Greetings from incoming Board President Sunday Goshit

Dear Members, Supporters, and Community Partners,

It is with deep gratitude and great anticipation that I step into the role of President of the Board of Directors of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC). As a long-standing pillar in our community, the ICFRC serves as a vital global voice – bridging local voices with international conversations and cultivating a deeper understanding of our interconnected world right here in Iowa City.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing President, Janet Lyness, whose unwavering dedication and leadership have helped the organization flourish. Her guidance has left a legacy of collaboration, inclusion, and thoughtful global engagement. I am also honored to serve alongside a strong and dedicated Board of Directors whose immense talents and diverse experiences continue to strengthen the mission of the ICFRC. Together, we are committed to advancing international understanding and dialogue in ways that are meaningful, relevant, and inclusive.

We are living through complex and challenging times for world diplomacy and global cooperation. Now, more than ever, we need each other. We need spaces for respectful dialogue, shared learning, and community engagement across cultures. The ICFRC stands as one of those spaces – connecting our local community to global issues and fostering a spirit of openness and mutual respect.

Most of all, I wish to acknowledge the immense contributions of our longtime supporters and friends in the community. Your generosity and belief in our mission make all of this possible. Whether attending programs, volunteering, or offering financial support, you give the ICFRC the opportunity to do what it does best: build bridges of understanding in a world that desperately needs them.

Together, let us continue to make Iowa City and indeed the State of Iowa, not only a global crossroads of ideas but also a model of international friendship and cooperation. I look forward to what we will achieve in the coming years.

In partnership,

Sunday Goshit

Incoming President, Board of Directors

Iowa City Foreign Relations Council

Sun. 6/15 @ 4:00PM - Glocal Connections: Summer Gathering & Potluck @ Iowa City City Park

​PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE IOWA CITY COMMUNITY

The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) invites you to our Second Annual Glocal Connections Summer Gathering & Potluck, a celebration of culture, community, and shared values. This family-friendly event brings together people across the Iowa City area for an afternoon event of food, conversation, and connection.

Guests will enjoy a diverse array of dishes contributed by attendees and community organizations, along with music and informal introductions that highlight the vibrant network of groups working to spread internationalism in our area. We are proud to gather alongside past partners like the African Community Network of Iowa, IC Compassion, the Center for Worker Justice, Global Ties Iowa, and others who share a vision of inclusion and mutual support.

Special guests from local government, educational institutions, and community groups have been invited to join us in celebrating and strengthening the ties that make Iowa City a welcoming place for all.

Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share, along with friends and family. If you are able, additional folding tables or a speaker for background music would be welcome to make the gathering even more lively. 

Translation assistance for promotional material is available in several languages, including but not limited to Arabic, French, Spanish, Swahili, and Lingala, to ensure a welcoming experience for all. Email James@icfrc.org for more information.

We look forward to celebrating the richness of our community with you—and to building momentum for the year ahead!

*** Note, registration is not required for this event to keep attendance open and welcoming to all who want to join.

Glocal Connections: Summer Gathering & Potluck

Sunday, June 15, 2025

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Iowa City City Park, Shelter #12

ICFRC extends our heartfelt gratitude to Keith Porter, President and CEO of the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, for his steadfast support and visionary partnership. Keith’s leadership in advancing international collaboration and peacebuilding aligns closely with ICFRC’s mission to foster global understanding through dialogue and education.

As a longtime champion of global cooperation, Keith has brought invaluable insight and energy to our shared programming efforts. His dedication to promoting strategic international engagement – whether through high-level policy discussions or community-based initiatives – has helped elevate the quality and reach of our public forums.

We are honored to partner with Keith and the Stanley Center in bringing thoughtful, globally-minded programming to our community. Thank you, Keith, for your continued leadership, commitment, and partnership in shaping a more peaceful and informed world!

Flashpoint? Taiwan, China, and the United States

When: May 15, 2025

Speaker: Ron McMullen, Ambassador in Residence at the University of Iowa

We are community-supported! Thanks to our incredible network of supporters and community partners, we’re just over $6,000 away from meeting our budget goal for the '24-'25 fiscal year.

Your contribution today will ensure we continue bringing thought leaders and experts from around the world to engage our community on the most pressing global issues through the end of 2025.

Your support makes an immediate impact—helping us provide honoraria for speakers and interns, food for luncheons, and materials for community outreach. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us reach the finish line.

Join us in making this final push - donate today!

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