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LATE SUMMER EDITION 2011 | Inspiring our Community to Understand Global Issues and Cultures in an Ever Changing World
Tuesday, September 20
Culture Through Cuisine: Nepal MIC members and guests only
Located on the southern end of the Himalayas, Nepal is one of the world’s most beautiful places. Nepal’s ethnicity and friendly culture have distinguished the Nepali. Typical Nepali cuisine has its own identity, with a blend of tastes from rice-based North Indian curries and sweets, to the dumplings and noodles from influences of Tibet and China. Everest on Grand makes each dish from scratch with locally-available herbs and imported spices, bringing the Himalayan dining experience to Minnesota. Our menu will include dumplings, chicken tikka masala, lamb and eggplant curries, pulao rice, daal and more. Special guests from Nepal will join us to spice up the conversation. When: Tuesday, September 20; 6:30 – 8:30 P
Cost: $35/person incl. tax & gratuity. Wine & beer cash bar.
Where: Everest on Grand, 1278 Grand Avenue, St. Paul
Advance registration REQUIRED
Saturday, October 29
Great Decisions: Foreign Policy and the Media 4th Annual Great Decisions Conference
We saw the incredible power of social media as “the Arab Spring” unfolded. How will “instant information” on an international scale affect future news coverage and decision-making? How can leaders and the public evaluate source credibility and acquire needed context and background? Is there still a role for the traditional media? Whose responsibility is it to make sure that the public is well informed about international issues? How do media organizations shape Major cosponsors: public opinion and foreign policy? How can citizen education and engagement The Foreign Policy Association & The Star Tribune initiatives such as Great Decisions play a role? Confirmed speakers include: Tom Hanson (former Foreign Service Other cosponsors: Officer); Noel Lateef (Foreign Policy Association); Alisa Miller (Public Radio The Stanley Foundation; Upper Midwest Chapter – International); John Rash (Star Tribune); and Keith Porter (The Stanley American Foreign Service Association; St. PaulFoundation). Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations; Alliance for Lifelong Learning Minnesota When: Saturday, October 29: 8:30 A - 3:30 P
Where: Continuing Education and Conference Center 1890 Buford Avenue, U of M St. Paul Campus MI N N ESOTA I N T ER NAT I O NAL C EN T ER
Cost: MIC members $40; Non-members $50; Students $20 Advance registration required by October 21 M i n n e s o t a ’ s D o o r t o t h e Wo r l d
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Connecting Immigrant Communities Across Cultures By Daniel Gethun, International Visitor Leadership Program Manager Although phone books are quickly becoming artifacts for history museums, scrolling through one in Minnesota reflects the state’s deeply-rooted Scandinavian heritage: Anderson. Holmquist. Erickson. Lundgaard. Olson. Ali? Minnesota’s demographics are rapidly changing, but the state recently had the unique opportunity to connect with its Nordic roots - by way of Somalia. In early May, the MIC’s International Visitor Leadership Program hosted a delegation of 10 emerging leaders from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, who visited the Twin Cities to examine how the local Somali population has developed successful models of social, political, and economic integration. While the Twin Cities has long been a resettlement destination and is home to the largest American populations of Hmong, Karen and Liberian refugees, the state’s Somali population is the largest and perhaps most nationally recognized. The 2010 U.S. Census found that more than 1 in 3 Somalis in the U.S. live in Minnesota (primarily in Minneapolis but increasingly in suburban areas); unofficial local reports estimate up to 100,000 Somalis may reside here. Minneapolis was thus a logical city stop for these SomaliNordic visitors, all of whom were Somali immigrants in their respective countries, and the local Somali community was thrilled to share with the delegation their success in various areas of civil society. The group discussed economic integration and small business development with Mr. Hussein Samatar, who founded the Minneapolis-based African Development Center (ADC) and has won national and international acclaim for his culturally-minded economic development programs. They toured local Somali malls, and enjoyed a meal with the owner of Safari Express, a popular Twin Cities eatery serving East African delicacies (several adventurous visitors ordered the camel burger). Additional professional appointments included meetings with Somali representatives in city government and academia. The group learned about educational considerations for Somali students through a visit to the Somali Education Center, and also
