Check out other international
activities in the region!
FIRST THURSDAY
April 7
Join us this Thursday, April 7, at 5:30 p.m. at our new site for this month's lively First Thursday! Again this month, the reception is upstairs on the Mezzanine level of the Courtyard Marriott as they continue renovations of the Annex Grille.
Do join us to welcome our special international guests who are in Philadelphia with several programs: the International Visitor Leadership Program, Fulbright Program, USAID, Arcadia University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia's Sister Cities Program.
Our guests at this month's reception are from the Basque Region, Canada,
First Thursday is always free for IVC members, and just $15 for non-members. If you don't RSVP, it's $20 at the door. Email Alan Hatfield to let him know you'll join us.
In case this is your first First Thursday, it isn't a typical cocktail reception - you have an important mission!First Thursdays are so popular and friendly because everyone has a role to play. When you pick up your name badge, be sure to get the list with our guests' names, their interests & why they're here. It also tells you what color ribbon they're wearing to easily identify them in the crowd. Then walk up, say hello and you'll see how easy it is to start a conversation. We guarantee this will be a friendly evening of citizen diplomacy that will create lasting and positive impressions of the U.S., Philadelphia and you. Email or call Alan Hatfield at 215-683-0992 to RSVP.
State Department's "International Visitor Leadership Program"
Welcome five individuals engaged in arts and entertainment professions from Egypt and Morocco. Their project is entitled "Engaging Youth Through Music," and are in the United States to discover how American counterparts are using music to develop the invaluable national human resource that young people represent. Among the objectives of the program is to enhance participants' understanding of American culture and values, with a specific focus on youth culture and to acquaint participants with a wide range of programs, educational institutions and organizations that engage youth in music and the arts.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Cairo Initiative - U.S. & Egypt
Democracy & Governance Internships
Join us in welcoming Kholoud to Philadelphia. She is the Project Manager & Researcher with the Academic Freedom Project in Cairo and will be interning with the ACLU while in Philadelphia.
Through internships, the Democracy and Governance sector of the Cairo Initiative is exposing young Egyptian civil society activists and media leaders to techniques and practices used among U.S. civil society organizations working in democracy-related fields. The objective of Kholoud's internships is to enhance her knowledge of innovative and successful organizational and advocacy techniques and practices.
Kholoud will be in Philadelphia for one month.
Sister Cities Program "family"
Join us in welcoming back Mu and her mother, Greta, from Tianjin, China. Mu was our first Sister Cities Scholar and graduated from Drexel University and Temple Law. She is now an Intellectual Property attorney for the law firm, Woodcock Washburn. Greta arrived in Philadelphia last month and will be here for several months visiting her daughter and assisting our Sister City efforts as a Sister Cities Fellow.
Also from Tianjin is Lei who just graduated from St. Joseph's University with a BA in finance, and Haoren who is enrolled at Temple University. Lei is currently seeking a position in accounting with a local firm.
More IVC Special Guests
Join us in welcoming back Daniel who is the new USA Representative for the Basque Country Business Office. Daniel represents the Basque Government in Philadelphia.
From Beijing, China is Steven who is Pennylvania's Authorized Trade Representative in China. Steven's daughter is enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania and attended last month's First Thursday.
Arcadia University, Temple University & University of Pennsylvania
Six years ago IVC created "Discover Philadelphia," a program designed to create positive American experiences for Philadelphia's international graduate students through professional and cultural activities.
1. From Arcadia University are 4 graduate students from China and the United States. Joining them is visiting professor from Iran with the university's International Peace and Conflict Resolution program.
2. From Temple University are representatives from the university's International Business Association with Colombia & Vietnam represented.
3. From the University of Pennsylvania are representatives from the university'sown citizen diplomacy group, PennDiplomats.
Fulbright Scholars
"Valuing Diversity &
Resolving Conflict"
Join us in welcoming 47 Fulbright Scholars from 30 countries. They are in Philadelphia for five days with the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Regional Seminar. The countries represented are
Among the Seminar's goals are to build cross-cultural understanding through activities that highlight U.S. culture and history, including the diversity of the U.S. and its people, and expand professional and social networks to create a stronger Fulbright community.
The Scholars will learn about diversity in American life and how conflict is managed in ethnic relations, religious & interfaith relations, workplace practices, constitutional law & dispute resolution and university and college life.
This Seminar is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development in partnership with IVC & World Learning, Washington, D.C.
First Thursday Details...
