It’s international Women’s History Month and we’ve seen a lot of beautiful stories reflecting on the global impact of female voices and actions. In 2019, through an IVLP exchange, Global Ties Sacramento was honored to connect a group of female writers and artists from Uganda and the United States. The meeting inspired an impressive collaboration over the next several years and resulted in a book.
Valentina Suarez, an International Relations major with a minor in Political Science currently attending Sacramento State, is the newest Diplomacy and Communications Intern to join the Global Ties Sacramento team in 2024.
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.