Global Ties Iowa

On International Human Solidarity Day, we celebrate unity and the spirit of global solidarity. Our mission at Global Ties Iowa is to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding through international exchange. Recently, a delegation from Tajikistan visited Matthew 25’s Cultivate Hope Urban Farm (Matthew 25 Cedar Rapids) as part of the program "International Religious Freedom." Matthew 25 envisions a thriving, connected community where people are valued, and talents are multiplied. They provide safe, affordable housing, healthy food, and empower youth through reading and creative arts. During their visit, the delegation toured the Urban Farm and learned how sustainable food practices and community-driven events cultivate hope. They even participated in volunteer activities like weeding and picking up trash. 🌏 Learn more: www.matthew-25.org Photo credit: Matthew 25 Urban Farm on Facebook #HumanSolidarity #TogetherWeCan #CulturalExchange #CultivateHope #Matthew25

🌟 As we approach the end of the year, every act of generosity makes a difference. Meet Horacio Borgen, whose incredible contributions have been vital to Global Ties Iowa. Horacio is a member of the Board of Directors. He first visited eastern Iowa as an IVLP participant from Nicaragua in 2018. A few years later, he was forced out of Nicaragua and started a new life in Iowa City. Today, he serves on our Board of Directors and volunteers as a way to give back and promote citizen diplomacy in Iowa City. "We are one world, language is not a barrier anymore, and we can navigate citizen diplomacy with our customs, our food, our kindness," Horacio said. "I strongly believe that we all have more in common than differences." Though every group Horacio has interacted with has been impactful, he was particularly impacted after meeting a participant from Nicaragua. "He was so happy to see a fellow Nicaraguan that he made me feel like a rockstar. It was also meaningful because he shared how he was suffering the damages living in a dictatorship." In regard to giving, Horacio said, "I give because it feels good to give. I also give because I have received so much, and I must be grateful for that. Giving is a way to support my Catholic beliefs." 🌟 Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gZyW9AVm #WhyIGive #CulturalExchange #MakeADifference #InternationalExchange #CitizenDiplomacy #EndOfYearGiving

🌟 As we approach the end of the year, every act of generosity makes a difference. Meet Bala Subramaniam, Vice President on the Board of Directors, whose incredible contributions have been vital to our mission. "I could relate to the fundamental challenges in learning in a new environment, culture, climate, let alone country. Today's challenge is further compounded by the digital media and the speed of learning. Providing the 'outlet' of your home as a host, even if for a few hours, can leave a lasting impression on the upcoming generations. Passing on the kindness of my hosts from my time as a student seems like the least I can do. I always feel I am having a chat with my younger self when I meet student delegations." I enjoyed making 'chai' for students from so many countries that I have never visited and yet we were able to spend afternoons speaking heart to heart on just daily life and aspirations of youth and how fundamentally alike we are despite so much distance and so many differences, be it language, food or what we do for fun. I enjoyed watching Mamma Mia with international students." 🌟 Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gZyW9AVm #WhyIGive #CulturalExchange #MakeADifference #InternationalExchange #CitizenDiplomacy #EndOfYearGiving

Jane McMullen, the former President of the Global Ties Iowa Board of Directors, shares in a new blog post about how she gives to our organization. After being at American embassies overseas, Jane McMullen and her husband, Ambassador Ron McMullen, wanted to keep their international “fix” by looking for organizations related to international relations. They found that “fix” after attending a Global Ties Iowa (then CIVIC) event, with Jane joining the Board of Directors in 2013. Now, the McMullens have been involved with Global Ties Iowa for over 10 years. Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/g24dQyCg 🌟 Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gZyW9AVm #WhyIGive #CulturalExchange #MakeADifference #InternationalExchange #CitizenDiplomacy #EndOfYearGiving

We are excited to announce that, next summer, we are hosting another delegation of the Iraqi Youth Leadership Exchange Program (IYLEP). There will be 12 young leaders made up of 9-10 Iraqi or Kurdish youth and 2-3 US American youth. There will also be 1 Iraqi or Kurdish mentor. Each of the participants are in need of a homestay host, and the group will be here from July 14-July 26, 2025. If you are interested in hosting 1-2 students in your home, send an email to connect@globaltiesiowa.org. Read about our first IYLEP delegation here: https://lnkd.in/gBpKviVP

