www.micglobe.org
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612.625.4421
Communiqué SPRING EDITION 2013
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Bringing the World to Minnesota and Minnesota to the World
Thursday, March 14
Future of Korea In his New Year’s speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appeared to be speaking directly to the South’s new PresidentElect, Park Guyn-hye, when he called for an end to the state of war between North and South Korea and the reunification of the peninsula. But experts differ as to whether the 29-year old novice leader has the will for détente, especially as he has shown no signs so far of curbing the North’s apparently ongoing nuclear weapons and missile build-up. MIC invites you to an evening program on the Future of Korea, featuring a panel discussion about political, security, economic and financial issues pertaining to the Korean Peninsula and U.S.-Korea relations.
Featured Speakers: Dayoun Choi, Second Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Republic of Korea Heather Dresser, Korea Desk Officer, U.S. State Department Troy Stangarone, Senior Director of Congressional Affairs and Trade, KEI
Cosponsors: World Affairs Councils of America and the Korea Economic Institute (KEI) When: Thursday, March 14; registration 6:30 P; program 7:00 P - 8:30 P Where: Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Avenue S, Minneapolis; Parking is available at the 19th Avenue Ramp Cost: MIC members and students $5 (World Affairs vouchers accepted); Non-members $10 Advance registration requested
Friday, April 19
O Canada!
As part of our Celebration of Canada, MIC is offering a luncheon forum with Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer when he will speak about the importance of the relationship between the U.S., Minnesota and our neighbors to the north. Prior to taking up his current position in Washington, Ambassador Doer served as Premier of Manitoba for ten years. During that time, he worked extensively with U.S. Governors to enhance Canada-U.S. cooperation on trade, agriculture, water protection, climate change and renewable energy. Ambassador Doer won three consecutive elections as Premier of Manitoba and in 2005, he was named by Business Week as one of the top 20 international leaders on climate change. MIN N ESOTA I N T ER NAT I O NAL C EN T ER
When: Friday, April 19; registration 11:30 A; luncheon and program 12:00 noon – 1:30 P Where: Windows on Minnesota, IDS Tower, 50th Floor, 80 South 8th Street, Minneapolis Cost: MIC members and students $35; Nonmembers $50 Advance registration required
J O I N T h E C O N v E R S AT I O N
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Saturday, March 2
Portrait of Turkey 2013: Bringing Turkish Culture to Minnesota Classrooms The Minnesota International Center has been selected for a second year by the Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF) to participate in Portrait of Turkey 2013, a program offering education about Turkey and its contributions to the global community. The highlight of this program is the opportunity for middle/high school teachers to participate in a Turkey Study Tour from July 11—July 25, 2013. On Saturday, March 2, MIC is offering a workshop featuring Turkish language, customs, history, family life and the Turkish approach to education. This is a mandatory workshop for educators applying for the study tour, but would be a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about Turkish culture. Anyone wishing to apply for the study tour must submit an essay application to MIC by March 11, 2013. Co-sponsors: Turkish Cultural Foundation and the World Affairs Councils of America When: Saturday, March 2; registration 8:30 A; workshop 9:00 A – 3:00 P Where: Continuing Education and Conference Center,U of MN St. Paul Campus,1890 Buford Avenue; Parking available in adjacent Lot S-104 or in Gortner Avenue Parking Ramp Cost: $20 (includes workshop materials, breakfast and Turkish lunch) Advance registration requested
Monday, March 25
enRoute to Green Technology Careers The field of eco-friendly careers is booming. Join MIC for a discussion with some Minnesota-based green, eco and sustainable insiders. Our panel of experts will chat about the innovative work their organizations do throughout the world and their personal career routes, whether traditional or not. MIC’s enRoute program series was created to engage young, globally-minded professionals and to provide a thoughtful and compelling forum for lively discussion and social networking in the many areas of international career development. When: Monday, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30 P; program from 6:15 – 6:45 P Where: The Happy Gnome, Fireplace Room, 498 Selby Avenue, St. Paul; Free parking in adjacent lot and ample street parking available; The second floor is not wheelchair accessible; please contact MIC for more information. Cost: MIC members and students $5; Nonmembers $10; includes appetizers and cash bar Advance registration requested M IN N ESOTA I N T ER NAT I O NAL C EN TER
Presenters: Turkish Nationals: Belma Erdogan Haug and Kemale Pinar 2012 Turkish Study Tour Teachers: Heidi Berbee, Jan Keavney, Megan O’Reilly and Paul Tuszynski The Turkey Study Tour for Teachers is funded by TCF with the exception of administrative fees up to $800. The actual value of the trip is estimated to be more than $4,500. Please contact Nellie at 612.625.5131 for complete details.
