The International Relations Council of Kansas City
This organization began as a small gathering of people wanting to bring world leaders to the Kansas City community- their first guest being Eleanor Roosevelt in 1955. Since then, the IRC has served the Kansas City community by sponsoring WorldQuest, (a competition between high schools on their knowledge and understanding of the world), they host incredible thinkers, leaders, writers, and artists to speak in the community, and they have created a Global Connections program in order to provide local schools with speakers. The IRC has many international resources, and I know I have personally benefited from both their advice on speakers in the classroom, as well as their sponsoring me on the Turkey Teacher's Tour in 2009. The IRC is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America. International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City
This organization specializes in bringing international delegates to the Kansas City area, where they tour companies, NGOs, cultural institutions, and participate in homestays. In addition to placing international visitors in homestay arrangements across the KC area, they sponsor high school student exchanges- this year sending two students to Chile and Argentina. Each spring this organization hosts an "Open World" program where international guests connect with members of our community to discuss global issues- this year's "Open World" program was "Women as Political Leaders" and was attended by a group of Ukrainian women political leaders Rotary Club International, Kansas City Chapters- Area Rotary clubs are often looking for ways to connect with local schools and global causes. The Rotary club hosts speakers on topics of global competency and sponsor student exchange programs. Rotary club members are also devoted to community action- further developing global citizenship.
New Roots for Refugees Program- This urban farming program was created to aid women from Africa and Asia in "putting down new roots" after fleeing from refugee crises. The program, in connection with the Catholic Charities of NorthEast Kansas CIty, provides women with a familiar, self-sufficient livelihood, support to start their own business, and support as a new member of the community. Refuges are from countries like Somolia, Burma, and Burundi. Once they have established their own business and a command for the English language, refugees "graduate" from the program and own their own land in other parts of Kansas City. You can find New Roots food at the Kansas City City Market, and the Catholic Charities organization are eager to share information about this program. |
The Della Lamb Community Services Organization provides assistance to low-income families in the Kansas City. They focus on immigrants and refugees' learning of English, learning job skills, participating in organized sports, and becoming oriented in the community. Della Lamb additionally holds an annual fundraising auction- with the theme being Diverse Cultures, Many Dreams, One Mission. It would be interesting to check out their programs and hear fromvolunteers about the need for global education.
The Jewish Vocational Service Refugee Resettlement Program was originally created to offer assistance to Holocaust survivors and refugees. Today the program welcomes refugee families to the Kansas City area and aids in the process of finding housing, learning job skills, enrolling children in school, and inevitably, acquiring a job, The center promotes cultural integration as well, and has been generous with their time by coming to speak with my classes about their operation.
The Kansas City Chapter of the United Nations Association is involved in hosting Model UN competitions with area high schools. They additionally participate in the Kansas City Ethnic Festival, meet with local and national level politicians, spread awareness about human rights, host speakers, and participate in the annual Kansas City Mayor's UN Dinner.
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