Dear Friends,

Spring is a season of new growth and celebration and as we welcome the new season, many of us consider childhood memories of life in a different time and place. For long-standing immigrants and newcomers alike, these memories may bring feelings of joy, but also yearnings for past experiences and celebrations from another country.

At International House, we take great pride in being a "home away from home" and community resource for foreign-born residents as well as a place for local folks to interact and learn about different cultures. We host ethnic clubs and associations, incubate non-profits that focus on promoting cultural awareness, and provide a variety of programs and services that we hope bring back fond memories of cultural activities, languages spoken and traditions held in countries throughout the world. If you feel melancholy about any cultural traditions not broadly celebrated here in Charlotte, whether you are foreign or American born, I encourage you to become involved in International House and help us to plan a program that will honor a nation, culture or ethnicity and promote international understanding. We are here to serve you!

As for organizational updates, I am pleased to announce that International House has officially joined the "Global Charlotte" alliance of nonprofits. The alliance enhances Charlotte's strengths as a global city and raises awareness of our global connections. The Charlotte Regional Partnership (CRP) initially led this effort by identifying the need and worked toward the Global Charlotte alliance. CRP is an organization dedicated to regional collaboration to foster a strong economic base across the 16 county area in North and South Carolina. The founding members of Global Charlotte are the Charlotte Regional Partnership, World Affairs Council of Charlotte, International House, Charlotte Sister Cities and the Mayor's International Cabinet, who will serve as the lead organization for the alliance in this next phase.

Being an ambassador for our region comes naturally to us as we coordinate the professional and cultural programming for well over a hundred international visitors per year. Over the next few months, we will be hosting youth groups from Germany and Iraq as well as a group of health care professionals from Belarus.

I encourage you to consider being an ambassador for our region through a professional, educational or home hosting volunteer opportunity. More information about volunteer opportunities is available on our website, www.ihclt.org.

Thank you for your support and involvement of International House!

Bill Garcia
Executive Director

Read More About our Programs and Services

International Poetry Night
April 4, 2008, 7 to 9 PM

International House will be hosting an International Poetry Night featuring Open Mic poems in diverse languages. Featured special guests are Jonathan Rice, Editor/Publisher of Iodine Poetry Journal, and Maureen Ryan Griffin, author of "Spinning Worlds into Gold, a Hands-on Guide to the Craft of Writing". Beginner, immediate, and advanced poets of all cultural backgrounds and poetry enthusiasts are welcome.

Program Management Conference
April 7-9, 2008

Immigration Attorney Anne Crotty will attend a program management conference for non-profit immigration law clinics sponsored by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. Her participation is funded by a grant from the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation.

Spring Session of Citizenship Classes
April 13, 2008

International House is kicking off spring by starting the spring citizenship class session:

• Spring Session: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, and 11

The citizenship sessions prepare eligible residents for the Citizenship test and interview. The classes meet on five consecutive Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The classes are offered only in English and are limited to 30 students.

For more information, please contact Jelena Giric-Held or Maria Alarcon at 704-333-8099.

High performance non-profit management
April 17, 2008

On April 17th, the Harvard Business School Global Outreach Program will host "Managing for High Performance in the Nonprofit World." Executive Director Bill Garcia plans to attend this event to "gain new approaches and techniques that ultimately increase the effectiveness" of International House. Special topics include defining high performance in a nonprofit setting and maintaining high performance over time.

Health Professionals from Belarus
May 1 - 22, 2008

International House will be hosting a Community Connections program delegation of ten health professionals from Belarus for the program theme "Mother and Child Health." This delegation will be in Charlotte through International House, World Learning, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The goal of this program is to provide our international visitors with the vision and expertise needed to assist health, social workers and educators to learn best practices of essential public health interventions.

"Windows on America"
April 24 - May 5, 2008 & May 7 - May 20, 2008

We will be hosting two groups of ten German high school student ambassadors through the "Windows on America" program. These guests will be in Charlotte through a program sponsored by International House, World Learning, and the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. The Windows on America Program will provide the participants with a quick immersion in U.S. culture and society through a structured program that will offer them new lenses to see the world and themselves.

