Exchange is for Everybody
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In partnership with Global Ties U.S. and the U.S. Department of State, Global Ties Kalamazoo we hosted Global Challenges: Building Locally Driven Solutions in Kalamazoo, a Global Ties U.S. Regional Summit and Learning Lab on July 11 and 12 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Thank you so much to all who attended and engaged with us. You can relive the experience and learn more at the links below.
The Summit explored civic engagement as a strategy to address social challenges we all face globally and locally. Based on program models currently in place in Kalamazoo, we examined innovative solutions to housing, education, workforce development, climate change, indigenous issues, and more. This was a wonderful opportunity to interact directly with diplomats and experts on the national and local levels and develop strong global networks. These connections play a critical role in citizen diplomacy programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which build the trust needed to advance peace and prosperity.
Global Challenges: Building Locally Driven Solutions in Kalamazoo focus areas:
Growing your personal and professional networks through international exchange
Inspiring curiosity and fostering cooperative learning
Developing youth and workforce assets
Creating educational resources
Tackling deep social challenges through collaboration
Connecting Kalamazoo to people from all over the globe for cultural and professional connection - exploring our shared humanity.
366 people from 87 different countries participated in our programs in Kalamazoo in 2024, together with more than 600 local residents.
Whether we measure the impact in better systems, improved services, changed minds, opened hearts, shared food and drink around tables filled with laughter, or lifelong relationships, it’s been a resounding success for the international and local exchange participants who have been a part of Global Ties Kalamazoo (formerly Colleagues International) since 1971.
Mid-pandemic, in 2021, we changed our name to Global Ties Kalamazoo. We’re seeking new ways of making global connection possible for everyone in Kalamazoo, asking ourselves what authentic, meaningful, engaging, multilateral and equitable exchange can be, and we invite you to join us!
Check out our Global and Hyper Local Podcast at Public Media Network (PMN)
Global and Hyper Local
The Global and Hyper Local podcast focuses on the ways that connecting Kalamazoo with the world can enrich the lives of local people and guests from all over. We believe that exchange is for everybody. We do not attempt to solve the world's problems - rather, we explore how profound an impact getting to know each other across difference and geography can have.
Read this lovely piece by Zinta Aistars on the power of our work in Second Wave Southwest Michigan, Aug. 24, 2023
Global Ties Kalamazoo: The Power of Exchange in a Big Little City by Zinta Aistars
From the article: “The home hospitality was the best day of the non-educational part of the whole IVLP program,” Jankowska says. “Though it may sound funny for Americans, it was great to be able to visit an American home and talk to real Americans — and even peek into Leeanne’s fridge! We had an opportunity to try American food, see what our host reads, and talk about everyday life. This is something I have always wanted to see, to experience, and it will be my best memory from the whole trip.”
Get Involved
Bring leaders to your workplace for professional exchange, host visitors in your home, share dinner or your favorite things about Kalamazoo with a group, or join us as a paid intern. Help make our community stronger while making your own world more connected, one relationship at a time. Take our hosting survey and see opportunities here.
Pictured - photos from a handcrafted guide made by visitors to Kalamazoo in 1974 for cohorts of international leaders who would follow in their footsteps in the decades to come.
Our blog
Keep up with the latest on our programs, conversations with international and local partners, and find ways to get involved in real life. We resumed in-person programming in late March 2022 and the future is hybrid.
“Leveraging citizen diplomacy, that’s what we do.”
As part of celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2021, we began a series of interviews with volunteers, hosts, and visitors who have spent time with us in Kalamazoo. Former board president and longtime volunteer, Judy Huth, shared this wonderful story that really gets to the heart of what we do.
Judy Huth on breaking down stereotypes