Today, we stand united for human rights, celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our organization is committed to fostering international exchange and promoting the understanding and protection of these rights. Last December, during our "Human and Civil Rights Advocacy and Awareness" project for Syria, we hosted a joint session with resources from Iowa City, Manchester, and Buffalo. This session allowed for intimate conversations with leaders advocating for change in their cities. We highlighted The Center For Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, a grassroots organization uniting low-wage workers across race and immigration status to achieve social and economic justice. CWJ addresses workplace conditions, civil rights, education access, and affordable housing, making a significant impact in Eastern Iowa. 📢 Learn more: www.cwjiowa.org Photo credit: @Cwj on X #HumanRightsDay #StandForRights #GlobalCitizens #CWJ #HumanRights

We're thrilled to share our latest blog post about an inspiring partnership between eastern Iowa and the Philippines, made possible through the YSEALI PFP | Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellows Program! 🤝 Apols Garmay is the founder of her own social enterprise called Hidden Manna Farms. Hidden Manna Farms helps rural farmers with training, giving them digital tools and new farming ideas to be more competitive in the market. While in Iowa City, Apols was hosted by Jon and Donna Buswell, and her placement company was Field to Family, a nonprofit organization that increases access to and education around healthy local food. Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gtdeTQTB #GlobalTiesIowa #CommunityEngagement #InternationalPartnerships #EasternIowa #Philippines #CulturalExchange

Today, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during the Pearl Harbor attack. Their courage reminds us of the importance of peace, resilience, and international cooperation. We are proud to collaborate with the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic (NDVGC), a program presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER. NDVGC provides veterans with disabilities the chance to engage in therapeutic adaptive sports and activities. Earlier this year, we hosted a delegation from Ukraine for the program "Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Veterans in the United States" that met with NDVGC. 📢 Learn more: www.veteransgolfclinic.org Photo credit: National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic Media #PearlHarborRemembrance #HonorTheBrave #PeaceAndResilience #VeteranSupport

Eddy Djagou is a Board Member on the Board of Directors. He is also the owner, CEO, and founding board member of DJAAGOU A EXPORT LLC in Muscatine, Iowa, specializing in the retail, trade, and wholesale of food and beverage commodities in the U.S. and internationally. "One of the most common reasons for giving is religious belief. As a man of faith, giving back is often seen for me as a way to live out my values and make a positive impact on the world. So I am making a difference by touching others. Support our cause - promote civic engagement by encouraging people to get involved and affect their lives. By guiding, hosting, and greeting, we are making a great impact in our community." We appreciate all the ways you greet, guide, host and give in support of a more peaceful and prosperous world. Help us continue to advance this mission by connecting the world and the heartland through people-to-people exchange and give financially today, as you are able. 🌟 Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gZyW9AVm #WhyIGive #CulturalExchange #MakeADifference #InternationalExchange #CitizenDiplomacy #EndOfYearGiving

On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and hearts to make a difference. Without you, our mission wouldn't be possible. Join us in honoring these amazing individuals and learn how you can get involved! This year, we hosted our Annual Meeting at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, celebrating a successful year of international exchange and recognizing outstanding volunteers. Special congratulations to our awardees: Jeanne Cadoret and Maryanne Weiss (Lifetime Citizen Diplomat Award), Steve Merkel-Hess (Never Back Down Award), Mary Gregg (Warm Welcome Award), and students Leila Assadi, Anna O’Connor, Brenda Gao, Mkay James, Zach Hemmen, and Lilie Wainio (Iowa Table Hospitality Award). Thank you to everyone who brought food and celebrated another year of citizen diplomacy. 📍 Volunteer Opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gmWBsiNp 📄 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/gMR5A6Jc #InternationalVolunteerDay #VolunteerHeroes #WhyIGive #CitizenDiplomacy #CommunityImpact