Saturday, June 22
Celebration of Canada Gala
MIC Board Member Guy Sanschagrin and his wife, Kristine, are chairing this Gala. We are honored to have native Canadian Doug Leatherdale and his wife, Louise, serve as Honorary Chairs, and are excited to be working in close collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis for this event. From the menu to our Tour the World auction, the Gala will offer attendees opportunities to sample and explore modern Canada. When: Saturday, June 22, 4:30 – 8:30 P Where: At a private home in Long Lake Cost: Tickets start at $200 per person (Patron and Underwriter opportunities are available at $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000). J O I N T h E C O N v E R S AT I O N
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Great Decisions has been described as ... ”the leading U.S. grass-roots outreach program on world affairs...” Why get involved? • to be better informed about world events and trends • for personal and professional development - whether you are a teacher, business professional, or simply someone who is interested in international issues • to engage in the foreign policy process The Foreign Policy Association’s Cella How to get involved? Award was presented to representatives • Purchase the Briefing Book and DVD from MIC of the Wayzata High School Great • Participate in a discussion group near you Decisions group at MIC’s office in • Start a community or work-based discussion group December 2012. • Teach Great Decisions topics in the classroom (Teacher’s Guide is available) • Read the monthly Star Tribune articles on a Great Decisions topic • Use Great Decisions to prepare for WorldQuest, MIC’s annual international trivia game
MIC says Goodbye to Carol Steinberg Longtime staff member Carol Steinberg is retiring from the Minnesota International Center on February 28, 2013. Carol has worked at MIC since the fall of 1983 when she joined the organization as a parttime temporary employee to coordinate the Minnesota Awareness Project (MAP), where she organized teams of international students to speak to classrooms and community groups in Greater Minnesota, focusing on culture, hunger,
poverty and development issues. In 1987 she became a fulltime staff member, working on MIC’s International Student and Women’s Programs among other initiatives. Since 2001, Carol has coordinated the Great Decisions program in the metro area and in Greater Minnesota. Under her guidance the Great Decisions program has expanded to include training workshops for group leaders and a statewide Great Decisions conference for the past five years. When asked what stands out for her most in her memory about MIC, Carol answered, “The many wonderful and interesting people I have met and the amazing commitment and time contributed by people to MIC’s mission.” Thank you, Carol, for your many years of service to MIC and for recognizing how international interdependence affects people both here and around the world. We wish you much pleasure in your next “Great Decision” as you take on those house projects, gardening, some travel – and perhaps even volunteering!
Great Decisions 2013 Topics Future of the Euro: How did the 2008 global recession contribute to the development of the euro crisis? The health of the euro affects and is affected by the state of the global economy. How can European Union leaders prevent the collapse of the common currency? Egypt: The popular revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 ushered in the promise of radical change. Two years later, what is the state of Egyptian democracy? How will the military and the civilian government balance power? NATO: The responsibility to protect doctrine has become central to modern humanitarian intervention. When should the international community intervene? Why did the West rush to intervene in Libya but not Syria? Myanmar and Southeast Asia: The West has welcomed unprecedented democratic reforms made by the Myanmar government. What challenges must Myanmar overcome before it can fully join the international community? What role can it play in Southeast Asia? Intervention: How did the 2008 global recession contribute to the development of the euro crisis? The health of the euro affects and is affected by the state of the global economy. How can European Union leaders prevent the collapse of the common currency? Iran: Suspicion and a troubled history have blighted U.S.-Iranian relations for three decades. How can the United States and Iran move forward? Is the existence of Iran’s nuclear program an insurmountable obstacle? China in Africa: What interests govern China’s engagement in Africa? Should China’s growing emphasis on political ties and natural resource extraction inform U.S. relations with African nations? Threat assessment (including Global Health): How can the United States address the challenges of a weak economy, homegrown terrorism and nuclear proliferation? What threats and opportunities are presented by the ascendancy of China and by regime change in the Middle East?
Great Decisions is a program of the national Foreign Policy Association, for which the Minnesota International Center is the local affiliate. Visit MIC’s website at www.micglobe.org for complete information on all aspects of the Great Decisions program. |
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Bringing the World to Minnesota and Minnesota to the World
MIC MEMBERS …. Membership has its benefits! Monday, March 18
Tuesday, May 21
MIC is teaming up with Rudy Maxa (“the Savvy Traveler”) to offer MIC members (and their guests) an evening in France at the Lynn on Bryant, the new French-American bistro which has already received rave reviews Chef Peter Ireland has a passionate interest in fresh ingredients combined in seemingly simple ways for complex flavors to please any palate, and Rudy Maxa will talk about his travels in France as members enjoy this wonderful 4-course French dinner.
Cosetta’s, a St. Paul standard, has begun a new chapter in Twin Cities dining with the opening of “Louis Ristorante and Bar” on the 3rd floor of their building. Our Italian Culture through Cuisine will be in an inviting private dining room, with a menu selected especially for MIC members and their guests. Our special guest speaker will be Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of “The Splendid Table.”
