Andrea Guillen, a Political Science – Public Service major attending University of California, Davis, is one of the newest Diplomacy & International Exchange Interns to join the Global Ties Sacramento team in 2024.
Global Ties Sacramento recently had the opportunity to interview local Home Hospitality host, Brian Green. Incredibly aware of the benefits in reciprocal storytelling and the exchange of cultural perspectives, Brian values his role as host to visiting leaders during their time in California’s capitol.
Watch Brian’s interview about his recent experience hosting an Open World delegation from Vietnam and why he continues to host delegates from around the world.
In December 2023, Global Ties Sacramento hosted five delegates from Vietnam through the Congressional Office of International Leadership’s Open World Program. This delegation aimed to engage in meaningful dialogue with Congressional staff in California whose committee memberships align with current and potential areas of cooperation between the United States and Vietnam.
Aedhan Lanta, a Political Science major currently attending Sacramento State, is the newest Diplomacy & International Exchange Intern to join the Global Ties Sacramento team in 2024.
In the fall, we welcomed a delegation of Indian agricultural economists and research scientists for a project on “Agricultural Marketing Information Systems.” While they engaged in policy discussions with key stakeholders, an extraordinary experience awaited them outside the conference room.
Notably, our guests had missed visiting a farm during their national tour, an itinerary item that would usually be standard for agricultural exchanges. California, renowned as the world’s largest almond producer, ultimately provided a fitting backdrop for the unique experience.
Global Ties Sacramento is currently accepting applications for Spring 2024 internships. Embrace this opportunity to cultivate cross-cultural communication and diplomacy skills, while refining written and oral communication, research, and analytical abilities.
Global Ties Sacramento implements various international exchange programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and regularly seeks local residents interested in hosting international professionals for one meal, or rarely, for overnight home stays. The success of our international exchange programs is due to our amazing Citizen Diplomats who open their homes to visitors, providing a welcoming window into life in the U.S. and creating lasting memories and connections. These Citizen Diplomats, called Home Hosts, know that nothing sets a table for mutual understanding better than sharing a meal.
Creating Leaders through Volunteerism and Civic Engagement
The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Kailash Satyarthi, said it best with these words: “The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people.” Global Ties Sacramento agrees and is grateful to facilitate international exchanges that focus on youth empowerment. A recent exchange connected Sacramento with participants from 18 countries on the topic of “Volunteerism and Civic Engagement,” and featured an insightful and meaningful discussion with the California Center for Civic Participation. Executive Director Belen Flores, and Program Manager Drucella Miranda, shared how the Center’s youth programs inspire young people to become more civically engaged, learn about important global issues, and become leaders in their communities. Whether it is through the Women in Politics program that empowers young women to learn about the political process, the Green Focus program that engages local youth in California’s environmental policies, or the Center’s various mentorship programs, the Center creates pathways for young people to expand networks, become empowered through civic education, and find the confidence to become changemakers.
Collectively, the group stressed the importance of providing young people with opportunities and leadership skills that can turn their idealism and enthusiasm into action. The international participants were struck by the passion and dedication of the team at California Center and very appreciative of their efforts to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all who participate in their youth programs.
A few of the international participants also experienced a virtual home hospitality event, engaging with a variety of Sacramento locals, including teachers, a doctor, a journalist, and a legislative advocate who volunteers her time with another youth program, CalYMCA Youth & Government. The participants cherished meeting the residents, learning more about life in Sacramento, and sharing details about themselves and their important advocacy work on behalf of young people around the world.
Global Ties Sacramento continues to be inspired by the efforts of our local resources and international participants who support and empower youth as they strive to make the world a better place.
If you are interested in becoming more involved with international exchange programs in Sacramento, please contact Kim Todd or subscribe to our mailing list.
If you are interested in reading more about exchange programs throughout the Global Ties U.S. Network, click here.
The Power of Arts and Exchange – A Virtual Reunion
On June 29, 2021, Global Ties Sacramento hosted Women Writing Together for Social Justice: The Power of Art and Exchange, a reunion between Sacramento-based Women’s Wisdom Art and the Ugandan Women Writers Association: FEMRITE. Members of Women’s Wisdom Art and FEMRITE reconnected with us virtually to share their international exchange experience and discuss their latest joint project: a cross-cultural anthology of women’s stories. Written and illustrated by 60 women writers (30 from the United States and 30 from Uganda), the writers hope that the book will inspire and encourage women around the world to use writing and art to influence social change. Each woman is writing about the experiences of her Ugandan or American counterpart, and using the narratives to tackle important issues, such as female genital mutilation and gang violence. The amazing work done by Women’s Wisdom Art and FEMRITE has given these writers— and eventually their readers— the opportunity to heal from trauma, create lasting bonds, and illuminate women’s voices. If you missed the event, click here to watch the recording. Thanks to everyone who attended, and to the writers for sharing their time to give us a sneak peek into some of the stories. We look forward to the finished product! Special thanks go to our featured speakers: If you are interested in becoming more involved with international exchange programs in Sacramento, please contact Kim Todd or subscribe to our mailing list.
Writing for Social Change
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project, Writing for Social Change, brought women from the Ugandan Women Writers Association: FEMRITE, to the U.S. to meet with American chttps://eca.state.gov/ivlpounterparts to examine the use of the written word to raise awareness of gender issues, empower women, and promote inclusion. While in Sacramento, the visitors met with representatives from Women’s Wisdom Art, a non-profit organization that improves women’s lives and advocates for equity and justice through art, writing, and wellness.
During this exchange, the women discussed the importance of using the creative arts to raise awareness of gender issues, influence social justice action, build confidence, and empower women. Both organizations provide a creative space for women to find their strength, gain confidence, and heal from trauma in their local communities, and were excited to share experiences. It was obvious from the first hello that a solid connection had been made and this IVLP meeting in Sacramento would not be the only time these women would interact. True friendships and a lasting partnership were formed.
Since 2019, Ali Lichtenstein, Board Chair of Women’s Wisdom Art, and Hilda Twongyeirwe, Executive Director of FEMRITE, have remained in almost constant contact. They are currently collaborating on a project with 60 women, 30 each from Uganda and the U.S., to inspire and encourage women around the world to use writing and art to influence social change.
Supporting Next Generation of Leaders
Congratulations to former World Trade Center Northern California intern Evan Pearson on being selected to the 2021 Cohort of the Global Ties Emerging Leaders Program. Evan joins 19 other young leaders from around the country in this one-of-a-kind professional development program. Global Ties U.S. recognizes that today’s young leaders will be tomorrow’s changemakers, which is why they emphasize providing those interested in public diplomacy and international exchange with professional development and networking opportunities.
Evan is currently a student at UC Davis and began work as an intern with World Trade Center Northern California (WTCNC) in May 2020. He quickly became a valuable member of the team, supporting the organization’s international exchanges and diplomacy efforts, and helped WTCNC navigate the transition to virtual programs.
In addition, Evan participated in the first WTCNC Global Connections Program in July and August of 2020, engaging with international leaders about various topics of global importance, such as climate change, women’s empowerment, and bridging the tech divide. Evan’s leadership qualities shined during this program, as he was always well-prepared for the sessions, asked thoughtful and insightful questions, and took on a mentorship role with other students in the program. WTCNC is thrilled for Evan to have this leadership development opportunity and looks forward to following his continued success!