As real ambassadors, they are expected to convey a part of Germany to their U.S. hosts, at the same time as they absorb impressions of the United States. We will introduce the students to the principles of democracy, civil society and youth leadership, and the diversity within this society. The program will highlight community service and student activism as catalysts for leadership and youth empowerment through participation in programs with students at the High Schools that they will attend briefly.

**Interested in Volunteering?**


We are looking for assistance with the following:

• Home Hosts, reception hosts, and/or cultural hosts
• Leads on discounts and/or free cultural museums and activities
• Transportation ambassadors
• High School Partners
• Professional and practical training contacts for the Youth Ambassador Leadership delegations

April 26, 2008

Sponsored by International House, the Mecklenburg County Bar, and the Latin American Coalition, the free workshop provides information and assistance in filing for routine naturalization cases.

Prospective naturalization applications may register for the workshop by calling Maria Alarcon at International House at 704-333-8099 or e-mail malarcon@ihclt.org.

For the April 21st meeting of the book club, members have selected the work of Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin, "Three Cups of Tea".

Some failures lead to phenomenal successes, and this American nurse's unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second tallest mountain, is one of them. Dangerously ill when he finished his climb in 1993, Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small Pakistani village of Korphe; in return, he promised to build the impoverished town's first school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute, which has since constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Coauthor Relin recounts Mortenson's efforts in fascinating detail, presenting compelling portraits of the village elders, con artists, philanthropists, mujahideen, Taliban officials, ambitious school girls and upright Muslims Mortenson met along the way. As the book moves into the post-9/11 world, Mortenson and Relin argue that the United States must fight Islamic extremism in the region through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access to education, especially for girls. Captivating and suspenseful, with engrossing accounts of both hostilities and unlikely friendships, this book will win many readers' hearts.

NEW: Park Road Books will give a 15% discount to International House book club members when purchasing books on the book club list!

*** International Book Club is an open invitation for anyone who is interested in dialogue on good books by international authors and themes. The club meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at International House.***

Read more about the International Book Club

SAVE THE DATE:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008
6:30PM - 12:00AM

HILTON CHARLOTTE CENTER CITY

COCKTAILS, DINNER, ENTERTAINMENT, LIVE AND SILENT AUCTIONS AND DANCING TO "SECOND NATURE"

The 20th Anniversary Gala is co-chaired by Stefanie Staton and Anna Wilbanks.

If you are interested in joining the Gala Committee - the next meeting is Friday, April 11, at 10am at International House.

The 2008 Gala benefit fundraiser, is an all-volunteer event produced by the Gala Committee and International House. All proceeds from the Gala support the programs and services of International House.

International House is a leading non-profit organization promoting international understanding by serving as a center for diversity, advocating for people of diverse national backgrounds and facilitating professional and cultural exchange programs.

For more information call International House at 704-333-8099.

"A Light on the Runway" Author at Doorways

April 2, 2008

Mrs. Jan Haack of Donald Haack's Diamonds will talk to us about her book, "A Light on the Runway". Jan and Donald Haack have an extensive experience in the diamond industry from the mines to the glittering facetted pieces in the showroom windows.

Doorways thanks Mieke Chalmers, Sheila Bennett, Carmen Hilton and Lara Printz for their help in securing guest speakers from now through April 2008!

Volunteers are needed for Doorways meetings to provide refreshment and to help with set-up at 9:30a.m. If you are interested, please call Lakana Bikhazi at (704) 906-0883.

***Open to International and American women, this educational program promotes social and cultural exchange. The group's monthly meetings feature high- profile speakers.***

International House appreciates ALL contributions to our organization. Your in-kind donations to International House are tax-deductible.

We are currently looking for:

• Pro-bono IT support and network maintenance
• Upholstery for the parlor sofa and armchairs

Thank you for your donation!

International House and inlingua now offer a special membership level for inlingua clients who become International House Members.

