global diplomacy mission

To develop sustainable international relationships and connect people through personalized diplomacy.

We believe every person has the right to engage across cultures and create shared understanding through meaningful interactions. This concept is known as citizen diplomacy.

Our mission is to develop and facilitate opportunities for everyone in Kansas and Western Missouri to claim their role as a citizen diplomat.

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Through face-to-face interactions with rising leaders from around the world, people across the U.S. Heartland have the chance to learn and influence global affairs, make new friends, and represent our community all without ever leaving home.

We connect international professionals and emerging leaders in a variety of fields with their Midwest counterparts for the purpose of forging lasting relationships that may one day become a powerful tool for addressing some of our biggest global challenges. While in Kansas and Missouri, we provide our international visitors with opportunities to cultivate deeper connections and more meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

Diversity of Kansas City

Our community is deeply connected to the global economy. Over 6.5% of our community is comprised of immigrants. The Global Ties KC #DiverseKC initiative began in 2020 to shine light on the vibrant international communities and global ties that connect the Heartland to the world.

To explore the diversity in Kansas City, visit www.diversekc.org, powered by Global Ties KC.
 
 
 

Our Mission Hasn’t Changed

For almost 70 years, Global Ties KC has facilitated citizen diplomacy in both Kansas and Missouri and provided our communities with opportunities to interact with other cultures. A special focus is placed on the next generation of leaders for whom we empower by hosting youth exchanges and our Youth Diplomats program.

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Timeline

1954 – A group of globally-minded individuals in Kansas City meet for the first time

1991 – The group restructures as a 501c3 under the name the International Visitors Council of Greater KC

2014 – The organization changes its name to Global Ties KC

2019 – The organization creates the Youth Diplomats Institute

For almost 70 years, Global Ties KC has facilitated citizen diplomacy in both Kansas and Missouri and provided our communities with opportunities to interact with other cultures. A special focus is placed on the next generation of leaders for whom we empower by hosting youth exchanges and our Youth Diplomats program.

Citizen Diplomacy:

The concept that every global citizen has the right, even the responsibility, to engage world cultures and create mutual understanding through meaningful person-to-person interactions.

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Team

In a normal year the local community dedicates over 18,000 hours of volunteer time to ensure the success of our programs (the welcoming experience of our visitors). It truly takes a village! The Global Ties KC staff are career professionals in international exchange programming and supported by a board of directors, interns, and the greater community.

 

Meet our Staff and Board →

About Our Global Diplomacy Mission

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can I meet these visitors?

There are many ways to interact with our programs and international leaders! Some visitors will stay overnight with homestay hosts at their residence. Other visitors stay in hotels and benefit from scheduled home hospitality. Home hospitality hosts can typically expect to pickup 2-6 visitors up from their hotel, take them home for a home-cooked meal, and return them to their hotel. In some cases, hosting may mean breakfast, dinner, dessert, a community picnic, or a family event. We are open to creative hospitality that helps our visitors understand our culture beyond a classroom.

I am thinking about making a donation. What programs will my donation support?

Global Ties KC is a standalone 501c3 and relies upon local donors to help support staff salaries, community events, and our growing Youth Diplomat program. All Youth Diplomats participate free of cost. This program is only possible through donations.

How are international visitors selected to participate in Global Ties KC programs?

We partner with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and embassies across the world for most of our international exchange programs. International visitors apply to participate in some cases; but for most, in particular the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), there is no application process. Participants are hand picked by US embassies based on leadership qualifications.