Mural Arts Recap: Community Engagement through Art

Posted under: MCCD By /

Mural arts exchange participants in Tegucigalpa take a group photo with American artist Michelle Angela Ortiz.
21 de Febrero
Honduran artist Walter teaches local youth how to prime the mural wall in 21 de Febrero, Tegucigalpa.

In 2013, Meridian partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to send mural artists abroad for the Community Engagement through the Mural Arts exchange program. While away, these artists were able to collaborate with local groups and artists in various community- based mural arts projects. Their goal: to create tangible pieces of artwork, while simultaneously fostering community engagement with the various populations of each country.

Continue  

My Leadership Development at Meridian

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

The most recent group of Amal Fellows

Over the past few years, I have learned that it is impossible to achieve your goals, realize your dreams or understand where you are going in your journey without help. In my pursuit of poverty alleviation, I started volunteering at the age of 18 and ever since I have been volunteering with organizations around the world in various capacities. I am now playing a role in the further development of my home country Pakistan, none of which would be possible without the people, governments, and organizations that invested in my professional development and skills acquisition. One of the most...

Continue  

Access for All: Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Posted under: IVLP By /

IVLP Participants in the “Access for All: Enhancing the Lives of People with Disabilities” IVLP Participants posing with Judy Heumann, Special Advisor for Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C., July 14, 2015

Sunday, July 26th marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which for 25 years has provided greater independence and protection from discrimination for millions of Americans. The law has not only helped to make buildings, schools and streets more accessible, but also  guarantees citizens living with disabilities equal opportunity for employment and communication aids, promoting a more inclusive America.

Continue  

IYLEP 2015: Welcome to the Concrete Jungle

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

Meridian President and CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday welcomes the Iraqi youth leaders in New York.

Landing in New York City for the first time in life and watching extraordinary hustle and bustle on the roads surrounded by high-rise buildings (which require a 90-degree angle to get a sight of the top) not only dazes but also infuses unusual inquisitiveness to explore each corner of the city especially when you have just three days to work on your wish list. It is almost dreams coming true for youngsters to be among the millions of strangers, yellow cabs, and policemen mostly seen through the lens of Hollywood. These are some of the moments, feelings, and reactions...

Continue  

“#SheBelieves”: Sports Diplomacy’s Ability to Empower Women Athletes Worldwide

Posted under: IVLP By /

From The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State Website

American soccer fans cheered loudly Sunday night as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Japan in a 5 – 2 win, bringing the FIFA World Cup trophy home for the first time in 16 years. More than 20 million viewers tuned in to watch the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship match, shattering TV rating records for soccer in the process. In light of the work done here at Meridian International Center, this victory is also an opportunity to bring attention to the mission and goals of sports diplomacy: a way for the universal passion for sports to bring people of different linguistic and sociocultural backgrounds together. Utilizing sports diplomacy, the U.S. Department of State and its partners have expressed an active commitment to empowering women and girls in sports around the world.

Continue