Make global exchange possible for everyone in Kalamazoo

Global Ties Kalamazoo (formerly Colleagues International) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization originally created as a seasonal exchange program within the WMU School of Social Work in 1971. We have continued to evolve and expand beyond our original scope to become the professional citizen diplomacy organization we know today. Hosting international youth workers is the longest-standing legacy of our organization, and we would like to extend the opportunity of a meaningful international experiential education experience to our local leaders and up-and-coming leaders in youth development as we continue to celebrate our 50-year milestone.

Your donation of $10 or more today will help:

Give up-and-coming leaders in youth development from Kalamazoo County a meaningful international experience that includes both virtual and in-person (when fully funded) international exchange, focused specifically on the life, career and workforce readiness of Kalamazoo youth.

Launch a series of conversations between local Kalamazoo youth and peers in countries around the world. In partnership with KYDnet and international leaders, this series could cover topics like current events, school post-pandemic, Black Lives Matter, climate justice, entrepreneurship, and more.