Check out other international
activities in the region!
FIRST THURSDAY!
August 4th
Welcome guests from 32 countries
At this week's First Thursday a lot of interesting from around the world await you - in fact from 32 countries (including Fulbrights from 30 countries)!
Join us this Thursday, August 4th, at 5:30 p.m. for this month's lively First Thursday! The reception will be in the hotel's recently refurbished restaurant, "Nineteen 26." This is the former location of the Annex Bar and Grill right off the hotel's lobby.
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.
If you've been here before you know how it works. But in case this is your first First Thursday, you need to know that it isn't a typical cocktail reception - you have an important mission!First Thursdays are popular and friendly because everyone hasa 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.
U.S. State Department's "International Visitor Leadership Program" - Georgia
Help us welcome five educators & administrators from the Republic of Georgia.
Their project is entitled "Teacher Development in the U.S.," and they are in the United States to enhance their understanding of the U.S. educational system, its organization and structure, and the philosophy of education in the United States. They will also explore innovative education initiatives that respond to the needs of American youth and work to gain a broad perspective on current trends and educational policy in the United States.
Film makers from Kyrgyz Republic
This 3-person film crew from the Kyrgyz Republic is in Philadelphia filming a documentary about the Mural Arts Program and it's emphasis with themes of tolerance. It is entitled, "Tolerance in a Democracy," and is part of a State Department TV co-op program. The crew believes the documentary will become an important guide for dealing with ethnic issues in Kyrgyzstan.
They are also interested in one of IVC's previous programs, "Faith & Community: A Dialogue - The Balkans". Thisprogram was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with IVC, IREX and the International Multi-Religious & Intercultural Center in Sarajevo. It was in this program that we partnered with the Mural Arts Program and facilitated the painting of a mural on canvas that now hangs in the office of the International Multi-Religious & Intercultural Center. Please join us in welcoming them to Philadelphia.
* 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 "BBQ!"
University of Pennsylvania -
Fulbright Pre-Academic Program
Join us to welcome a large and diverse group of Fulbrights who are enrolled in a pre-academic English language program at the University of Pennsylvania. They are from: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Germany, Honduras, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Macedonia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Spain, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda and United Arab Emirates.
BBQ Recap!
IVC's 25th Annual International BBQ was a huge success with 82 internationals and 450+ citizen diplomats coming together for a great time that also helped us raise funds for international understanding. It was a fun "American experience" for everyone there.
The air-conditioning was again a huge hit, as were the the food, dancing and the camaraderie. In addition to the great drawing and the return of S-P-E-E-D networking, the new Dreadful Art Hour was great fun. In fact, the "masterpieces" produced will be on display at the First Thursday reception this week.
We thank everybody who helped make the event such a success. You can see lists of our generous sponsors and lots of photos from the event.
Mark your calendar now - next year's BBQ will be held
on Thursday, July 19, 2012!
Sister Cities
At "press time" we didn't know which of our guests from Tianjin, China and Incheon, Korea would be joining us at First Thursday.
But from Tianjin, we do know we can welcome Sophia, who is in Philadelphia for a few months as she completes her LL.M. degree at Temple Law School.
Special IVC Guest
Join us and welcome Avi Glanton, a Field Associate with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). Based in Washington, he is in Philadelphiaplanning an October event with Governor Ridge.
The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating diplomacy and development alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.
First Thursday Details...
We hope you'll join us and others 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
At "nineteen 26" Restaurant
- 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 with First Thursday's 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.
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.
