HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — If you ask most members of North Alabama’s Ukrainian-American community, many will say the current priority amidst the bloody war in their home nation is to get more neighbors to donate money and materials.

Since Russia’s invasion in February, millions of displaced women and children have been staying in makeshift refugee camps in neighboring countries like Romania, Moldova, and Poland.

“People just left their homes, you know? Not even all of them had their passports,” Huntsville-based activist Yaryna Zhurba told News 19 last week. “Especially little kids, they didn’t have passports yet.”

Zhurba went from organizing local rallies in February, to volunteering in Bucharest, Romania for a week with American veterans from other states just to secure money transfers, donations, and set up camps to refugees in need.

“We felt that the inflow of aid to Ukraine coming from the Romanian side (needed) to be increased,” she said. “It seems more effective if the money raised here in North Alabama or the U.S. would be transferred to, let’s say, Romania or other countries, and then (the) aid purchased there.”

So how can more neighbors in the Tennessee Valley help? Zhurba points to a Huntsville-based group with a history of establishing relations with foreign nationals.

“A non-profit like Global Ties Alabama. They will arrange purchases and aid in Romania, and that aid will be delivered to Ukraine. And after that it will be all reported where the aid went, so people understand who they helped in Ukraine,” she said.

Jacquelyn Shipe is the CEO of the group, for which Zhurba collaborated with to streamline aid sent from the area.

“Right now the refugee community needs essentials for living and we’re hoping that the donations that are collected will be able to be put to the use for that purpose,” Shipe said.

Those donations the women say, can also bring glimmers of hope in a time of despair.

“These are immediate needs. The long-term needs obviously won’t be determined until the outcome of this crisis and we know that rebuilding will need to take place,” Shipe said.

“I feel people here in North Alabama are trying to help Ukraine and looking for good ways to do that,” Zhurba said. “And I see my purpose in here – and with Ukrainians in North Alabama – we’re just trying to help those who want to help Ukraine.”

One of the effective ways to arrange humanitarian aid for Ukraine from overseas is to raise funds in the U.S. but to buy aid in neighboring Ukraine countries. First, it can be delivered to Ukraine faster. Second, money saved on shipping aid can be used for buying more supplies.  

Global Ties Alabama decided to help Ukrainians and active supporters of Ukraine living in North Alabama to raise money for a truck of canned food.   

The food will be purchased from the company Facos, canned goods producer located in city the Suceava, Romania just above 1 hour driving distance from Ukrainian border – see below. 

* This table is made based on this list received from a producer (in Romanian). of the most protein-rich cans. Please note that the stock available changes constantly and the composition of the cans will depend on the stock available at that point of time.

*Tax deductible receipts will be sent to all donors.

Whichever way you choose to donate, please note “For Ukraine”.  

• If you use PayPal, then there will be a field “What’s this payment for?”
• If by check, then please leave a note in the field “For” at the bottom of the check. 

Detailed reports about the aid distribution in Ukraine will be published.

In you have questions, please contact GTA’s volunteer, Open World Alumna from Ukraine currently living in Huntsville, AL, Yaryna Zhurba at yaryna.zhurba@gmail.com  or call (256)417-8352. 

A family is sleeping except for one. He can’t sleep because the Taliban has been going house-to-house looking for him. You see, he’s worked with and helped American forces in and around his village for several years.

Now, it’s time.

He wakes up his wife and children and others in the household. They sneak out with only the clothes on their backs.

Thus become the first steps of a long journey to freedom.

“We all talk about ‘starting over’ in our lives, but we don’t know what it means to start from scratch,” said Guy Hardman, president of Operation Zulu 18, a coalition of veterans, law enforcement officers, local business and church partners working together to support our Afghan allies. “The stories and their sacrifice … most of the people in this room won’t understand.

“These are stories that make me go home and cry.”

On Thursday, a reception was held welcoming two Afghan families into the Huntsville community through Operation Zulu 18 and Global Ties Alabama.

Operation Zulu 18 helps provide enduring support to legal, vetted Afghan allies arriving in the United States and their family members left behind in hostile territory. 

“These brave Afghan allies have sacrificed so much for us over the last two decades,” said Hardman, a 16-year Army veteran, who served in Afghanistan. “They have fought, bled and many died by our side. 

“Operation Zulu 18 will work to ensure these families have the second chance at the safe and happy lives they all deserve.”