Special Member benefits*:

• 5% tuition discount and 2 free sessions of 1.5 hours each on private and semi-private (2 people) language courses;
• Free initial evaluation upon signing up for Accent Reduction program;
• Employment search resources upon completion of Medical Interpreting Course

Regular Member benefits:

• Free participation in various language conversation hour groups, held at IH;
• Discounted rates to group program, Talk 20, for IH conversation hour participants;
• Discounted rates on IH sponsored music, art, and cultural events and programs;
• Free subscription to the International House bi- monthly e-newsletter;
• Advanced notification of cultural ambassador opportunities for upcoming international professional and cultural exchange groups visiting Charlotte;
• Priority access to specialized educational services for internationals (eligibility criteria may apply)

* Contingent upon continuation of International House-inlingua Language Skills Membership agreement.
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IMPORTANT NEWS
inlingua is now certified to issue and accept students on an M-1 visa!

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International House offers informal conversation time with native speakers in a comfortable setting.


Join us for French on Tuesdays 12-1 pm and Wednesdays 7-8 pm and Spanish on Wednesdays 12-1 pm and Thursdays 7- 8pm

If you would like to get involved and learn more about the language conversation hours please contact Lara Printz at 704-333-8099.

All language conversation hours take place at International House, 322 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204.

The conversation hours are open to the public, free of charge.

Just drop by...

***The language conversation hours are offered in partnership with inlingua. inlingua offers language training and intercultural training in any language, for:

• Business travel
• Personal improvement
• Relocation
• Work relations
• Tourism & Fun

For more information contact Colleen Blanchard, Program Director at 704.553.8836.

04/02 10 am Doorways Monthly Meeting

04/02 6 pm Peace Corps Meeting

04/03 7 pm Italian Conversation Hour

04/04 7 pm International Poetry Night

04/05 6 pm KWA Human Association

04/06 2:15 pm Friendship Force Meeting

04/06 4 pm MECC Monthly Meeting

04/07 7 pm Free English Class

04/08 5 pm Friendship Force Meeting

04/10 7 pm Italian Conversation Hour

04/11 10 am Gala Committee Meeting

04/13 1 pm Citizenship classes

04/14 6:30 pm Japanese Conversation Hour

04/16 6 pm enlace (Latin American Council) Meeting

04/20 1 pm Citizenship classes

04/20 6:30 pm Charlotte Baha'i Community Meeting

04/21 7 pm Book Club Monthly Meeting

04/24 7 pm Spanish Conversation Hour

04/27 1 pm Citizenship classes

04/27 4 pm Islamic Center Meeting

*Public attendance is determined by listing organizations.

For more events and the language conversation hours schedule, please visit our calendar of events.

Free Family Immigration Seminar
March 8, 2008

The African Council sponsored a free immigration forum discussing issues related to family immigration. The seminar was kicked-off by performances highlighting various African traditions.The panelists included Attorney George Miller, Dozier, Miller, Pollard & Murphy Associates; Attorney Elizabeth R. Edwards, C.A. Aziz, P.A. and Attorney Chris Greene, Greene & Associates. The panel discussion and Q&A session was moderated by Immigration Attorney Anne Crotty, Ginter Immigration Law Clinic at International House.
International House would like to say a big THANK YOU to all the wonderful panelists, volunteers, and performers who made this event possible.

Neighborhood Symposium
March 8, 2008

Laura Young, Paralegal and Program Associate, represented International House at a panel discussion alongside Mr. Rafael Prieto, editor in chief of Mi Gente Weekly Newspaper and Mr. Assim Mohammed representing the Charlotte Area Muslim Professionals for the 13th Annual Neighborhood Symposium held at the Charlotte Convention Center on March 8. The Neighborhood Symposium was organized by Arissa El-amin from the Neighborhood Services Division of the City of Charlotte in an effort to develop and support community leaders for stronger neighborhoods. The panel discussion, entitled "Charlotte - A Modern Welcoming Pot" focused on different ways in which to involve immigrants in the neighborhood community and provided insight on confronting language barriers and cultural differences. The discussion provided a healthy dialogue in which people could address their concerns and provided the perfect outreach opportunity for the International House to introduce our resources and capabilities to various communities within the Charlotte area as they address these specific challenges.