When: Monday, March 18; 6:30 – 8:30 P
When: Tuesday, May 21; 6:30 - 8:30 P
Where: The Lynn on Bryant, 5003 Bryant Avenue S, Minneapolis (50th Street at Bryant Avenue)
Where: Louis Ristorante and Bar, 3rd floor, 211 West 7th Street, St. Paul
Cost: $48 per person, prix fixe menu, including tax and gratuity for food.Cash bar for wine and beer. Chef Peter will suggest wine pairings. Advance registration REQUIRED
Cost: $36 per person, prix fixe menu (including tax and gratuity for food); Cash bar for wine, beer, cocktails and other beverages. Advance registration REQUIRED
Culture through Cuisine – France
Culture through Cuisine – Italy
All You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About International Visitor Dinner Hosting … And Were Afraid To Ask One of the most popular MIC member benefits is the opportunity to have personal exchanges with international visitors who are in Minnesota as participants in the U. S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). However, sometimes people are intimidated at the thought of entertaining strangers for dinner in their home. Fear no more! MIC is offering two tutorials where experienced dinner hosts will share tips and recount memorable hosting experiences, and MIC staff will explain the program and its purpose. Questions we will answer include: • What is the timing and number of visitors? • How do we break the ice? • What do I need to know about the visitors I’m hosting? • What do I plan for dinner? … And any other questions you might have!
Many life-long friendships have been forged through hosting over the years, and talking with “real” Americans is frequently life-changing for both the host and the visitors! These experiences are key to MIC’s mission of bringing the world to Minnesota, and Minnesota to the world. Try it, you’ll like it! You have the choice of two dates: When: Wednesday, March 20; 7:00 – 8:00 P or Wednesday, May 8; 3:00 – 4:00 P Where: MIC, 711 East River Road, Minneapolis. Parking is available on Oak Street/East River Road Cost: FREE but advance registration requested. Dinner hosting
is a benefit of MIC membership and these orientations are open to all MIC members. While nonmembers are very welcome to attend, they will not be eligible to host without becoming an MIC member. |
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“Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend.” ~ Henri J.M. Nouwen, Reaching Out
Letter from the President This quote demonstrates the heart of our work at the Minnesota International Center for the past 60 years – we started as an all-volunteer organization in 1953 providing winter coats and gloves to international students at the University of Minnesota – and we continue in 2013 as a member-supported organization serving the state with myriad international education programs all with hospitality as a key component. MIC members exemplify hospitality when they welcome international visitors into their homes. There is no better way to learn what other countries think of us than to host visitors personally. Below is a great article on dinner hosting which I hope will inspire you to attend one of our dinner hosting orientations and then become a dinner host yourself! As you can see from this Communiqué, we have a very busy spring in front of us, with speakers and events to challenge our views of ourselves and the world. Your membership helps MIC promote international understanding by providing inspiring opportunities for international education, exchange and enjoyment to more Minnesotans today and for future generations. Carol Engebretson Byrne, President
Returning a Favor Long Overdue
Chris Berger, MIC Board Member and Newly-Minted Dinner Host Can you believe that it’s been 16 years since I interned at MIC? (…don’t answer that.) What’s really hard to believe is that after all that time, I only recently hosted my first international visitors. I had my (small) reasons, of course—first a small apartment, then a small dining table and, most recently, a small child. Now I realize I’d been over-thinking it entirely. With a family trip still months away, I figured hosting could be the perfect “staycation” and finally took the leap. As the overdue evening approached, my wife Sarah and daughter Grace proved to be very good sports as I over-cleaned, over-planned and overshopped. So, too, was David (Spain) who pitched-in topping pizzas while Caecilia (Austria) and Joelle (Luxembourg) visited with Sarah, Grace and our friend Connie over snacks and wine (for the big kids). Dinner conversation with our visiting journalists was both entertaining and enlightening—especially when talk turned to the Eurozone crisis and became a bit spirited. Sadly, it got late far too soon. If you’re anything like me, your travel memories are filled with mental snapshots of café conversations, marketplace encounters and home-cooked meals. While often too brief, these glimpses into others’ lives enrich our travels and remain vivid in our minds—and that’s why I felt it was time to return the favor by playing host myself. But I somehow ended up feeling that I gained as much as I gave. Dinner hosting is a way for my family to travel while still at home, a way for us to make friends that span the globe as we give back to all those who have offered us hospitality and context in the past. Many thanks to the numerous MIC members who are already part of our active dinner hosting community. For the uninitiated, I encourage you to simply give it a try—setting a few more plates can bring the world to your table!
St. Paul Central High School’s team (Haroun Khalid, Elsa Mundt, Linnea Peterson and Bhavana Suvarna) was the winner of the local Academic WorldQuest Competition on February 6. Seventeen high school teams competed to answer questions on U.S. Economic Competitiveness; U.S. Education: Competing Globally; U.S. Energy Policy; the Middle East; Afghanistan/Pakistan; China; U.N. Millennium Goals: Environmental Sustainability; Geography; Current Events and the Cuban Missile Crisis. The team will represent Minnesota at the National competition in Washington on April 27. |
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