professional meetings, the visitors also took part in immersive activities such as volunteering at the Westside Thanksgiving community dinner. These cross-cultural experiences underscore the human connections that make diplomacy so meaningful.
As the visitors returned home, they carried with them fresh strategies, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed commitment to global cooperation. Programs like this remind us that diplomacy isn’t confined to national governments – it thrives in cities, communities, and people working together for a better future.
International Institute of Buffalo
IVLP: Building Capacity for Subnational Diplomacy through Sister Cities
NPA: World Learning
By Suzanne Thepaut-Hasselback, International Exchanges and Education Coordinator
In November, the International Institute of Buffalo partnered with Rochester Global Connections to host six visitors from Japan, each representing a U.S.-Japan sister city relationship. Their topic was “Building Capacity for Subnational Diplomacy through Sister Cities,” and they met with resources in Rochester and Buffalo to examine the themes of subnational diplomacy models, community organization-based ties, local government-based ties, sustainable tourism as a driver of international cooperation, inclusive local governance, partnerships for resettlement and integration of new residents, and collaborations for accessible healthcare.
On Monday November 18, the group arrived in the morning at the Buffalo History Museum to meet with several local resources: Suzy Martin, Secretary of the Japan Culture Center of Western New York; Paula Hinz and Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell, co-founders of Friends of the Japanese Garden; and Joe Koessler, the Honorary Consul-General of Japan at Buffalo, NY. Paula and Atsuko led the group through the garden, which was established in 1974 through a special sister-city initiative between Kanazawa, Japan and Buffalo, NY, and includes trees, shrubs, paths, and unique stone lanterns. The group then visited the Darwin Martin House, a national historic landmark designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and Forest Lawn Cemetery, one of the first deliberately designed and professionally landscaped rural cemeteries in the United States, as well as the resting place of Robert Flershem, who was instrumental to the founding of the Buffalo/Kanazawa relationship and named an honorary citizen of Kanazawa. The weather was beautiful, sunny, and cool, and visitors learned about different facets of the history of the relationship between Kanazawa and Buffalo, and initiatives dedicated to restoration and sustainability. The resources also expressed their deep gratitude for the opportunity to meet with this group of visitors, and a desire to remain in touch to strengthen both personal and professional relationships between Japan and the United States.
IVLP participants in front of the Buffalo History Museum.
This group also had a unique opportunity to visit Amish country south of the Buffalo area with one of our local Home Hospitality families, George and Marcia Hillock. George and Marcia designed a whole day’s visit for the group, which started at a family-run traditional toy shop. The family explained their methods of woodworking and toy-making, and they answered questions from the visitors about traditional Amish ways of life. The visitors were able to speak about how tradition is respected in Japan and compared their experiences with the Amish ways of living in the United States today. The group also visited a farrier shop and learned how horseshoes are made and applied. The visitors appreciated the opportunity for a window into rural life, and left with unique memories of connecting with people in Western New York.
Participants in a New York Amish Community.
George and Marcia shared with us their reasons for welcoming international visitors for several decades: “Hosting international visitors has opened our eyes to the rest of the world. Despite different cultures, languages, dress, and experiences, we have learned that people across the world are basically the same as us. It’s a leap of faith to invite a total stranger into one’s home, but after a few hours of dinner, activities, and open conversation, our visitors leave us as friends, sharing a deeper understanding of the common bonds that unite the human race.”
We couldn’t put it any better than that! Buffalo is honored to participate in the IVLP and looks forward to continuing to create and strengthen bonds between Western New Yorkers and the international community.