Art & Sustainability in the Dominican Republic
This blog post was written by Joel Bergner, one of the lead artists for MuralsEngage Reciclada, and can be found in full text here.
Share Your Veggies, Not Your Big Mac
When one thinks of American culture they may think of Hollywood, California beaches, or white picket fences enclosing smiling children with their golden retrievers happily loping behind them.
Or they may think of a Big Mac, a symbol of American history and excess, a beacon shining on the American mentality of more. Although the Big Mac may be associated with America, McDonalds and its burgers have spread to approximately 122 countries. The Big Mac has the same design in every restaurant location: meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a sesame seed bun. But the Big Mac has been altered in every new location it finds itself, whether it’s locally sourced beef or different types of cheese. This, in essence, is one broad example of how public health and cultural diplomacy will cross paths.
Meridian Welcomes Europe’s Democracy Defenders
On June 12, after months of detailed planning, Meridian International Center unveiled its two-week International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for grassroots organizers from Eastern Europe. The visitors, nominated by the United States Mission to the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE), came to Meridian to facilitate two-way exchange and to learn more about grassroots advocacy in North America. Continue
Program Theme Spotlight: Promoting Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Promoting global economic security has long been a foreign policy goal of the U.S. Department of State, and in recent years, this has manifested itself in an increasing number of exchange programs intended to promote entrepreneurship and small business development. Continue
IVLP Alumni Spotlight: Entrepreneurship
IVLP Alumni Spotlight features U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni as they reflect on the impact of the program and how it has affected their work and lives. Here we feature one alumna who participated in a regional project examining entrepreneurship. The participant spent three weeks in the United States exploring the roles and work of public, private and non-governmental organizations, trade association and grassroots organizations in supporting and empowering women.
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