The Echo Foundation's First Annual Dickson Award
March 12, 2008

Executive Director, Bill Garcia attended the Echo Foundation's 11th Annual Award Against Indifference dinner in uptown Charlotte. Two science teachers, Julie McConnell and Mike Kowalski, from North Mecklenburg High School were honored by the Echo Foundation for their work in "advancing the intellectual and ethical development of Charlotte's young people."

"The Role of Youth in the U.S. Political Process"
March 12-15, 2008

The Citizen Diplomacy Programs hosted a delegation of six comprised of University student activists, young elected officials and political party leaders from various African countries for a program focusing on "The Role of Youth in the U.S. Political Process." The program examined the role of young political leaders in the U.S. Participants met with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, various youth university groups, Kids Voting, and Providence Day School to learn more about the U.S. political system, from college campuses to political party activism and from appointive to elective offices.

Eastern Forms of Meditation Seminar
March 14th, 2008

Renowned yogi Ranjit Deora led a seminar at International House on March 14, exploring the healing power of meditation. Yogi Ranjit Deora is an experienced master, who taught corporate wellness programs & Yoga therapy in major cities such as New York and Charlotte.

Educators from Malaysia
March 15-19, 2008

International House hosted a delegation of six including principals and headmasters, educators and curriculum administrators from Malaysia for a program focusing on "The U.S. Primary and Secondary School Systems". Through meetings with Charlotte Jewish Day School, Charlotte Islamic Academy, Charlotte Observer, a Protestant school, and UNCC Religious studies, these Islamic educators became familiar with the ways in which religious educational institutions in the U.S. coordinate the teaching of faith-based curricula with secular educational requirements.

"US Financial Systems"
March 19-22, 2008

The Citizen Diplomacy Programs of International House hosted a group of twenty investment analysts, bankers, Chamber of Commerce officials, academics, government financiers, trade officials, and journalists covering finance, business, public policy and economics from various world countries for a program focusing on "U.S. Financial Systems". The program examined U.S. financial markets in their domestic and global contexts and explained U.S. perspectives on international economic and monetary issues. Members of the community discussed U.S. investment in emerging markets and programs that assist developing markets.

Women Leaders
March 19-24, 2008

International House hosted six women from Malaysia, Israel, People's Republic of China, Turkey, Uganda, and United Kingdom for a program focusing on "NGO's and Global Women's Issues". The program examined the impact of the non-profit sector in developing initiatives that increase women's political participation, economic opportunities, and access to education and health care and examined the partnerships between government and non-governmental organization in addressing global women's issues.

International House invites you to play a key role in promoting international understanding and making a difference in the world. Share your home with our international visitors, soon to become new friends!

We are looking forward to hosting a delegation of 10 health professionals from Belarus. The goal of this program is to provide our international visitors with the vision and expertise needed to assist health professionals, social workers and educators to learn the best practices of essential public health interventions.

The benefits of being a Home Host:

• Experience the joys and rewards of being a cultural ambassador
• Discover a new culture and its customs
• Help to promote Charlotte and U.S. culture
• Be an integral part of and help give back to your community
• Make new friends!

 

We are looking for Home Hosts during the following time frames:

• Option 1: Thursday, May 1st - Friday, May 9th
• Option 2: Friday, May 9th - Monday, May 19th

If you would like to help by becoming a Home Host, please contact Ms.Linh Le, Project Manager at (803) 417 - 4509, or Ms.Lara Printz, Senior Program Manager, at (704) 342-2247.

La Tertulia de Espana
April 8, 2008

The Latin American Coalition presents La Tertulia de Espana, celebrating La Feria de Seville. Traditional dance performances, the Language of the Fan, live Spanish music, poetry and literature, a Spanish cultural exhibition are part of the celebration. Delicious paella will be provided by the Cafe Central and churros and bunuelos will be provided by BIMBO Bakeries.

