FIUTS Annual Campaign 2020
In a normal year, students from every corner of the globe would be packing bags and boarding planes to Seattle and the University of Washington. FIUTS would be stuffing nametags, ordering pallets of food for the annual community barbeque, and greeting each of the year’s 2,000+ new international students in person. This fall is different. Some students are taking classes from their home countries, while others will come to Seattle to study, conduct research, or work in person. But much of the campus will remain closed. We won’t be matching new students with local homestay hosts. There won’t be any in-person welcome events. It’s just not safe for students and the FIUTS community to gather in the giant groups we normally would to launch the new academic year.
Students and facilitators attending a FIUTS Virtual Game Night over Zoom.
Despite our physical isolation from each other right now, connection is more important than ever. FIUTS has continued to sustain our operations and provide services to students, because even if we can’t be together in person, our community needs us. And students need you. If you are able, please make a gift now to help students and community connect during this incredibly challenging time.
Please make a gift of $30 to provide social opportunities for new UW international students as they begin their school careers as new Huskies.
Since the start of the pandemic, with your support we’ve adapted and adjusted our programs in important ways in order to continue to offer opportunities for people to connect to each other in spite of their differences, and to build bonds within our community that reach across the globe. You’ve already heard about some of the ways FIUTS has adapted our programming, but we have even more in store. Your gift will fund innovative and free programs like:
• Language Exchange: We’ve evolved our language exchange board to be online, making it possible for people to seek a partner no matter where they are in the world. More than 260 September 25, 2020 people are now connected: sharing and learning over 14 different languages together.
FIUTS Race & Racism Discussion Series.
• Race and Racism Discussion Series: As our country grapples with the legacy of systemic racism and oppression of minority voices, this is an opportunity for people to come together virtually with facilitated dialogue about their own experiences of race and questions about racism here and around the world.
• LAUNCH and Virtual Support for New Students: FIUTS is welcoming new students this fall with an online version of International Student Orientation. The new LAUNCH series is an exciting addition to orientation which creates space for incoming international students to build community with other new students and find support from our student leaders, whether or not they are here in person.
FIUTS has been severely impacted by the financial crisis caused by the pandemic. Limitations on travel have led to cancellation of programs and reduction in funding, with no end in sight. Yet the need to advance international understanding and support young global leaders is clear. Your gift will help to ensure that our vibrant and much-needed programs are able to adapt and that we remain ready to welcome international visitors to our university and city as soon as it is safe.
FIUTS Staff planning programs, events, and activities over Zoom.
With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting everyday life, the future has never felt so unpredictable. These are challenging times for everyone, but over the (seemingly endless!) months of the global pandemic, we’ve been inspired by the resilience, empathy, and spirit of our students, alumni, and community around the world. In times like these, we’re reminded of how interconnected we all are.
Your gift of $30 can make an incoming student feel welcome in their new city. Please make a gift today.
If you’re unable to donate at this time, there are many other ways you can support FIUTS. Volunteer as a Friendship Connection or share some of our stories of students, alumni, and programs on social media. Tell your own FIUTS story to encourage others to give or volunteer. Your involvement makes a difference. Thank you for being connected to this community.
- Era Schrepfer, FIUTS Executive Director & Aditi Bhide, FIUTS Fundraising Committee Co-chair
—
PS: If you don’t already receive our newsletter, please subscribe now to receive monthly updates and information about opportunities to take part in programs that further international understanding. Sign up at www.fiuts.org.