April 2022: E-Intercom
Email Date: March 28, 2022
Did you miss a chance to look at our April 2022 E-Intercom? The FIUTS E-Intercom is a monthly newsletter sent out to subscribers at the beginning of the month with upcoming events, important FIUTS updates, calls to action, and more! Want to stay updated on what’s happening at FIUTS? Subscribe here under our “Sign up for our E-Newsletter” and be one of the first to see upcoming news!
Dear FIUTS Friend,
Three weeks ago, FIUTS received notification that the UW has decided not to renew our contract for providing orientation to incoming UW international students, as part of a shift to an online orientation program and streamlined international student services. This decision means the loss of a significant portion of our annual funding as well as our space on campus, where we have been hosted since our founding in the 1940's.
This decision does not mean the end of our connection to UW - FIUTS CulturalFest, Wednesday Lunch, and other programs with UW partners will continue to create space for dialogue and cultural exchange on and off-campus. And we'll be exploring new ways to deepen our impact through partnerships with other institutions and expanded opportunities for student engagement.
We know that this is challenging news, and that many members of our community might want to share a story about the impact of FIUTS programs or ideas to shape our next steps, so we've created a survey to collect feedback from our community. We'll use the information we gather in the survey to communicate the depth of FIUTS' global impact and to guide our ongoing discussions.
FIUTS is respected locally, nationally, and internationally as a leader for our innovative program models and for the longtime impact of our work. As we consider what's next and manage the immediate decisions, our staff, Student Board, and Board of Trustees are also looking forward - towards an expanded vision of FIUTS. This next stage will be challenging, but also exciting - and we're so thankful to have the support of a global network of students, alumni, and partners.
Thank you for being a part of our work at FIUTS!
Era Schrepfer, Executive Director
Get Your Ticket to Blue Marble Bash
Blue Marble Bash is an opportunity to gather with others who believe in the importance of citizen diplomacy and support our work at FIUTS to advance international understanding.
This year, we're planning a return to in-person gathering on Thursday, April 21, 2022. at The 101 in Pioneer Square. Tickets are $75 per person and are on sale now! Keep an eye out for our online auction to complement the in-person event and auction, starting in April!
In one inspiring night, we'll hear from students and community members impacted by FIUTS programs. Enjoy a delicious meal and local wines and beers while bidding in a silent auction of unique items and experiences. Learn more on our website or register to attend here.
Some auction items this year
AND MORE!
Can't attend Blue Marble Bash this year, but want to contribute to support our work at FIUTS?
Virtual Networking with Media Leaders in Mali
Connect with young journalists and media-makers from Mali and learn more about their work at a virtual networking reception with participants in the FIUTS Media Literacy and Leadership Institute (MLLI). The zoom event will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 10:30am-12:00pm (Pacific).
Note: While we particularly encourage French speakers to attend, we’ll have an English-speaking breakout room as well!
All are welcome. Learn more and register here.
The FIUTS MLLI is a virtual exchange for young journalists and media-makers in Mali. Participants learn about media literacy, combating misinformation, leadership development, and project planning, while connecting with peers and professionals in the U.S. For more information about the program, contact Ellen Frierson at ellen@fiuts.org.
Seattle High School & University Students: Connect with African Youth this April!
Calling all Seattle-area students ages 14-19! Make friends from Botswana, Ethiopia, and the Gambia by signing up to be a local Ambassador for our upcoming Virtual Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP). Participate in weekly virtual discussions via online chat with African peers between April 7-May 6. Service hours are available.
Applications are due April 1. Apply here!
Learn more at www.fiuts.org/paylp. Questions? Contact Jason Evans at jason@fiuts.org.
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FIUTS produces this program as a partner to Meridian International Center. PAYLP is fully funded by the U. S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Be a Part of World to Work: May 2-6, 2022
Make a real difference in shaping the career of a visiting student interested in your field!
The FIUTS World to Work Program offers students an opportunity to explore career paths, practice networking, and connect with professionals in the Greater Puget Sound region.
FIUTS is seeking community members to offer workplace tours, host small networking events, or speak on career advice panels.
Are you a current host interested in being a part of World to Work? Let us know by filling out the Host availability survey.
Not a host but interested in participating or have any questions? Contact Hilary Zuniga-Camacho at hilary@fiuts.org
Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni to Travel (in person!) to FIUTS This Summer
FIUTS is proud to announce its selection as an Alumni Enrichment Institute Partner for the 2022 Alumni Enrichment Institutes, an opportunity for 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni to travel to the United States in summer 2022.
Local community members can look forward to a Host Day as well as a networking reception (more details to come). Contact Hilary Zuniga-Camacho at hilary@fiuts.org to learn more.
University students can also become involved by becoming a FIUTS Student Ambassador. Contact Jason Evans at jason@fiuts.org to learn more.
Read more about this program and ways to be involved on our blog or website!
Apply for the FIUTS Board of Trustees
The FIUTS Board of Trustees (BOT) are community leaders who are passionate about our mission and interested in making an impact through citizen diplomacy. Each summer, FIUTS recruits a cohort of 4-6 new trustees to join this group of passionate and dedicated community volunteers who provide strategic, programmatic, and financial support to FIUTS.
Trustees serve a three-year term that can be renewed one time for a total of six years. Recruitment for new Trustees begins in late spring and new members are elected each fall. Interested in learning more about the FIUTS Board? Send an email to Era Schrepfer, FIUTS Executive Director.
in the fiuts blog
Meet the FIUTS MLLI 2022 Student Ambassadors!
Although the FIUTS MLLI program is currently online, FIUTS has still had the opportunity to have FIUTS Student Ambassadors involved. Ambassadors are a critical piece of the program and act as peer mentors, cultural liaisons, friends, and student leaders. During the 16-week virtual exchange program, the MLLI participants and FIUTS Student Ambassadors will learn from one another and developed a special friendship!
Alumni Impact: Meet Alex Gamboa
Alumni Impact is a social media campaign that recognizes the excellent work being done by FIUTS alumni all around the world. Today, meet Alex, a FIUTS YAP alum from Peru, and learn about his work with teaching English and providing students with a safe place for promoting equality and excellence.
Celebrating International Women's Day
March 8 was International Women’s Day! FIUTS is so proud of all the incredible students and alumni in our community who are empowering themselves and others to make the world a more equitable and just place for people of all genders.
Want to be featured on our blog?
Are you a FIUTS alum, host, or current student who wants to be featured on our blog? Please reach out to hilary@fiuts.org
FIUTS WINTER Quarter Office Hours
For UW's Winter Quarter, the FIUTS office will be open Monday - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Questions? You can always send us an email!