Farewell to 2023!
Dear Friends,
As we say farewell to 2023, we hope for more peace and joy in the new year. It is a time to reflect on just how much we were able to connect and explore our shared humanity through our work here locally in Kalamazoo this year. We’ve created deep bonds with people from around the world, and continue our work to build a future that looks more equitable, more collaborative, and filled with potential for all of us, in Kalamazoo and everywhere. We could not do so much meaningful exchange with our peers from all over the globe without YOU! Thank you!
Below are a few 2023 highlights:
In 2023, our first full year of in-person exchange since 2019, we hosted 360 emerging leaders from 105 countries in West Michigan. Most of our visitors come to us through IVLP and they are truly the changemakers we need for the future. We also added new programs this year, including YLAI, YAP-Brazil and Central American Youth Ambassadors, alongside many other longstanding initiatives.
We have a wonderful staff and board, and are excited here at Global Ties Kalamazoo, to continue to help craft a future where exchange truly is for everybody.
Through exchange, we explore our shared humanity. Our work is about harnessing the energy that we all find when we learn new things, meet new people, and grapple with the massive challenges that we face – leading to life-changing moments and idea generation.
Thank you so much for believing in the power of exchange to create change, and for being part of what we do. Please consider making a year-end gift to support our work.
To health and happiness in 2024 for everybody, from all of us at Global Ties Kalamazoo!
*This blog post was originally sent as an email on Dec. 29, 2023