For nearly 60 years, Global Ties Alabama has helped international military trainees at Redstone Arsenal feel at home, coordinating multicultural events in the Huntsville area, providing information about immigration and naturalization services to area residents, and hosting international visitors traveling to Alabama under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

Hardman cited Jacqui Shipe, CEO of Global Ties Alabama, for the help in rallying the business and religious community to support the families.

“Without Jacqui, who introduced me to the heart of Huntsville, we wouldn’t have been able to do this,” he said.

“We are the largest city in the state because we have the biggest hearts,” said Kenny Anderson, Huntsville’s director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

For information, email operation.zulu.18@gmail.com or visit gta.forgahosting.com.

Original Article

FOUNDATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE UNITED STATES (LEBANON)

NPA: IIE

GLOBAL TIES ALABAMA

Since one of the objectives was ‘to examine the relationship between law enforcement, the U. S. Criminal Justice System and minority communities,’ the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) was [our] primary resource for the project. EJI uses a legal team to advocate for youth and adults marginalized in the criminal justice system. Based in Montgomery, Alabama, EJI was founded by Bryan Stevenson, author of the book Just Mercy and a national and global leader in criminal justice reform. The film “Just Mercy” based on Stevenson’s book has been translated into other languages and IVLP participants sometimes have the opportunity to view it before coming to the U.S.

EJI Senior Attorney Charlotte Morrison and Staff Attorney Ashley Adams led a very open, honest discussion with participants sharing what their organization has accomplished in changing laws, while also acknowledging hurdles to overcome in creating systemic change. As these emerging leaders from Lebanon were very aware of racial tensions in the United States, Morrison and Adams also discussed how EJI uses its Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice to create dialogue about racial discrimination and the legacy of slavery in the U.S. –Jacqui Shipe, CEO, Global Ties Alabama

GLOBAL TIES DETROIT

Through this virtual program, a Lebanese delegation connected with Detroit and Dearborn-based professionals working in human rights and social justice to examine how the greater-Detroit community works to promote free speech, strengthen inclusive public attitudes, and bridge gaps between law enforcement and minority communities.

Representatives of Fordson High School and Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) Community Health & Research Center led the discussion, sharing how schools and community work together to tackle human rights issues. Located in Dearborn, MI, Fordson and ACCESS are part of a multicultural community defined by diverse ethnicities, religions, languages, cuisines, and perspectives—nearby an array of Middle Eastern, Mexican, Thai, Indian, and Polish restaurants, and in between two Christian churches, sits the Islamic Center of America, the largest mosque in the United States.

Fordson and ACCESS spoke about Dearborn’s culture of inclusion and how it is crucial that voices coming from different social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds are heard and respected. One participant asked Fordson and ACCESS to explain how such a diverse community becomes so tight-knit without divisions arising from ethnic, cultural, and religious differences. The speakers said the community is cohesive because of – not despite – its diversity. The stability and vibrancy of Dearborn, its tolerance, and even its thriving entrepreneurial scene are owed to its multiculturalism. ACCESS and Fordson pointed out that in spite of challenges, the community and its leaders work together to make it a flourishing, inclusive city that celebrates different cultures and ideas. They envision their role as civic and social justice workers as crucial to building a community united in its diversity.

Global Ties Detroit is proud to facilitate these discussions and provide a platform for our community leaders to showcase their inspiring work and stories. Conversations like these ignite a spark of positive change that spreads from greater Detroit to other corners of the globe. –Melissa Wandrei, Program Officer, Global Ties Detroit

ADVOCACY FOR THE LGBTI COMMUNITY (UKRAINE)

NPA: IIE

COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO IOWA CITIES (CIVIC)

During their virtual visit to Iowa City, participants met with Mayor Bruce Teague, the first openly gay man of color appointed mayor in Iowa, to discuss the local government’s role in supporting the LGBTI community. The visitors commented that meeting with Mayor Teague was an honor, inspiration, and the highlight of their Iowa City programming.

Additionally, we arranged meetings with the Iowa City Human Rights Commission, the Iowa City Police Department’s LGBT Community Liaison, representatives from the University of Iowa’s Women’s Resource and Action Center, and Spectrum UI, a student group dedicated to providing a safe space to all students exploring their sexual and gender identities. The visitors were very engaged in the meetings and discussions. They indicated that their meetings with public officials, as well as representatives from a nonprofit organization and a student group, provided them with valuable insight into the various ways in which community support and advocacy for LGBTI individuals is bolstered in a relatively small, U.S. community. This program was unique in that each of the local resources were new to volunteering with CIVIC.

