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March Updates
From the Executive Director:  Telling Our Story

When I am out in the community and asked about International House, I am reminded of the importance of a good "elevator speech".  Often, someone will ask me what I do, and that is easy enough to answer: I am the Executive Director of International House, an incredible nonprofit organization that has been part of the Charlotte landscape for over 30 years. But, then the next question is a bit harder:  "That's nice. But what does International House do?"

 

What is the short answer to that question? International House is not a typical nonprofit with one focus that can easily be described in the span of an elevator ride. We are not a school, law firm, food pantry or homeless shelter. We do not simply address one issue or one area of human need. Rather, we are an interesting blend of programs and direct services that benefit foreign-born residents of Charlotte, international guests, and native Charlotteans. It is a challenge to sum up the good things we do in a few words! >> Read More  

Tri Color Bar  Read Our 2013 Annual Report!

Read the complete Annual Report with photos and updates about our legal clinic, educational programs, citizen diplomacy, cultural programming, 
as well as a complete list of our wonderful sponsors and financial partners in 2013, please click here!
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Citizen Diplomacy in Full Action!
Jennifer Watson and Johnelle Causwell in Washington, DC
By: Jennifer Watson Roberts 
Board President, International House
 
Last month, I joined Johnelle Causwell and Carole Ward, International House's staff for Citizen Diplomacy Programs, at a conference in Washington, DC for the annual meeting of Global Ties US. This organization, formerly known as the National Council for International Visitors, is a group that works closely with the US State Department and its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to host foreign leaders in cities around our country, including Charlotte. These visitors travel here to learn about everything from US law to court operations, banking regulations, social capital, and small business networks.

Many speakers underscored the importance of citizen diplomacy as a tool for furthering US interests on a personal, grassroots level that can have far-reaching impact. Johnelle, Carole and I met with Embassy representatives, business leaders, non-profit executives from around the country, and former Citizen Exchange participants, gaining insight into program opportunities and emerging issues. There were over 700 in attendance at the conference, including representatives from states all over the US as well as several foreign countries. >> Read More 
 
*** 
 

At the Annual Global Ties National Meeting last month, Johnelle Causwell was asked to serve on the 2014/2015 National Committee. She will join Department of State, National Programming Agency and community-based organization representatives on this committee. This is the first time that Charlotte and International House will be represented at the national level. Congratulations, Johnelle!

Tri Color Bar
 Save the Date - Children's World of Play!

Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2014
Time: Noon to 4:00 PM
Location: ImaginOn
Address: 300 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: FREE

 

We are excited to present "A Children's World of Play" on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at ImaginOn! We are looking for performers, artists, dancers and volunteers who would like to participate in the music and arts activities. 
 
If you are interested in performing or volunteering, contact Diana Rojas at childrensworldofplay@gmail.com or 704-333-8099, ext. 111. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rusty Reynolds at rreynolds@ihclt.org, 704-333-8099, ext. 117.  
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Home Hosts Needed for Business Leaders from 
Zambia and Zimbabwe!
 

International House is proud to welcome a group of Business Leaders from Zambia and Zimbabwe in May! Our Citizen Diplomacy team needs  volunteers to host these professional fellows from May 10th to June 1st. Volunteers can host for a part of the time or the whole duration. We are looking for individuals and families to welcome these guests into their homes, serve as cultural ambassadors, assist with transportation on the weekdays with drop-offs at International House around 9:00 am and pick-ups around 5:00pm (carpools can be arranged) as well as provide breakfast and dinner. A Home Host Orientation will be arranged prior to your guest's arrival. 
 
We also need home hosts for our Open World delegation from Serbia who will be staying in Charlotte from April 4th - 12th. Questions? Please contact Johnelle Causwell at jcauswell@ihclt.org or at 704-333-8099, ext. 121.

 
In this Issue
From the Executive Director
2013 Annual Report
Citizen Diplomacy
Children's World of Play
Home Hosts Needed

 
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Naturalization  
Workshop - March 22

 

   The Latin American Coalition is hosting a free naturalization workshop on Saturday, March 22 at 9:00 AM. Come fill out your naturalization application, have an immigration attorney or BIA accredited representative review your documents, and get all the materials you'll need to prepare for your interview. 


This workshop is FREE. 

For more information, 

please call 704-941-2547.

   

Charlotte University - 
March 27

  

   On Thursday, March 27, 2014, join International House for our March "Charlotte University" event! This month's topic will focus on tax assistance. The event will take place from 12:00pm -1:30pm at International House. Free, delicious lunch will be provided.
 
For more information, contact International House at 
704-333-8099.

   

Upcoming 

International Visitors 


Open World delegation from Serbia: April 4th -12th 


Zambia and Zimbabwe Professional Fellows: 

May 10th - June 1st 

 Open World Young Professional Delegation from Russia:

 June 4th - June 11th  

       

Doorways

 

Doorways is a group of international women meeting on the first Wednesday of each month for social and cultural exchanges.

  

The next Doorways meeting will be held at International House on March 5, 2014 at 10:00am.  The speaker for the meeting is Mrs. Jennifer Watson Roberts. 

For more information, please contact Lakana Bikhazi at laklouk12@carolina.rr.com

       

International Book Club 

 

Join our International Book Club! The club explores works by international authors with international settings and themes. 

 

Our book club meets the 
third Monday of 
each month at 7 p.m. 

at International House. The next meeting is Monday,  March 17.  

 

  
 

Language 

Conversation Hours!  
 
International House celebrates language and culture through weekly conversation hours. 
FREE and for all levels! 

 

*No registration required

* Drop-ins welcome

* All ages welcome

* Conversation hours are held at 1817 Central Avenue, 

Room 202  

 

  

News from our Neighbors at Midwood 

  

Universal Institute for 

Successful Aging (UISAC)

(Room 208, 1817 Central Ave.)

  Please join UISAC for:

 

Shake Your Soul and 
Guided Meditation - 
Tuesdays at 6:00pm and 
7:00pm respectively
 
African Dance Classes - Saturdays at 5:00 PM

 

For more information, contact: 

uisac7@gmail.com or 

call 704-491-1186. 

  

www.ihclt.org  ~
 704-333-8099
Where Charlotte Welcomes The World!