JOIN US IN CELEBRATING EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE OUR IMPACT IN IOWA COMMUNITIES POSSIBLE

Dear Members, Supporters, and Community Partners,

As April arrives, we reflect on our journey together over the past year as ICFRC finds new footing following our transition into our new home at the Iowa City Public Library and a return to form in programming while welcoming attendees back to in-person programming. For over 40 years, ICFRC has stood as a beacon of global awareness and cultural understanding in our community. Now, as we approach the end of another impactful year, it is with great pride and gratitude that we honor each and every one of you who has contributed to our shared mission.

Your curiosity, engagement, and passion for learning continuously inspire us to push the boundaries of what is possible. We have delved into diverse cultures, examined pressing global issues, and forged connections that transcend borders. Your generosity and belief in our cause have been the cornerstone of our achievements. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer efforts, or spreading the word about our programs, your support has enabled us to expand our reach and impact in ways we never thought possible. 

As we gather to mark the culmination of another remarkable year during our final programs of the season, we invite you to join us in a final year-end celebration on April 10th at the Old Capitol Museum. This event will serve as an opportunity to honor our past achievements and as a platform to envision the possibilities that lie ahead. 

Join us as we uplift the past and look forward to the future, united in our commitment to promoting global citizenship and fostering a more interconnected world. Together, let us continue to inspire, educate, and empower one another to make a difference, both locally and globally. We hope you will continue to support us in our mission and participate actively in our upcoming initiatives.

With sincere appreciation and anticipation,

Peter Gerlach

Executive Director

Iowa City Foreign Relations Council

4/5 Kosovo: Education as Resistance w/LIGHT BREAKFAST

​Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM CT

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4/10 Eyewitness to History: Lessons From Two Decades Covering the World w/HORS D'OEUVRES

Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 4:30PM - 6:30PM CT

4/17 MSF/Doctors Without Borders - Surgical Missions and Tales from the Field w/LUNCH

Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CT

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5/03 - Obstacles to Peace: Stories about Palestine w/DINNER

Friday, May 03, 2024, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM CT

THANK YOU TO LIZ AND ALAN SWANSON

This month, our team wants to recognize the outstanding support of longtime members and advocates of ICFRC. Liz and Alan Swanson, whose regular contribution of time, resources, and even their home have been instrumental in fueling the evolution of our organization and advancement of our mission to reach ever more hearts and minds!

"Over the years, the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council has become an important institution and a highly respected nonprofit. Its diverse international speakers and programs open eyes to the world. Iowa City is an international city that is an amazing place with many languages and cultures. We see ICFRC as a huge asset to this community and well beyond.

Its forty years of achievement predate our support, and its plans for the future are even bigger, bolder, and more exciting. We are on board, proud to be supporters, inviting others to join us!"  

Alan and Liz Swanson

NEW PROGRAM RECORDING

Why Women Peacebuilders Matter



On International Women’s Day, expert speaker Dr. Kathleen Kuehnast, Director of Women, Peace and Security at the U.S. Institute of Peace, provided an overview of gender-inclusive peacebuilding, as well as the work of the 2023 Women Building Peace Award Finalists, and their initiatives in the DRC, Syria, Kenya, and Haiti.

Thank you to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.

Kosovo: Education as Resistance

April 05, 2024, 10:00AM - 11:00AM

IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

ALSO STREAMING ONLINE: CLICK HERE

DOORS OPEN AT 9:30AM - JOIN US FOR SOCIAL CONNECTION AND A MEAL!

Aferdita is widely recognized as an expert in international education and is eager to share her extensive 24 years of experience in fostering academic and cultural relations between the small nation of Kosovo and the influential United States. Her pivotal role in establishing Kosovo's institutions post 1999 war, while working at the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, showcases her commitment to rebuilding and advancing education in the region.

Eyewitness to History: Lessons From Two Decades Covering the World w/HORS D'OEUVRES

NPR’s Frank Langfitt has reported from more than 50 countries and territories since the late 1990s. In a video and audio presentation, Frank recounts the history he’s witnessed through the people he’s met and how that history has shaped today’s challenging geo-political landscape. Frank will explain what he learned driving a free taxi in Shanghai and tracking elephants in South Sudan. He’ll also discuss reporting in Ukraine during Russia’s 2022 invasion and covering the Israel/Gaza war.

40TH ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION - ALL ARE WELCOME, REGISTER IN ADVANCE

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

4:30PM - 6:30PM

OLD CAPITOL MUSEUM

ALSO STREAMING ONLINE:

CLICK HERE

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

12:00PM - 1:00PM

UI MERF 1216 (Medical Education Research Facility)

ALSO STREAMING ONLINE:

ZOOM LINK

MSF/Doctors Without Borders - Surgical Missions and Tales from the Field

Experienced Doctors Without Borders surgeon talks about surgical missions: Who goes? What happens on a mission? Where are the missions? Why are they needed?

"Mine has been a life of frequent moves. I grew up as an "army brat", traveling across the US and Europe - graduating from high school in Frankfurt, Germany in 1977. Medical School (Uniformed Services University, 1986) and residency took place while spending 16 years in the Army. I considered myself a pretty savvy man of the world until the Army sent me to Haiti for 7 months. This deployment led to a profound awareness of lives lived outside our "first world" bubble - eventually spurring me to join in the missions and activities of Doctors Without Borders."

Obstacles to Peace: Stories about Palestine

Palestinian and Jewish Iowans share their personal stories and experiences of identity, oppression, solidarity, and hope from inside Palestine and in the US. 

With the rising toll of casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it can become difficult to see the people behind the numbers. Come listen to a panel of Palestinian-American and Jewish-American speakers from different walks of life talk about their experiences inside and outside Palestine. Ask your questions and learn about actions you can take to advocate for human rights in this crisis.

The speaker panel includes Palestinians, who grew up in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and from the diaspora.

Friday, May 03, 2024

6:00PM - 7:30AM

IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

ALSO STREAMING ONLINE:

CLICK HERE

Creating Alternative Worlds in Animation

Step into the captivating universe of 3D animated storytelling with Peter Chanthanakone as he unveils the artistry behind his acclaimed short films, shares insights from global speaking engagements, and offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of RiFF Animation Studio. 

Peter is a perennial international speaker with talks at Siggraph Asia, Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival, Asia Animation Forum, the International Symposium of Electronic Arts in Dubai and Hong Kong, and more.

Featuring Speaker Peter Chanthanakone



Award winning director and producer specializing in 3D animated short films.

Join an exciting workshop alert on Intercultural Conflict Styles (ICS) led by Sunday Goshit, a distinguished board member of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council and DEIB Officer at Systems Unlimited Inc.

With a Ph.D. in Physical Geography and a rich background in intercultural communication, Sunday is set to share his expertise on navigating cultural conflicts. This workshop is a must for anyone seeking to enhance communication across diverse cultures and to foster inclusivity in workplaces and communities.

Our programming is made possible by our supporters just like you who have helped us reach communities across Iowa for nearly 40 years. Learn more about how your support is helping uplift communities and raising awareness about issues affecting our world.

Are there topics and speakers you would like to see brought to your community? Are you interested in being one of our speakers?