After the program, all of them reached out to me expressing interest in future participation. The leader of Spectrum UI, University of Iowa senior Joseph Haggarty, was particularly impressed by the group and excited about the opportunity to engage with future IVLP delegations. Mayor Teague had been unfamiliar with CIVIC prior to his meeting with this group, but afterwards he commended us on the important work we do for the community and reiterated his interest in continued participation. These responses are important to CIVIC because we rely heavily on community and university support for interns, volunteers, publicity, and fundraising. Due to the mutually beneficial outcomes of this program for the visitors, local resources, and CIVIC, I consider “Advocacy in the LGBTI Community” to have been a great success. We look forward to hosting more social and civic justice programs in the future. –Grace Bryant, Program Coordinator, CIVIC

WORLDDENVER

Ukrainian IVLP group “Advocacy for the LGBTI Community” meeting with the Honorable Paul Rosenthal (top left). Photo provided by WorldDenver.

In October 2020, WorldDenver was proud to host five Ukrainian leaders in LGBT+ advocacy on a virtual IVLP program conducted in partnership with IIE. In four meetings, over two days, the participants discussed advocacy and coalition-building strategies with their Denver counterparts. Through this collaborative program, WorldDenver connected with several new local resources, and because of due to its virtual nature, were able to bring in perspectives that would not have been present otherwise. We shared this program with our board and community members as well as our social media followers.

Their first meeting, with the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the Colorado LGBT Bar Association, covered the regulatory and legislative frameworks in Colorado to protect and advocate for the LGBT+ community. The speakers explored a case study, Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, in which a Denver-area bakery refused service to a same-sex couple. The case rose to the United States Supreme Court and provided an example for the visitors of how civil rights cases travel through the U.S. judicial system.

Representation was a recurrent theme throughout the program. The group met with Addison Herron-Wheeler, the editor of Denver-based LGBT+ magazine OUT FRONT, and with Paul Rosenthal, the former co-chair of the Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and member-elect of the Regional Transportation District Board of Directors. In both of these meetings, the speakers emphasized the value of diverse individuals doing every day, non-activist work—a gay author writing an article about a new restaurant or a transgender legislator serving on a budgetary committee—as a transformative form of representation.

The group’s final meeting was with the Matthew Shepard Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in honor of Matthew Shepard, a gay teenager who died as the victim of a tragic hate crime in 1998. As the meeting was held virtually, Matthew’s parents, Dennis and Judy Shepard, were able to join the call from Casper, Wyoming. Their story of turning a tragedy into two decades of action was a moving and inspirational note on which to close the Denver portion of this program. –Shannon Payne, Program Coordinator, IVLP, WorldDenver

RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY AND INTERFAITH DIALOGUE (SAUDI ARABIA)

NPA: Cultural Vistas

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL CINCINNATI AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY

The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is taking an increasingly proactive role in combating extremist and intolerant messages. Through an IVLP on Religious Diversity and Interfaith Dialogue, representatives from Etidal, benefitted from observing U.S. best practices in building partnerships, developing counter narratives, and preaching tolerance. Specifically, their exposure to these efforts will help develop build capacity and knowledge for Etidal and other Saudi organizations to increase their religious and educational engagement to maximize outreach to youth, religious groups, and religious leaders to reduce discrimination and persecution.

Our organization collaborated with Cultural Vistas, NPA, and one local resource, EquaSion, which hosts the Festival of Faiths. EquaSion’s Chip Harrod met virtually with a delegation from Saudi Arabia. Interested in learning more about American best practices for fostering interfaith dialogue and combating religious extremism, the conversation was arranged by the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The Saudi delegation was especially interested in the Cincinnati Festival of Faiths and the Cincinnati Regional Coalition Against Hate, both initiatives of EquaSion. –Michelle Harpenau, Executive Director, WAC Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL KENTUCKY AND SOUTHERN INDIANA

Louisville was selected as a host for this particular program on best practices to counter religious extremism due to our history of building and sustaining a Compassionate City, created in November 2011 when Mayor Greg Fischer signed a resolution committing to a multi-year Compassionate Louisville campaign – making Louisville an international Compassionate City, the largest U.S. city with this distinction. In a meeting with Mayor Fischer, the IVLP group explored how Louisville as a city practices models of compassion within its departments, and how the city empowers other sectors to partner in building a compassionate community. During this program, the gropu also met with Sabeen Nasim, the Director of the Louisville Office of Globalization, and Janice Cates, the Director of Compassion Initiatives for the Office of the Mayor. Specifically, Cates highlighted Mayor Fischer’s “Give-A-Day” Week of Volunteer service which includes more than 140,000 volunteers annually.

