Creating international connections

Cultivating local innovation

Activating global potential

July 2023

CITIZEN DIPLOMACY NEWS

Expand Your World Today

In this Issue...

• Quote of the Month
• Photo of the Month
• Sharing a Global Perspective
• Welcome Our New Team Member
• Are you a U.S. Citizen Exchange Alumni?
• Community Events
• International Opportunities
• Upcoming International Programs

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Sharing a Global Perspective

Embracing the Future of Ports

Recently, participants of the International Visitor Leadership Program, representing 14 different countries for the project "Smart Ports", visited the dynamic Port of Long Beach. The mission was to discuss the use of smart technology and innovations in optimizing supply chain efficiencies, reducing costs, boosting economic growth and development, and getting an in-depth overview of the Supply Chain Information Highway.

In the spotlight of the meeting was Roger Wu, Director of Business Development at the Port of Long Beach. He talked about distinctions between the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, clarifying their unique identities and the rationale for their separation. Roger addressed the Visitor’s questions and highlighted that West Coast ports, unlike their East Coast counterparts, are usually overseen by city or county-level entities rather than managed by state entities or multi-state entities.

Shedding light on the commercial competition and environmental collaborations with other U.S. ports, Roger Wu revealed the dual facets of operation that are unique to the port industry. He touched on topics like security, land leasing systems, citizens' access, and the Supply Chain Information Highway.

Their software platform provides the supply chain with integrable data to track cargo and make informed decisions. Ultimately, the goal is to accommodate unique user needs rather than impose a one-size-fits-all system.

A riveting session with Morgan Caswell, Manager of Air Quality Practices at the Port of Long Beach, introduced the "Clean Trucks Program & CalStart Partnership". She emphasized the port's commitment to environmental stewardship and the goal of transitioning to 100% zero-emission trucks by 2035. She outlined various Clean Truck Fund Rate objectives and the role of CalStart in implementing the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).

However, the transition to greener practices doesn't come without challenges, and one of the concerns discussed between visitors and Morgan was the availability and accessibility of public charging infrastructure.

Pictured: IVLPs on the multi-national project "Smart Ports" with Roger Wu and Morgan Caswell

The meeting, a blend of vision, practicality, and innovation, ended on a high note with a sense of excitement for what the future holds for Smart Ports.

Home Hospitality Highlights

ICDLA was proud to facilitate the International Visitor Leadership Program on 'Promoting Social Change Through Music'. The participants from Azerbaijan, Japan, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan got a chance to feel the warm, welcoming vibes of American hospitality.

We're shining a spotlight on the memorable Fourth of July celebrations hosted by our members Ann Radow, Sharon and Paul Boorstin, and Laurie Brown. Their initiative has truly strengthened our people-to-people connections and enhanced mutual understanding between cultures.

On July 4th, Ann Radow showcased the charm of her community to our visitors, Eldar Gasimov, Kehinde Solomon Oretimehin, and Ali Zaki Alhajji. The afternoon's highlight was a delightful picnic, where the visitors relished the unique experience of our local culture and traditions, capturing the heart of true American hospitality.

Sharon and Paul Boorstin went above and beyond to make Victor Ivan Marin Baca and Nasser Sahim Aljassim's visit an unforgettable one. After a short tour of L.A., they ushered in the festive atmosphere of the national holiday with a picnic at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. The culminating event was a spectacular concert that featured patriotic music and timeless hits from The Beach Boys. The finale, brilliant fireworks display set to music, crowned what was described as a magical evening.

We're grateful to Ann, Sharon, Paul, and Laurie for their warm and hospitable hosting of our IVLP visitors, all of whom were introduced to the diverse and vibrant American culture on this significant day. These moments of shared celebration and understanding have surely left lasting memories in their hearts.

As we continue to foster these international connections, we're always heartened by the lasting bonds and mutual understanding that result from these shared experiences. The 4th of July celebrations are a testament to the role each one of us can play in citizen diplomacy.

Ukrainian Documentarians Driving Social Change

Following the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, many Ukrainian filmmakers have struggled to capture the tragic and traumatic stories that riddle their nation. In March ICDLA was honored to welcome a group of documentary filmmakers for a program to discuss best practices for documenting the truth during the dangerous and rapidly changing conditions of war. This month we welcomed a second group of film producers and directors from Ukraine who were here to discuss the Social Influences of Documentary Films. They are all playing a crucial role in combatting politicized propaganda and getting the facts to the world.

Below are updates on the work of the Ukrainian filmmakers who were here in March. 

Pictured from left: Leonid Yezhurov, Andrii Lytvynenko, Yuliia Hontaruk, Simon Mozgovyi, Mykola Dondyuk,

Olena Makarenko and Ella Shtyka

Mykola Dondyuk is a documentary filmmaker and director of photography. His directorial debut came in 2015 with the documentary, Everything Is Going According to Plan. Currently, Mykola is working on a documentary art film, Chernobyl: Unknown History. This film centers on the cities and villages that disappeared overnight as a result of the disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The main character of this film, photographer Maxim Dondyuk, seeks to find the lost history of these communities. About this project, Maxim states: “Over time, I discovered that these houses, like museums, stored so many memorable things that all this time were just rotting under a thick layer of trash and mud. Old films, family photographs, postcards, letters – the more time goes on, the fewer memories of the people who inhabited these lands will remain. I couldn’t watch such a huge part of our history disappear.” Film Trailer

Olena Makarenko is a Kyiv-based journalist and documentary director who for over seven years covered current news in Ukraine for foreign audiences. In 2022 Olena joined the video team of the Kyiv Independent, the leading English-language media in Ukraine, where she focuses on the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine and Russian war crimes. Her current documentary, What Happened in Bratislava, follows the story of Oleksandr, who has devoted 12 years to working in theater as an actor and director. Three years ago, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, he began to fulfill his dream of creating a cultural center. They began to turn the almost abandoned municipal cinema in Bratislava into a cultural and public space. Now, three years later, Oleksandr is left alone to fulfill this cultural mission. He lives in Bratislava and earns his living working for a delivery service.

