EVENTS
Enjoy mingling with influencers from around the world at IVCLA events. Network at informal mixers and receptions, educate yourself on global issues at discussions and panels, and celebrate the power of global dialogue at our annual events.
Global Awareness Days
Now, it is more important than ever to engage with the world. Solutions to the toughest challenges start with dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. Global Awareness Days is an initiative inspired by our belief that building relationships, increasing understanding and promoting dialogue across cultures are crucial to making the world a better place. Throughout 2018 and 2019, events under the Global Awareness Days initiative will examine five critical, global issues affecting Angelenos and our International Visitors:
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Providing insights on issues regarding refugees and immigrants
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Conveying the importance of climate change and sustainability issues
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Fostering women's empowerment initiatives
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Providing dialogue on LGBTQ rights
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Examining the role of interfaith action in addressing social issues
MOVING STORIES
Human Migration - Causes, Consequences & Community Responses
On September 27th, we kicked off Global Awareness Days with MOVING STORIES: Human Migration - Causes, Consequences & Community Responses, a full-day community forum offering a comprehensive, interactive look at the critical global issue of human migration. By sharing the stories and lived experiences of the people and communities impacted by this issue, we helped build awareness and foster a more compassionate approach to addressing the fundamental human experience of migration.
MOVING STORIES explored:
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The reasons people around the world are forced to flee their homes
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The challenges people face when they leave home
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The response of communities around the world to forced migration
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The impact of forced migration on host countries and communities
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The actions Los Angeles is taking to welcome new families and help them resettle
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The economic and cultural contributions immigrants and refugees bring to the L.A. area
Thank you to our Moving Stories Silver Sponsor, the Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education Services, for your generous support of this event!
Citizen Diplomacy Celebration
Each year IVCLA showcases the importance of citizen diplomacy and global dialogue at our Citizen Diplomacy Celebration. It is always a festive event that brings together members of the Los Angeles County Consular Corps, elected officials, IVCLA members and guests, as well as our special International Visitors. Guests enjoy great food, international wines and the opportunity to help raise funds for IVCLA by bidding on exciting silent auction items and purchasing a ticket (or 10!) for our Year of International Dining Drawing. During the event, we are proud to present our Outstanding Citizen Diplomat and Outstanding Professional Resource Awards. To see a list of past honorees, click here.
2019 Honorees
Outstanding Citizen Diplomat
Norman Arikawa
Norman Arikawa has worked at the Port of Los Angeles for over 40 years and is currently the Assistant Director of Trade Development for the Port. His responsibilities include developing inbound and outbound trade, promoting the port and supporting the staff of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of International Trade. He also coordinates visits by foreign officials to the Port, frequently meeting with heads of state, ministers and ambassadors from around the world. He has arranged discussions at the Port for IVCLA’s International Visitor Leadership Program participants on such topics as trade development, port security and environmental initiatives.
Outstanding Resource
Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment
The Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment supports L.A.'s Neighborhood Council system. Together, the City's 99 Neighborhood Councils form the grassroots, community-based arm of the Los Angeles municipal government. Neighborhood Councils connect the communities they serve to City Hall, advocating on issues like homelessness, housing, public safety, education, parks and sustainability. Since its inception, the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment has been a valuable resource for IVCLA. By sharing its work to ensure the City of Los Angeles is responsive to the varied needs and lifestyles of its diverse communities, the Department has inspired many of IVCLA's international visitors to seek similar goals in their home countries.
2019 Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Fulbright Luncheon
Each Fall, IVCLA welcomes new and returning international Fulbright Scholarship students to the Los Angeles area at a luncheon hosted by Dr. Amarjit Marwah. The luncheon provides a wonderful opportunity for students to meet each other, make connections, and get to know Los Angeles locals. Fulbright students are joined by IVCLA International Visitors, Consular Corps officials, and IVCLA members to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This popular event is always full of good conversation and delicious food – the perfect environment for fostering global friendships! The Fulbright Luncheon is for members only. For more information, please contact Andrea Martinez at amartinez@ivcla.org.
Receptions & Mixers
IVCLA mixers and receptions offer an opportunity for International Visitors, L.A. locals and elected officials, and IVCLA members to share insights, experiences, and opinions in a fun and informal setting. The lively conversations that are fostered build awareness about global issues and improve international understanding. Mixers and receptions are a great environment for a candid, global dialogue that would otherwise not be possible. They are also the perfect opportunity for potential members to learn firsthand how to become a Citizen Diplomat! We look forward to seeing you at our next mixer!
Discussions & Summits
Come join us for a panel discussion, summit or film screening and you'll have the chance to learn something new! Hear a different perspective, be part of a conversation and learn about how to take action on issues that you feel passionate about. Every year, IVCLA partners with organizations, institutions and individuals to host discussions and summits and educate our community about issues that are important to our International Visitors, the L.A. region, and the world. Help us spread awareness about these critical topics by attending our next discussion or summit!
2019's Topics of Focus:
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Providing insights on issues regarding refugees and immigrants
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Conveying the importance of climate change and sustainability issues
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Fostering women's empowerment initiatives
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Providing dialogue on LGBTQ rights
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Examining the role of interfaith action in addressing social issues
Young Professional Events
Young Professional Events are specially designed to provide opportunities for Young Professionals to get to know International Visitors in a casual setting, build friendships with each other, and expand their local and global networks. Young Professional events include film screenings, happy hour meet-ups, potluck dinners, volunteer activities and more!
New YP Event Series: Diplomacy Dialogues!
IVCLA Young Professionals invite you to gather around the table and let the conversation flow as we explore pressing international issues, global challenges and current events in a fun, inclusive and informal environment. Diplomacy Dialogues occur bi-monthly and are held at various locations throughout L.A. Attendance is free and open to everyone. Spread the word and bring a friend!