During a second panel discussion, we also met with Ari Cowan, the Director-General of the International Center for Compassionate Organizations (ICCO), and Jud Hendrix, the Executive Director of Interfaith Paths to Peace (IPP). ICCO focuses on fostering cultures of compassion in government, business, healthcare systems, service agencies, colleges and universities, schools, faith groups, and other organizations worldwide. During our meeting, Mr. Cowan discussed his evidence-based, public-health-centered approach to research on violence response and prevention through the Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model. IPP is a grassroots community peace organization, established in 1996.  For over two decades, IPP has promoted interfaith and intercultural understanding through inclusive programming, including celebrating diverse  cultures, ethnicities, faiths, traditions, and nationalities through education, peace-making, and collaboration. IPP discussed some of their most important community events and their impact in the local community.

Ultimately, WAC Kentucky hopes that through the dialogue between international visitors and Louisville community members, and our mutual exchange of ideas, our shared conversations will translate into future action so that similar initiatives can be implemented internationally.

This was one of my first-ever virtual IVLP programs, and it will remain one of my most memorable. I am so grateful for the accessibility of our resources in Louisville and the insightful questions that visitors asked. Though we met in a virtual setting, I think our community and global connections remain stronger than ever. –Andi Dahmer, Exchange Program Manager, WAC Kentucky and Southern Indiana

WORLDCHICAGO

Religious views and beliefs are diverse and complicated. We respect and show deference to the varied religious identities throughout the world, but when religious beliefs manifest themselves as violence and fear tactics that start wars, promote terrorism, and radicalize the youth, we become less rooted in pluralism and common ground.

At WorldChicago, we know how to combat intolerance and fanaticism; and that is through sharing and conversation that is central to citizen diplomacy. As we welcomed the IVLP delegation, we set a virtual table for a global conversation of diverse voices and opinions about how to counter radical ideologies through programs at all levels of government, and local organizations.

Our visitors were able to meet with the Chicago nonprofit, Life After Hate, that is committed to helping people leave the violent far-right and instead to connect with humanity and lead compassionate lives.

The discussion, led by Sammy Rangel, Life After Hate’s Executive Director and a former member of the American violent far-right extremist movement, helped to foster a nuanced discussion about what draws people to extremist groups, and, equally important, why they leave. This included talks about today’s technology, especially social media, which can serve as an amplifier to hate speech and bait the younger generation down a dangerous path.

“We believe that helping individuals turn their backs on hate groups enhances the overall health of the nation, which is why we go to great lengths to standardize our approach,” says Rangel.

Though this conversation was personal and difficult at times, we were all able to explore our commonalities and leave our Zoom room fortified with the idea that social cohesion and community resilience would help us combat hate with love, and understanding. –Morgan Lyn, Marketing & Development Manger, WorldChicago

Original Article

Participants heard from more than 30 speakers from various international careers and backgrounds. Each session was informative, interactive, and gave students a chance to enhance skills, networks, and knowledge of global opportunities. This conference worked towards the overall goals of fostering U.S. exchange alumni network development, as well as furthering the international relations education of Alabama’s HBCU students. 

Sessions were led by panelists including CEOs, former U.S. and foreign Ambassadors, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, alumni of the Fulbright and Gilman programs, and more. Some highlights from the conference were the sessions: “Global Entrepreneurship,” “Conflict Resolution: Resolving Conflict within yourself, your Community, and our World,” and “Funding Study Abroad” sessions.

One of the speakers, HBCU alumnus Marveetes Brown, spoke about how “it’s okay to fail.” After receiving his degree, he took a corporate job, but quickly left to pursue his dream of becoming a music producer. This led to nights of sleeping in his car and skipping meals, but Marveetes persevered and now owns a record label in Washington, DC. Through REACH, he connected with a current Alabama A&M University (AAMU) student with a passion for music who is currently serving in the U.S. Army on deployment. Marveetes now mentors him on the in-and-outs of the music business.  

