Community Reception for Leaders Working ‘Towards a More Safe and Secure World’

This May, Global Ties Sacramento hosted an International Exchange Community Reception in our beautiful back yard. This event aimed to connect our local community with twelve distinguished visitors from various African and Caribbean countries who were participating in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for project titled, “Towards a More Safe and Secure World – Cooperative Efforts in Combating Transnational Crime.”

The IVLP project sought to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the American Criminal Justice system and the legal framework for combating a range of transnational crimes. Throughout their time in the United States, the exchange group engaged in several enriching activities. They visited San Francisco, exploring the vibrant city and gaining insights into its diverse cultural and historical landscape. They also participated in home hospitality dinners, where our local host community opened their homes, offering warm hospitality and fostering meaningful cultural exchanges.

Moreover, the group engaged with several esteemed organizations, including the California Office of Emergency Services – State Threat Assessment Center, where discussions centered around state-level threat assessment and emergency response strategies. At the International Rescue Committee, the focus was on humanitarian efforts and support for refugees and displaced persons. They also explored community-based approaches to crisis management and public safety with the City of Sacramento Department of Community Response. Additionally, they gained insights into local law enforcement practices and community policing initiatives with the Sacramento Police Department and understood the prosecutorial process and legal measures against transnational crime at the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office.

The event saw active participation from a diverse group of community members, including home hospitality hosts, local leaders from private, public, and non-profit organizations, and representatives from education and government sectors. Many of these individuals have previously engaged with various IVLP groups, fostering a strong network of international connections. One highlight of the evening was a conversation with a home hospitality couple who have hosted dinners for past groups and have maintained lasting connections with the visitors they have met. They even had the unique opportunity to reunite with a visitor from India during their daughter’s wedding, a heartwarming story that could be featured in a future newsletter.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this exchange and reception both informative and enriching. The event not only strengthened our community bonds but also reinforced the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime. Through these cross-cultural interactions, we continue to build a more safe and secure world together.