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February 2024, Newsletter
Letter From The Director
Is it already February???
But it’s a good month!First, it’s my birthday month (nope, I’m not telling!) and we’ve kicked off a new year of international exchange programs!
We just said goodbye to 7 delegates from North Africa and the Middle east who came to the Enchanted City to explore strategies on the preservation of cultural heritage.They learned about U.S. laws surrounding cultural monuments and patrimony and gained opportunities for partnerships and linkages with U.S. counterparts.We love this stuff!!
But we’re just getting started, we’ll be welcoming upwards of 300 delegates this year so, we’ll have lots of hosting opportunities and cultural events for you to be part of!!
We also signed a sponsorship agreement with AMP Concerts which, among just hooking us up with some cool international cats, gets our members discounted prices to tickets!I’ve already got my tickets for Sona Jorbeth from Gambia later this month please join me (see events section for more info).
And, we’re hosting our 2023 Annual General Meeting on February 8th from 5:30-7pm at the Fusion Performance space. Our keynote Speaker will be Katherine Brown, President & CEO of Global Ties US who will talk to us about “Soft Power and Public Diplomacy”.
Prior to her role with Global Ties, Katherine served in various government roles focused on media and public diplomacy. She began her career at the National Security Council at the White House and went on to serve as a Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan; Professional Staff Member at the Committee on Foreign Affairs at the U.S. House of Representatives; and Executive Director of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State. She also worked at The Asia Foundation, Bloomberg Opinion, and Meta, where she was in residence as a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow.
We’ll also have a performance by the Ehecatl Aztec Dancers who are guaranteed to transport you to another world!
Please join us for an evening of camaraderie and celebration of global ties!!
- Melora
In a week's time, we will be gathering for our highly anticipated Annual General Meeting, a celebration of citizen diplomacy! Our AGM serves as a moment of reflection on the achievements of the past year and a platform for unveiling our bold objectives for the year ahead. It's a chance to highlight the tangible outcomes of our collaborative endeavors and extend heartfelt appreciation for the steadfast backing of our community.
Doors Open at 5:00pm
Buffet Opens 5:30pm
Join us for international small bites and a cash bar, and a wonderful performance from Ehacati Aztec Dancers!
Make sure you RSVP tickets for yourself and your partner/family
Preserving Cultural Heritage and Combating Trafficking of Conflict Antiquities - A Regional Project for the Near East and North Africa
This group embarked on a captivating journey through New Mexico's cultural landscape as they delved into the region's rich heritage. From the meticulous preservation efforts of the Archaeological Conservancy to a scenic drive along Route 66, each stop offers a unique perspective on the area's history. Engaging in insightful discussions with experts like Dr. Audra Bellmore (professor in the Center of southwest research & Special Collections), they delve into the role of libraries in safeguarding cultural treasures. Culminating at Petroglyph National Monument, they witness ancient rock carvings and learn about preservation strategies intertwined with Indigenous heritage.
March 9 – 21, 2024: U.S.-Mexico Shared Fight Against Illicit Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs.
This group will include sub-national Mexican officials working to combat illicit synthetic drugs under the Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities to reduce the production, trafficking, and consumption of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl.
We are still working on the schedule but will certainly have dinner hosting opportunities.
We'll send more info in a bit, but if you're interested in hosting this group, please let us know, info@globaltiesabq.org.
We are working with the STS Foundation Student Exchange program to provide an opportunity for our members to host international high school exchange students coming to the U.S. this fall.
About STS Foundation
STS Foundation was founded in 1986. Since then STS Foundation has placed thousands of foreign high school exchange students, from over 40 countries in homes all across America. STS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing memorable cultural exchanges between American families and young people from other parts of the world. Our mission is to foster greater mutual understanding and to empower young people to grow through cultural exchange.
Members, are you over 25 years old and want to positively change a child's life, experience cultural exchange firsthand, and have room for another household member? If yes, your family is the perfect candidate to host an exchange student in August 2024.
“When you become a host family for an exchange student, you invite the world into your home and community. Hosting brings people from different parts of the world together to share their language, culture, and traditions. It is an opportunity to expand your horizons and discover the world without the need to travel long and far. Discover for yourself why each year, thousands of families across the United States choose to become host families for foreign exchange students. Exchange students are between 15 to 18 years old and attend the local high school. Our students are English proficient, maintain good grades, and have their own medical insurance, and a monthly allowance to cover their personal expenses. “
Members! To learn more, contact Local Coordinator Justin Garoutte at 505-589-9491 or garoutteju@gmail.com.
GlobalTies U.S. - Empowering People Through Policy Exchange
Discover the transformative impact of citizen diplomacy in shaping global affairs with IVLP initiatives! From LGBTQIA+ rights in Los Angeles to trade policy in Virginia and clean energy in Seattle, this article is a must-read for Global Ties U.S. supporters. Learn how these initiatives foster collaboration, understanding, and build a more inclusive world.
Global Ties ABQ is sponsoring an amazing AMP concert this February!
Join us in attending Sona Jobarteh on February 28th!
Sona is the first female Kora virtuoso from the West African Griot dynasties. Hailing from a lineage renowned for Kora mastery, including her grandfather Amadu Bansang Jobarteh and cousin Toumani Diabaté, Sona is celebrated for her instrumental prowess, unique vocal stylings, captivating melodies, and charismatic stage presence. Her rapid rise to international acclaim solidifies her status as a top-tier performer.
Members will have the opportunity to spend time with our emerging world leaders, accompanying them to professional meetings and cultural activities, and hosting them for lunches and dinners. These acts of citizen diplomacy help build economic and cultural bridges and promote peace in the world. Members and our community partners often develop business relationships with our world leaders, growing New Mexico’s economy and promoting Albuquerque as a thriving international city.