Marveetes is not the only HBCU alumnus who developed a mentorship opportunity as a result of the REACH: HBCU Global Institute. Another mentorship was formed by AAMU alumnus Branndon D. Jackson. Branndon is an economist for Exelon and a candidate for Prince George’s County Maryland County Council. During his matriculation at AAMU, Branndon was struck by a car while saving a disabled friend. This accident left him in a coma and with 16 broken bones. Doctors said he would never return to college again. A current student, who was also involved in a nearly fatal accident, heard Branndon’s story during REACH and was inspired to continue his undergraduate studies in his 60s.

Another positive outcome is from a group of Biomedical and Nutrition majors at Oakwood University. They have requested counsel on how to conduct medical research projects globally. REACH will facilitate their proposal to Duke University’s Organization for Tropical studies.  

One of the highlights of the conference was the session “Insights of an Ambassador” with Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, a 30-year diplomat and the longest serving U.S. ambassador to the nation of Malta. The session was moderated by Carlton McLellan Ph.D. who set the stage with a history of African American U.S. ambassadors, and focused on the value of citizen diplomacy while emphasizing the importance of mentorship. Throughout her career, Ambassador Abercrombie worked to give back to diverse and underserved populations. Last month, the U.S. Department of State announced that she would serve as the department’s first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.   

Attendees and university leadership gave an overwhelming response to REACH: HBCU Global Institute and Global Ties Alabama. Everyone, from students and faculty, to presenters, raved about the unique blend of interactive, transparent and conversational exchange among multi-generational, global subject matter experts.

Diversity and inclusion for HBCU students is making its way to the forefront of entities that provide study abroad and global opportunities. Looking towards the future, there are now discussions about how to make REACH: HBCU Global Institute a continual and national initiative. Now, more than ever, it is time to find and implement innovative ways to make sure all are given access to opportunities, connections, and support that leads to underrepresented individuals becoming global citizens.

In image: REACH speakers from left to right: Row 1: Ryanna Miller, Jacquelyn Shipe, Stacy White, Ambassador Gina Abercombie-Winstanley Row 2: Amelia VanderLaan, Carlton McLellan, Ph.D. Ambassador Richard LeBaron, Darrell Ezell, Ph.D., Allen Dubose Row 3: Alana Henry, Kezia Daniel, Crosby Lambert, Markal Kelly

By Jacquelyn Shipe, CEO, Global Ties Alabama and Ryanna Miller, Co-Founder, Diplomatic Perspective | Original Article

Amina Khoulani, a Syrian refugee now based in Manchester, U.K., is one of the 2020 IWOC honorees. She was recognized in Washington, D.C., by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and First Lady Melania Trump at a ceremony on March 6 prior to visiting Alabama.  

Established in 2007, this annual award recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength and leadership in acting to improve others’ lives. As part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, the awardees visit U.S. universities, businesses, and non-profit organizations to share strategies and ideas to empower women around the globe.

Khoulani is a survivor of Bashar Al-Assad’s detention and torture centers, which have arbitrarily detained more than 140,000 Syrians. Because she displayed “peaceful activism” and calls for greater civil rights in the country, she was arrested and imprisoned for six months in 2013; her husband was detained for two and a half years. They survived, but her three brothers died while in regime custody.

After being released, Khoulani and her family fled Syria in 2014. It was then that she began dedicating her life to helping families of forcibly disappeared Syrians. She is a founding member of “Families for Freedom,” a women-led movement launched in 2017 by families whose loved ones have been detained and disappeared in Syria.

Forced from her home and country, living under constant threat as a refugee without government representation, she continues to advocate for human rights, democracy, and peace in Syria through her organization and by sharing her story with groups across the globe.

During her stop in Birmingham, assistant dean and director of Cumberland’s Community Mediation Center, Cassandra Adams, gathered a group of ladies to hear her story at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Two female law students presented a brief summary of the struggles of civil rights activist Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth prior to hearing her testimony.

Khoulani introduced herself and began by saying how honored and happy she was to be in Birmingham, especially now that she is a human rights activist herself.

After listening to her heart wrenching story of trial, triumph and perseverance told with the help of her English translator, the women in attendance praised her for her efforts and all stood to offer messages of prayer and encouragement for Khoulani and her family.

Khoulani then requested that the individuals in the group share her story as well as send their written words of encouragement to her by email so that she may share with her family.

To close, Adams presented her with a special plaque of recognition while saying, “The soil where we are right now has been filled with tears from the past and we add the tears that we shed with you today, not with sadness, but with strength, for from this day all of us in your presence can support you and the human rights efforts throughout the world.”

Following the event, Khoulani received a tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute before continuing her travel throughout Alabama. 

by Morgan Black | Original Article