This Earth Day, we reflect on our impactful strides in environmental stewardship with three remarkable climate initiatives from last year. Read on to learn about the journey visitors from El Salvador took to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, South Korean visitors met with the CA Air Resources Board to discuss bridging nations for a greener future and a group from Chile met with the Yurok Tribe in Eureka, CA to learn about indigenous leadership and management of protected areas.
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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.
Diplomacy in Action
The disheartening and tragic events of January 6, 2021, illuminated the fact that democracy is fragile, even here in the United States. Our country has long been a model that so many countries around the world aspire to emulate: the strength of our constitution, separate but equal branches of government, our free and fair elections are a few examples of the valued institutions that have withstood the test of time.
We, and many throughout the world, are grateful that our democratic institutions were strong enough to withstand a sustained onslaught of misinformation campaigns and a violent uprising. Our government remains intact and a peaceful transition of power is underway. Yet, this event did highlight an important point: democracy is a system that requires work, attention, the engagement of an informed citizenry, as well as transparency and accountability. “We the people” rings hollow without representation by and accountability to a nation’s citizens.
Through the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, the World Trade Center Northern California has hosted countless international delegations for open discussions about our democratic institutions, governance, and the importance of civic engagement. Located in Sacramento, the seat of state government, our organization is uniquely qualified to arrange professional meetings between visitors and federal, state, and local officials, educators, students, and activists. Our aim is to strengthen diplomatic ties and provide insight into policies and practices that can be replicated on a global scale.
The Gold Rush region is aptly home to a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and hospitality for our international visitors. Representatives from state agencies graciously meet to discuss their roles in preventing campaign fraud and government waste. Local election boards conduct tours of their facilities to showcase transparency in the elections process, from sorting and counting ballots to confirming voter registration. Community organizers share information about the various programs that engage young people in the civic process, creating life-long voters and empowering the leaders and bridge-builders of tomorrow.
Reflecting on these types of exchanges illustrates the strength of our systems and the extensive number of checks and balances we have in the U.S. They solidify to our international partners, and to our own citizens, that democracy is at work every day. While the politicians at a state or federal house may receive the most attention, it is the people who are the most important part of the process – the coordinators and volunteers at a polling location, the community organizers registering new voters, the auditors examining campaign expense reports, young people learning how to amplify their voices to impact policy change – this is democracy in action.
Democracy requires transparency and accountability to the people and engagement by the people, and achieving true democracy is a work-in-progress. We are honored to be part of that important work and to share our experiences with the world.
Learn more about our international exchange programs.
Emergency Planners from Italy Learn about Wildfire Response
The California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) hosted a delegation of Italian government and emergency management professionals at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) headquarters in Sacramento in November 2019, turning a chance conversation at a bus stop into a very successful international event. Read more