discussed youth outreach and efforts in combating extremism with community leaders in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, the most densely populated area of the city and home to thousands of Somalis. It is in this neighborhood that national attention has been focused in recent years because of Somali youth being recruited to join militias in the Horn of Africa; a situation which the local Somali population feels has been the focus of unnecessarily excessive media attention. The broader international implications of Somalis in the United States were also a topic of a meeting with U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN), the country’s first Muslim Congressman. Rep. Ellison’s district includes Minneapolis, providing him with insight into the Somali experience in the U.S., and, as Minnesota’s first African-American member of Congress, a unique personal experience from which to discuss minority participation in the political process. As often happens with the IVLP program, the meeting ran an hour longer than scheduled, with Rep. Ellison imparting to the visitors the importance of diplomatic partnerships between the U.S. and the Nordic Countries. In addition to a packed professional itinerary, the visitors enjoyed home hospitality and also attended a reception held in their honor by members of the local Nordic and Somali communities in the Twin Cities. The short visit to Minnesota proved incredibly meaningful for both the participants and the professional resources. Immediate friendships were made, the seeds of long-term partnerships were planted, and the illusion of a “nationality of a name” was perhaps forever shattered.
Building person-to-person relationships “one handshake at a time.” The International Visitor Leadership Program is sponsored by National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) and is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State under the authority of the Fulbright-Hayes Act. www.nciv.org
MIN N ESOTA I N T ER NAT I O NAL C EN T ER
M i n n e s o t a ’ s D o o r t o t h e Wo r l d
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Letter from the President This summer we are working hard to produce another successful program year for the Minnesota International Center. Our 2012 gala will be a Celebration of Türkiye and plans are already underway to strengthen ties between Minnesota and Turkey. We have some great programs coming up this fall, including our 4th annual Great Decisions conference on Saturday, October 29. Join us for a day of critical thinking and enlightened discussion. Minnesota is proud to sponsor 55 Great Decisions groups across the state, which is the largest number for any state in the nation! The conference topic is “Foreign Policy and
the Media” and we are thrilled to have the support of the Star Tribune which will be partnering with us on a yearlong Great Decisions project. Please make sure to read MIC staff member Daniel Getahun’s fascinating article on the Somali-Nordic visitors that we hosted this spring in Minnesota. In light of the recent tragedy in Norway and subsequent discussions about the lightning rod topic of multi-culturalism in Europe, his article presents a thoughtful discussion about the value of the International Visitor Leadership program and the education it affords both Minnesotans and the international visitors. As President of the Minnesota International Center, I am always delighted to speak to other organizations about MIC, its programs and mission. In the coming
month, I will be presenting to the Association of Retired Foreign Service Officers; the new Great Decisions discussion group at the Minneapolis Women’s Club; and a meeting of the Honorary Consuls in Minnesota. In addition, I will be meeting with the Turkish American Association of Minnesota to discuss the upcoming visit of the Mr. Fatih Yildiz, Turkish consul general from Chicago, and MIC’s upcoming Celebration of Türkiye. We couldn’t fulfill our mission without the wonderful support of our members and we thank you. We look forward to seeing you this fall at MIC programs!
Carol Engebretson Byrne, President
News from the Board of Directors As always at this time of year, MIC has to say “thank you and farewell” to those members of its board of directors whose terms of service have expired. The following directors will be leaving the MIC board but not the MIC family: Dr. Daryoush Allaei, CEO, QRDC, Inc. Melissa Camarena, MCM Designs Mary Jane Carlson Richard E. Weiner, shareholder, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. But we are also privileged to welcome new directors who will continue the work of their predecessors in ensuring the future strength of the organization: Christopher Berger, principal, Berger Brands Pablo Gaito, Tartan leader Human Resources, Cargill, Inc. Michael Hoff Jay Novak, client advisor for Aethlon Capital Guy Sanschagrin, tax director, Global Transfer Pricing/ Valuation Services, PwC James H. White, President International Sector, Ecolab Inc. We are also pleased to announce that Robert W. Sit, vice president - Research & Investment Management, Sit Investment Associates, Inc., has been elected Board Chair succeeding Susan B. Plimpton who will continue on the board as Past Chair. Board member Leni D. Moore has graciously agreed to succeed Rob Sit as Board Treasurer.