We hope you'll join us and others from the Greater Philadelphia area interested in citizen diplomacy, making friends around the world and providing a more accurate picture of the U.S. and the American people.
FIRST THURSDAY:
Courtyard Marriott, across from City Hall
Free for IVC members & new guest
- DATE: First Thursday
- $15.00 for Non-members*
- $20.00 at the door without a reservation
- TIME:5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- LOCATION:
Courtyard Marriott - East of City Hall
Mezzanine Level
- MORE: Hors d'oeuvres, cash bar & interesting people! - RSVP: to Alan Hatfield, 215.683.0992 or alan.hatfield@phila.gov or go to our website and email us through the First Thursday form.
IVC is Philadelphia's official host for U.S. Government-sponsored visitors. IVC promotes mutual understanding among nations through citizen diplomacy. IVC's network of 92 IVCs across the U.S. was nominated for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. A copy of IVC's official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1.800.732.0999.
SAVE THE BBQ DATE!
IVC's 25th BBQ is Thursday, July 21st!
This July marks our 25th year of holding the BBQ! It started with 10 Japanese businessmen, and last July we had 550 people from here and all over the world. So save the date and do plan to be a part of the summer's MOST fun event!
PROTOCOL ADVISOR
Our own expert on protocol, Robert Frye, has begun writing occasional columns for IVC's website with important protocol tips. As Bob says, "Knowing the right protocol and cross cultural etiquette makes the difference in winning or losing an important deal or inadvertently sabotaging a relationship."
This month's article is entitled "Protocal Seating Plans - Essential to Professional Behavior" and details how a seating plan gives order and raises professionalism during meetings. Click here to read Bob Frye's third interesting article.
Call your Elected Officials!
As Congress works on the budget it's important they hear from their constituents about the tremendous impact international exchanges have on our country's global competitiveness - and our safety.
Please encourage them to look at international exchanges as "national security spending" as both the Bush and Obama administrations have done. Here's some info on IVC's core program:
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), for which IVC was created 57 years ago, has been repeatedly ranked first among the 63 U.S. public diplomacy programs by U.S. Ambassadors. Philadelphia's Council is one of 92 Councils across the U.S. that administer the IVLP in their community.
All of the IVLP budgetis spent in the United States at hotels, restaurants, shops, and on domestic airfare.
More than 320 current and former heads of government, 1,700 cabinet-level ministers, and many other distinguised world leaders in the public and private sectors have developed connections in the U.S. and our region through the IVLP.
The IVLP is a vital investment in U.S. national security and builds enduring relationships between foreign leaders and U.S. decision makers. First-hand exposure to U.S. democratic institutions improves understanding of the United States and is the best asset for winning "hearts and minds."
The IVLP helps generate economic development and cultivate a globally literate workforce in the U.S. communities. Throughout the U.S. the IVC's raise $6 for every $1 received in federal grants.
Please urge your Congressional Representative to continue strengthening U.S. public diplomacy efforts for FY 2011 and FY 2012 by supporting the Senate Subcommittee's recommendation of $654.277 million for U.S. Department of State Educational and Cultural Exchanges, which includes $101 million for the IVLP.
Making friends does lead to peace.
* Not an IVC Member yet?
Do something selfish for
world peace today
If you're not already an IVC member, why not join today and feel great about being involved in something meaningful for the world and your own community?
As an IVC member you're part of the nationwide network of citizen diplomats nominated for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. Plus you'll widen your circle of international friends and enhance your business opportunities.
By joining IVC, you will also enjoy at least ten receptions each year at no cost - plus have the benefit of hosting an established or emerging leader in your home or at a restaurant through the U.S. State Department.
IVC's upper-level members are also included at private Sister City and State Department receptions. It's easy to join! Just call Alan Hatfield at 215-683-0992 or go online to join today! And IVC members receive special member rates to the Annual "BBQ!"
Citizen diplomacy engages citizens in international relations. Meeting counterparts and experiencing everyday American life provides an authentic & more accurate view of the "real" U.S.
Welcome five individuals engaged in arts and entertainment professions from Egypt and Morocco. Their project is entitled "Engaging Youth Through Music," and are in the United States to discover how American counterparts are using music to develop the invaluable national human resource that young people represent. Among the objectives of the program is to enhance participants' understanding of American culture and values, with a specific focus on youth culture and to acquaint participants with a wide range of programs, educational institutions and organizations that engage youth in music and the arts.
Join us in welcoming 47 Fulbright Scholars from 30 countries. They are in Philadelphia for five days with the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Regional Seminar. The countries represented are