Welcome Our New Communications & Events Coordinator

Hello ICDLA family,

I'm Kristina Yucel, your new Communications and Events Coordinator, and I couldn't be happier to join this vibrant, global community!

Having traveled to over 35 countries, worked across diverse sectors, and volunteered globally, I bring a great blend of experiences and a deep passion for fostering connections. When I'm not managing projects or crafting engaging content, you'll likely find me hiking a new trail, unwinding with some yoga, or spending time with my family.



I’m excited to bring my energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to the role and become an integral part of the ICDLA family. Whether it's through planning engaging events, writing for our newsletter, or connecting with you all on social media, I look forward to creating a more interconnected and understanding world with you.

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into this incredible community. Here's to a journey filled with shared experiences, impactful dialogues, and enduring friendships!

Are you a U.S. Citizen Exchange Alumni?

Did You Participate in a U.S. Government-sponsored Exchange Program?

The Office of Alumni Affairs at the U.S. Department of State is developing new opportunities for U.S. citizens who participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. ICDLA is assisting by reaching out to our Greater Los Angeles alumni.

• Career Connections Seminar: Sept 23-24, 2023, San Francisco, CA

Save the date for Career Connections San Francisco. Hosted in partnership with Global Ties San Francisco, this in-person event will feature professional development workshops and networking opportunities for U.S. Exchange Alumni. Learn More.

• Career Connections Seminar: Nov 2-4, 2023, Charlotte, NC

Save the date for Career Connections Charlotte. Hosted in partnership with the International House, this in-person event will feature professional development workshops and networking opportunities for U.S. Exchange Alumni. Learn More.

The exchange programs include, but are not limited to, these offered by the ECA Bureau. Returned Peace Corps volunteers and Boren Fellows are also qualified alumni. If you are a past participant in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program contact Kristina Yucel, kyucel@icdla.org. Whether you participated long ago or you recently completed your exchange program, we will keep you informed of opportunities such as events, programs, and grants.

Community Events

🚀 Summer of Science Exploration 🚀 

Get messy with chemistry, dig deep into Earth science, shoot for the stars with space science, and much more! Hands-On Science Camp offers an unparalleled summer science experience for students in grades Pre-K through Eighth with Educators from a variety of backgrounds, opportunities to explore the Science Center's interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge spaces for experimentation—like our 32,000 sq. ft. Big Lab! With over 25 unique classes, there's an exciting course for everyone!

• Weeklong courses June 12 - August 11, 2023
• Morning, afternoon, and full-day classes. Extended Day option available.
• Scholarships available for students and families with demonstrated financial need.

Registration is now open!

Say Hello to Summer

Grand Performances is excited to announce the line-up for the 37th Summer Season of Free Concerts at California Plaza in DTLA!

With music from across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, GP’s 2023 Summer Season brings together a diverse mix of genres and generations, from samba to doo-wop, salsa to hip-hop, jazz to cumbia, and much more.

All Grand Performances’ events are free, outdoors, and for all ages at California Plaza (350 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071). Grand Performances is made possible thanks to generous support from the LA City Department of Cultural Affairs and the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.

International Opportunities

Join the San Diego Diplomacy Council's private delegation October 10 - 20, 2023, for a journey through Morocco's rich cultural heritage, complicated history, and present-day realities. This carefully curated cultural exchange program will go beyond tourist corridors by engaging local scholars, public officials, entrepreneurs, musicians and artists offering in-depth commentary on the Moroccan way of life, political system, art history, architecture, and religion. You do not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an exclusive educational journey through the heart of Morocco to see first-hand what makes this country so complex and nothing less than magical.

This program will require high intensity walking on uneven and sometimes hilly cobblestone streets and stairs where an elevator is not always available. Participants must be able to walk unassisted.

The following are international guests of the U.S. government and other diplomatic organizations whose professional appointments in Los Angeles will be arranged by

International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles

JULY 2023

ICDLA knows it is important to maintain our connections with our international visitors beyond their programs. As such, ICDLA continues to reach out to our international alumni. If you are an Alumni who would like to share your thoughts about your L.A. experience, or if you are an ICDLA member or resource who has stayed in touch with alumni and would like to share your experience, please contact Kristina Yucel at kyucel@icdla.org.

International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles depends on its members and friends to help support its programs. If you are not an ICDLA Citizen Diplomat, please review our membership benefits here and consider joining. We need your support now more than ever! Please make a contribution today.

Editor: Kristina Yucel

Communications & Events Coordinator

Share your comments with me at kyucel@icdla.org

International Citizen Diplomacy

of Los Angeles

213-388-1428

info@icdla.org

www.icdla.org

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