Council of International Programs Chicago (CIP Chicago)

Board Membership The Council of International Programs Chicago, (CIP) has opening for two board members to serve for a period of two years. CIP, an international nonprofit, closes the gap between corporate professional organizations and international individuals by being the connecting force. CIP helps businesses and nonprofits grow their diversity and make international connections by working with it to bring in top-tier candidates. This is a volunteer role. The Board Member will be responsible for participating in at least 4 of the 6 board meetings a year, most online and for providing insights and guidance on strategic planning & decisions, and promoting the organization's mission. Qualifications Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities Commitment to the organization's mission and goals Experience in leadership or fundraising is a plus Knowledge of the nonprofit sector or related fields Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders Contact: Dr. George Palamattam, [email protected], +1 312 545 6882

Join us for an exciting event on Wed. Sept. 18 to create global connections and support a great cause. This will be CIP Chicago's 3rd annual grape harvesting event at Sinha; one of a kind brazilian food and drinks in Chicago with a unique grape harvesting activity. Tickets can be purchased at cipchicago.org/events/ or at https://lnkd.in/ga-YiuGh

CIP Chicago is excited to be hosting a delegation from the Republic of Georgia to Illinois from August 9-17, 2024. The delegates are participating in the Open World program, which is administered by the Congressional Office for International Leadership. Stay tuned for updates!

On Thursday, July 18, CIP Chicago interns Annslee Smith and John Bresnahan joined Executive Director Dr. George Palamattam at the Spirit of Nelson Mandela, hosted by Chicago Sister Cities International at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. Annslee described it as an enriching experience that allowed John and her to connect with about 15 nonprofits from the Chicagoland area. Thank you, Chicago Sister Cities International, for putting together a wonderful event.

CIP Chicago is looking for host families for young professionals from the Republic of Georgia that are coming to Chicago August 9-17. Contact CIP Chicago's Executive Director Dr. George Palamattam at [email protected] or +1(312)-545-6882 if you are interested!

On June 10, the Estonian delegation met with the Better Government Association (BGA). They talked with the CEO of BGA, David Greising, and editor for the Illinois Answers Project, Ruby Bailey. The delegates were delighted to observe the impact watchdog institutions like BGA is able to make. One of the delegates, Maris M?gi, who works for the Tartu Environmental Education Center (Tartu loodusmaja) and is the national operator of the Estonian Eco-Schools program, shared her experience: It opened, “my mind to how to encourage our students to actively search for answers, develop analyzing skills and critical thinking, and make their voices heard. Environmental topics are often forgotten or ignored in light of economical decisions but with knowledge and activity they can make a change.” Want to make an impact like BGA? Reach out to CIP Chicago to see how you can get involved!

A couple weeks ago, CIP Chicago welcomed a Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) delegation of government and civic leaders from Estonia, as part of the Open World program! Our delegation consisted of five professionals: Ivo Arro, Hans-Kristjan Raid, Maris Magi, Iti-Jantra Metsamaa, and Johanna Maria T?ugu. The delegation was also accompanied by a bicultural/lingual facilitator, a staff member from the U.S. Embassy in Estonia: Tiiu Vitsut. From June 7 to June 15, the delegates visited with many different Chicago institutions and sustainability experts. We want to thank Better Government Association, Illinois Answers Project, University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois Environmental Council, Donco Recycling Solutions, the Village of Oak Park, Oak Park and River Forest High School, Illinois Institute of Technology, the City of Evanston, Evanston Township High School (ETHS), and the Collective Resource Compost Cooperative. Each organization took the time to meet with us and discuss their efforts in green solutions, and we are extremely grateful for them. We would also like to thank the host families: Anat Unruh and Guy Rowley, and Marilyn and John Evrard. Thank you for hosting our delegates and making them feel welcome and at home in Chicago.

Join us for an exciting event on May 18th to create global connections and support a great cause. There will be music, live DJ, auction, art, guest speaker, and former NFL players. Tickets can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/444vgDB