Every Member Counts! Membership is a key source of income for MIC. Thanks to our members’ support, MIC provides opportunities for Minnesotans to learn about the world. But it’s not only enlightening, it’s fun too! Memberships begin at $75 per household and directly support MIC’s mission. Join now at www.micglobe.org or call Tricia at 612.625.0620.
MIC member discounts for Walker Art Series: Despair Be Damned: New Music and Dance from the Congo September 23 and 24 at 8:00 P Dance: Faustin Linyekula/Studios Kabako Where: Walker McGuire Theater, Minneapolis Cost: Discounted tickets for MIC Members $21. September 27 at 8:00 P Music: Staff Benda Bilili Where: Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis Cost: Discounted tickets for MIC members $25 To obtain tickets: call the Walker box office (612.375.7600) and mention the Minnesota International Center discount.
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Minnesota International Center’s mission: Inspiring our community to understand global issues and cultures in an ever changing world
An Outstanding Evening Celebrating France...In Minnesota
Culture Through Cuisine
300 MIC members and guests enjoyed an outstanding gala celebrating France and raised $226,000 to support the programs of the Minnesota International Center. The food was spectacular, the entertainment provided by Maria Jette, Laura Hynes-Smith and the VocalEssence Ensemble conducted by Philip Brunelle, was sensational and a great time was had by all who attended. It seems that every year our Galas outdo each other in terms of fundraising, delicious food and enjoyment for the attendees. This really puts the pressure on the following year’s event. So standby for a one-of-a-kind Celebration of Türkiye in 2012.
MIC members and guests have enjoyed the cuisine and culture of Afghanistan (Da Afghan), Russia (Moscow on the Hill), France (Meritage), Persia (Atlas Grill) and Brazil (Samba) since MIC began its Culture through Cuisine program this year. We have received very positive feedback following each of these events. So don’t miss your chance to socialize with other MIC members and enjoy the cuisines and cultures of the world. More events are planned for September, November, January, March and May. Join us for Nepal on September 20. see page 1
Career Building Socials
Dinner Hosting: Try It – You’ll Like It!
MIC’s Social Happenings
Most of the international visitors who come to Minnesota are on a 3-week trip where every day is filled from morning to night with professional meetings, checking into hotels, checking in at airports, and eating meals in restaurants and hotels. Dinner hosting is an unique opportunity for international visitors to kick back, relax and enjoy time spent with “ordinary” Americans. International visitors regularly list dinner hosting in an American home as the highlight of their visit. What dinner hosting isn’t… What dinner hosting can be… »» Stressful »» A potluck with neighbors and »» Expensive friends »» A 4-course candlelight dinner »» Take-out pizza (unless, of course, that’s what you »» A BBQ like to do!) »» Your favorite recipes
70 people enjoyed conversation with each other and with General Consul of Canada Martin Loken and Consul of Mexico Ana Luisa Fajer at the Uptown Cafeteria on July 12. The Consuls talked about their education and how they entered foreign diplomacy. They also spoke about their current duties as representatives for their respective governments. There was discussion about the primary issues between their respective countries and the U.S.; for Canada, one issue was trade, with Canada as a leading trade partner with the U.S.; for Mexico, an issue was immigration and the need to work as partners with the U.S. for mutual understanding. It was a great evening of mingling and networking for all who attended. Watch for details on our next get-together on Careers in International Business on Monday, October 17 at Hell’s Kitchen, downtown Minneapolis. | 4
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Thursday, December 1
WorldQuest International Trivia Competition If you’ve participated before, you won’t want to miss this year’s competition. If you haven’t, now is the time to recruit your brainiest and best-informed friends to test their collective international knowledge against other foreign policy buffs, international nonprofits, global corporations, community groups, college students, and the internationally curious. Topics for WorldQuest 2011 will include: world events, flags and capitals, geography, people in the news, the 2011 Great Decisions Topics, and MIC’s 2012 gala focus country, Turkey. View sample questions from past WorldQuest games at www.micglobe.org, and hints and practice questions on MIC’s Facebook page. When: Thursday, December 1; registration 6:00 P; competition 6:30 – 9:00 P Where: McNamara Alumni Center, U of M (East Bank), 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis Cost: $35 per person/$250 per team. Discount for students: $20 per person/$140 per team
Registration: Priority registration opens to MIC Members ONLY on Tuesday, September 1; Public registration opens on Thursday, September 15 Due to high demand, teams MUST register and submit payment in advance to secure their team’s spot. Academic WorldQuest for High Schools to be held alongside the public competition. View Teachers’ Guide at www.micglobe.org.
