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GLOBAL DIPLOMACY MISSION

To develop sustainable international relationships and connect people through personalized diplomacy

We believe every person has the right and responsibility to engage across cultures and create shared understanding through meaningful interactions. This concept is known as citizen diplomacy.

Our mission is to develop and facilitate opportunities for everyone in Kansas and Western Missouri to claim their role as a citizen diplomat.

Through face-to-face interactions with rising leaders from around the world, people across the U.S. Heartland have the chance to learn and influence global affairs, make new friends, and represent our community all without ever leaving home.

We connect international professionals and emerging leaders in a variety of fields with their Midwest counterparts for the purpose of forging lasting relationships that may one day become a powerful tool for addressing some of our biggest global challenges. While in Kansas and Missouri, we provide our international visitors with opportunities to cultivate deeper connections and more meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

DIVERSE KC

Diversity of Kansas City

Our community is deeply connected to the global economy. Over 6.5% of our community is comprised of immigrants. The Global Ties KC #DiverseKC initiative began in 2020 to shine light on the vibrant international communities and global ties that connect the Heartland to the world.

To explore the diversity in Kansas City, visit www.diversekc.org, powered by Global Ties KC.
Visit DiverseKC.org
GLOBAL DIPLOMACY MISSION

Our Mission Hasn’t Changed

For over 70 years, Global Ties KC has facilitated citizen diplomacy in both Kansas and Missouri and provided our communities with opportunities to interact with other cultures. A special focus is placed on the next generation of leaders for whom we empower by hosting youth exchanges and our Youth Diplomats program.

70 YEARS OF FACILITATING CITIZEN DIPLOMACY

Timeline

1954 – A group of globally-minded individuals in Kansas City meet for the first time

1991 – The group restructures as a 501c3 under the name the International Visitors Council of Greater KC

2014 – The organization changes its name to Global Ties KC

2019 – The organization creates the Youth Diplomats Institute

For over 70 years, Global Ties KC has facilitated citizen diplomacy in both Kansas and Missouri and provided our communities with opportunities to interact with other cultures. A special focus is placed on the next generation of leaders for whom we empower by hosting youth exchanges and our Youth Diplomats Institute.

CITIZEN DIPLOMACY:

The concept that every global citizen has the right, even the responsibility, to engage world cultures and create mutual understanding through meaningful person-to-person interactions.

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OUR TEAM

Staff and Board of Directors

In a normal year the local community dedicates over 18,000 hours of volunteer time to ensure the success of our programs (the welcoming experience of our visitors). It truly takes a village! The Global Ties KC staff are career professionals in international exchange programming and supported by a board of directors, interns, and the greater community.

Meet Our Staff and Board
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Get Involved

Subscribe

Join the newsletter list to receive once a month updates on ways to get involved.

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Join an Event

Meet international leaders at an upcoming event.

 

RSVP
Donate

Support exchange by giving monetary donations.

 

Donate
Host

Sign up to serve as a host family this year.

 

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ABOUT OUR GLOBAL DIPLOMACY MISSION

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many ways to interact with our programs and international leaders! The easiest way is to attend our community events. We also have dinner hosting opportunities, known as home hospitality. Home hospitality hosts can typically expect to 2-4 visitors to arrive at their home via rideshare to share a home-cooked meal, and then return to the hotel via rideshare. Many home hospitality hosts invite their friends and families as well! For those looking for a longer commitment, some programs require visitors to stay overnight in local homes for 1-2 weeks. Fore more information, or to sign up to be a host, visit our hosting page.

Global Ties KC is a standalone 501c3 and relies upon local donors to help support staff salaries, community events, and our growing Youth Diplomat program. All Youth Diplomats participate free of cost. This program is only possible through donations.

We partner with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and embassies across the world for most of our international exchange programs. International visitors apply to participate in some cases; but for most, in particular the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), there is no application process. Participants are hand picked by US embassies based on leadership qualifications.

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