- 50 Years of Significance in Citizen Diplomacy -
April 29, 2011
This blog post continues our retrospective. Please be a part of our 50th anniversary celebration in 2012 by leaving comments about your GCIV memories, reasons for hosting, and beliefs about the impact of our shared work.
In 1973, the Atlanta Committee for International Visitors (ACIV) and the Atlanta International Student Bureau (AISB) were merged under the leadership of Lloyd Whitaker, president of ACIV, and Ida Bell, chairman of AISB. Faye McKay-Clegg, executive director of AISB, became the executive director of the newly combined organization, holding that position until 1990 when she retired. In 1975, Dr. Fahed Abu Akel’s Atlanta Ministry to International Students (AMIS), located at First Presbyterian Church, took over student activities and hospitality. Anne Hansen, an ACIV volunteer since 1970, served as executive director until 1995, followed by Carol Emmons.
Some of the highlights through the years include a visit from Secretary of State Dean Rusk in 1964 who met with the executive committee of ACIV’s board, a regional conference in 1965 sponsored by ACIV to encourage other southern cities to become COSERV contacts, an impressive 1,295 visitors hosted in the year of 1965, merger with the Atlanta International Student Bureau in 1973, providing host families for the delegates to the first Organization of American States to be held outside Washington, D.C. when Jimmy Carter was governor, name change to the Georgia Council for International Visitors in 1986, and becoming the statewide coordinating office for the Great Decisions program in 1994.
Another memorable event in GCIV’s history was a trip to The People’s Republic of China led by volunteer Anne Hansen. A group of 22 GCIV volunteers, in the year following Mao Tse Tung’s death, got permission to visit the newly-opened China and in October 1977 toured Nanjing, Shanghai, Guelin and Canton. Westerners were a novelty then and the Chinese, still clothed in Mao-style gray jackets and pants, stared in amazement as the group made its way around the crowded streets of the country.
-
Our Mission & Vision
GCIV builds understanding and cooperation between the people of our state and the world. Our vision is that every Georgia citizen has the opportunity to become more globally engaged.
Upcoming Events & Delegations
- Wed 2/22/2012 - 2/26/2012: Libyan Delegation
- Wed 2/22/2012 - 2/26/2012: South African Delegation
- Wed 2/22/2012 - 2/25/2012: Greek Delegation
- Fri 2/24/2012: International Dining Experience