Check out other international
activities in the region!
FIRST THURSDAY
May 5
Wow, it's that time again! Last week we celebrated 57 years at our Annual Meeting, and now there's another First Thursday!
Join us this Thursday, May 5, at 5:30 p.m. at our newest site for this month's lively First Thursday! This month, the reception will be in the hotel's newly refurbished restaurant, "nineteen 26." This is the former location of the Annex Bar and Grill right off the hotel's lobby.
Do join us to welcome our special international guests who are in Philadelphia with several programs: Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia's Sister Cities Program.
Our guests at this month's reception are from Canada, Colombia, India, Iraq, Peru, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Plus more!
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 before you know how it works. But 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.
Dinner Hosting Alert #1 -
Saturday, May 14th
For IVC Members Only...
Hosts are needed for seven guests from Kosovo participating in a State Department program, "Decentralization in the U.S." They are coming to the U.S. and Philadelphia to understand the process of organizing and managing decentralized models of government, with particular emphasis the integration of minority communities into the society and the economy. A key issue is how a decentralized government operates and what fundamental changes it might bring to the Kosovar public sector and, thus, to the relationship between Kosovar citizens and their governments.
The participants include mayors, municipal assembly members and legislative assistants. They are on the State Department's "International Visitor Leadership Program." Don't speak Albanian? Don't worry, some speak English and we'll have State Department interpreters to accompany them to your home! Email Matt Drexler about hosting - or call him at 215-683-0995.
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 Temple University are representatives from the university's International Business Association with Colombia & Vietnam represented.
3. From the University of Pennsylvania are students enrolled in the university's School of Dental Medicine Pass Program. These are individuals who received their dental degree in another country and are starting a 2 year DMD degree so that they will be eligible to apply for a license to practice in the U.S. Attending tonight represent
Canada, India, Iraq, Peru, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Also from UPenn are representatives from the university'sown citizen diplomacy group, PennDiplomats.
SAVE THE BBQ DATE - July 21st!
IVC's BBQ is Thursday, July 21st!
This July marks our 25th year of hosting the summer's friendliest and most fun event. It's IVC's only fundraiser, so we invite you to join us and help us raise funds to continue engaging the public in international affairs, i.e., "citizen diplomacy."
Yes, we'll still have S-p-e-e-d N-e-t-w-o-r-k-i-n-g where you'll make a lot of friends really fast. Yes, we'll still have the "I Don't Know Anyone Tables," but NEW this year will be the "Dreadful Art Hour." It'll be a hoot!
So watch for details & save JULY 21 for the BEST event of the Summer!
Sister Cities Program "Family"
Join us to chat with our Sister Cities family from Cameroon and China.
From Douala, Cameroon is Cynthia who just completed her MBA at LaSalle University. Cynthia will be joined by two friends who are also from Cameroon. From Tianjin, China is Zhenyu who is a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Temple.
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.
Dinner Hosting Alert #2 -
Friday, May 20th
For IVC Members Only... Hosts are needed for ten visitors from Argentina, Bolivia (2), CostaRica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela (2). They will be in Philadelphia on the State Department's program, "Promoting Micro-Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development." They will explore best practices for promoting micro-entrepreneurship and small business development, including micro-lending, red-tape reduction initiatives and incubators. They will learn about using the Internet, mentoring, and other models to encourage small and start-up entrepreneurs. The program will focus particularly on strategies to encourage women and disadvantaged groups.
Participants include government ministry officials, entrepreneurs, and business development scholars. If you're an IVC member and want to host, please email Matthew Drexler.
* 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!"
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.