COSPONSORED PROGRAMS - DETAILS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MICGLOBE.ORG The Architecture of Erginoğlu & Çalişlar, Slovenia and the EU in the Global World, Twenty Years Later Istanbul, Turkey Thursday, September 29; 1:00 – 2:30 P September 6 – October 23 Speaker: Ambassador Roman Kirn of U.S. Commercial Service and District Slovenia; Introduction: James L. Oberstar Export Council; International Trade The Rose Ensemble Concert Networking Cocktails Saturday, October 8, 2011 & Sunday, Tuesday, September 13; 5:30 – 7:30 P October 9, 2011 Topic: Challenges and Opportunities in Il Poverello: Medieval and Renaissance Selling to Foreign Governments Music for Saint Francis of Assisi
World Affairs Councils of America National Conference Wednesday, November 2 – Friday, November 4 U.S. National Security: Six Top Issues for the 2012 Election 2011 Dialogue for Peace Wednesday, November 15; 6:00- 9:30 P Empowering Women for the Future: A Forum for Engagement and Mobilization
Westminster Town Hall Forum Collaboration MIC will be facilitating the post-forum discussions for the following Westminster Town Hall Forum programs: Thursday, September 15; Norm Ornstein: Broken Government – Where Do We Go From Here? Thursday, October 20; Jeffrey Sachs: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity
When: Concert 11:30 A; forum 12 noon; reception and post-forum discussion 1:00 P Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nicollet Mall and 12th Street, Minneapolis Cost: FREE and open to the public; no registration necessary
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MIC Contributors & Corporate Members Premier ($50,000+) Delta Air Lines, Inc. Medtronic, Inc./Medtronic Foundation Millennium ($30,000+) 3M/3M Foundation Best Buy Co., Inc./Best Buy Children’s Foundation General Mills, Inc./General Mills Foundation
Global ($15,000+) Sit Investment Associates, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Executive ($10,000+) The Mosaic Company
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Contributing Patron ($2,500+) David Winton Bell Foundation KPMG LLP Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi RBC Wealth Management Wanner Engineering
Associate Patron ($1,000+) Athwin Foundation Bepex International LLC C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. Gray Plant Mooty Medica Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS Polaris Industries St. Jude Medical Associate ($500+) Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) Global Language Institute Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.C. Julia Knight Inc. QRDC, Inc. Sheer Wind, Inc. Smart Skin, Inc. TripleInk Sponsoring Hotels The Marquette Hotel Radisson Plaza Hotel
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www.micglobe.org | 612.625.4421
Senior Global ($20,000+) Cargill Carlson and The Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation
Leadership Patron ($5,000+) Colwell Industries, Inc. Donaldson Co., Inc. Dorsey & Whitney LLP/Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Ecolab Inc./Ecolab Foundation Faegre & Benson LLP Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. George Family Foundation Horton Holding, Inc. The Lakeland Companies Propel Event Transportation Management Target Corporation Thomson Reuters The Toro Company United Health Group U.S. Bank/Elavon
Inspiring our Community to Understand Global Issues and Cultures in an Ever Changing World
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