When: April 8th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Where: The Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28027
Cost: This event is FREE, however reservations are required. Please RSVP to 704.531.3848 in English or 704.941.6732 in Spanish.

International Environmental Forum
April 11th, 2008

Presented by the UNC Charlotte Environmental Academy, the forum will give participants an opportunity to express ideas and environmental concerns.

Guest speakers will focus on topics such as:

• Indoor Air Quality
• Health Issues
• Environmental Stewardship
• Engage in discussions

When: April 11th, 2008 from 12 to 3 pm
Where: UNC Charlotte, College of Health of Human Services Building, Room 128
Cost: FREE

Zakir Hussain and the Masters of Percussion
April 13, 2008

Presented by the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Under the direction of percussion legend Zakir Hussain, The Masters of Percussion will offer the audience an opportunity to experience both melodic (raga) and rhythmic (tala) development as well as witness the dazzling and athletic dancing drummers of Manipur. The tour includes accomplished sarangi player Dilshad Khan, descended from a rich lineage of talented musicians. He has performed throughout the world and his music has been heard on the silver screen of Bollywood and Hollywood.

The concert will feature the traditional repertoire of North Indian drumming on tabla in solo and duet as well as excursions exploring the frontier between traditional and contemporary, between folk and classical.

When: April 13th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Where: Belk Theater, 130 North Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Tickets: Call 704.372.1000 or order online at www.blumenthalcenter.org

"Tango Nights" Workshop
April 16, 2008

Join us for a taste of Argentina as the Blumenthal Center's Education Institute partners with the Charlotte Tango Society and Marvin Creek Community to offer a FREE tango workshop featuring local Tango artists Daniel Arredondo and Talia Buitrago.

When: Wednesday, April 16th, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Marvin Creek Amenity Center (Ballantyne Area), 515 Briar Patch Terrace, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Must RSVP: 704.348.5784 or e-mail eiprograms@ncbpac.org

One workshop participant will win two free tickets to the upcoming performance of Forever Tango at the Belk Theatre May 5th-6th, 2008!

All participants will receive a special voucher to be redeemed at the Blumenthal Box Office for a $15 ticket to the public show!*

*We encourage participants to redeem vouchers early to ensure that they take advantage of the $15 tickets, since they are subject to availability.

Dances of India
April 19, 2008

Presented by internationally acclaimed performer Dr. Maha Gingrich and Group

Experience the traditional Indian classical and folk dances. Enjoy the rhythms of international dance styles at Central Piedmont Community College.

When: Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:00 p.m.
Where: CPCC-Central Campus-Dale F. Halton Theater
Cost: School Age Children $5 Adults $8
For tickets, call CPCC Box Office at 704.330.6534 or http://halton.cpcc.edu

Free parking in the faculty/staff parking deck off 4th Street.

Open Casting Call

Bojangles is launching a new ad campaign!

We are looking for all types of real international people - young, old and everything in between to audition for roles in our commercials that will be shot at the end of April.

If you are interested please contact:

Lisa@lcorum21@earthlink.net or Michelle@mtowse@optonline.net

International House is looking for an interpreter for our Language Interpretation Program.

The following languages are needed:

• Spanish
• Arabic
• Cambodian
• Greek
• Chinese
• Gerei
• Korean
• Somali
• Vietnamese
• Russian
• Sign Language
• Portuguese

For more details, please contact Jelena Giric- Held at 704-333-8099.

Bill Garcia attended the March 25th meeting of the Junior League of Charlotte (JLC) Community Advisory Board. One of the discussion items was the League's interest in developing partnerships with community-based organizations in support of their effort to expand health care access, not only through JLC's new Family Resource Center, but also through community partnerships.

International House is proud to support JLC healthcare outreach efforts by providing volunteer interpreters for the May 17th, Kids HealthLink held at Ashley Park Elementary.

If you have an interest in serving as a volunteer interpreter (in Spanish, Vietnamese and Japanese), please contact Maria Alarcon, International House Client Services Coordinator, at 704-333-8099.

The Junior League of Charlotte is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.