why diplomacy matters

Global Ties KC reminds me how much I love sharing Kansas City with the world and how many incredible people there are around the globe.  Each time I host or attend a Global Ties KC event I meet new friends and can feel the bias I didn’t even know I had melt away.  It is the same feeling I get when I travel except I get to sleep in my own bed at night. We are incredibly lucky to have Global Ties KC to connect the middle of the map to the rest of the world.

Hosting students and adult mentors from around the globe has enriched our lives beyond measure. We are so grateful to Global Ties, KC for expanding our world of friendships!

Being a youth diplomat with Global Ties KC has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I’ve met so many encouraging, supportive people who have helped me improve my community and myself. From networking dinners to being taught origami, to meeting students from El Salvador, Global Ties KC has provided me with eye-opening opportunities I would have never had without the Youth Diplomats program. This organization is truly devoted to helping people and teaching them about this world.

Through my experience with Global Ties KC as a member of the Board of Directors, I’ve been able to see first-hand the incredible impact that the wide range of GTKC programs have, whether facilitating high-level government and industry leaders or working with KC youth to meet their peers across continents . By connecting visitors from around the globe to Kansas Citians, GTKC has made itself a vital part of the citizen-diplomacy effort, allowing our community to proudly represent the best of what our community and country has to offer.

Through my experience as a Global Ties KC Youth Diplomat, I was able to establish meaningful connections and friendships through incredible experiences. I learned so much about leadership and communication that I know I will be able to apply in the future. Thank you Global Ties KC!!

Through my experience as a Global Ties KC Youth Diplomat I was able to retain and learn new cultural experiences, interact with peers that have the same interests, and gain lots of experience.

Through my experience as a Global Ties KC Youth Diplomat Facilitator, I got to grow my knowledge on what I wanted to find in my career post college. I was trusted in a facilitator role for the Kansas YD program where I found my passion for helping others learn about careers, community building, and find what they are most passionate about. GTKC provided me the space to grow and learn the value community strength can create.

Going into the Youth Diplomats Program, I did not fully understand what I was getting myself into. As I progressed in the program, I was equipped with skills and resources not available at school, peers in my age group driven and motivated to make and see change, and leaders who really care. This program increased my interest in global matters, and build my confidence in myself and in my abilities.

Through my experience as a Global Ties KC Board Member the pain of witnessing environmental  decimation, warring nations, political divisions, and mass murders is lessened when involved in the work GLobal Ties does. Our Youth Diplomat Institute is a rich, rich resource for KC area high school students.  As well, the foreign diplomats, students, educators and other guests who visit KC through the Global Ties International Visitor Leadership Program leave stimulated by new ideas and energies. During these visits, GTKC pours unparalleled resources into the development toolkit of countries’ future leaders. Because the world is smaller and more interconnected than ever, I believe that understanding and respecting cultural, religious or ethnic/racial differences can be the  catalyst for removing obstacles to achieving world peace. Global Ties KC, by being a champion of citizen diplomacy, practices spreading understanding and respect for all.

Through my time as a Global Ties KC Board Member, I have been able to connect with people across the globe. From hosting for a short stay to having international visitors over for dinner to online exchange programs, I have been able to learn how to be a better world citizen.