World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana

Churchill Downs is unveiling "Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good presented by Resolute Racing"—a Derby Week event dedicated to supporting local nonprofits in partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville. On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, we’re turning race day into a day of impact! Here’s how you can join the excitement and give back: ? Support local nonprofits – Purchase a “Winsday” box seat through one of 50 participating organizations, and Churchill Downs will donate $5 per ticket sold to that nonprofit. ? Unlock bonus donations – Guests who purchase a ticket through a nonprofit partner will have the chance to unlock an additional $2,000 donation for their chosen organization! ? Celebrate community impact – “Winsday” will shine a spotlight on the incredible work of nonprofits across the Kentuckiana region, raising funds and awareness through special race-day activations. Tickets start at just $32 and are available now! ?? Get your tickets and support your favorite nonprofit here: https://lnkd.in/eEEdBBnF

This is happening in Kentucky, as well. All over the country, the IVLP community, nonpartisan nonprofit organizations, and individuals are severely impacted. OREGON LIVE: A State Department program brought international visitors to Oregon. Trump’s funding freeze brought it to a halt https://lnkd.in/eTXtcatT 338 current & former chiefs of state & heads of government have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program. Who knows how many there will be in the future?

??? Last week, the World Affairs Council team joined 600+ leaders across the U.S. at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting to celebrate the incredible impact of international exchanges on America’s local communities! We had the privilege of meeting with five of our congressional representatives to champion the transformative power of programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) —where everyday Americans become citizen diplomats, forging connections that make our nation safer, stronger, and more prosperous. The numbers speak for themselves: For every $1 in federal investment, Kentucky sees a $24 return in local economic impact. That’s an outsized ROI that fuels businesses, fosters innovation, and strengthens global ties right in our own backyard. This work is about more than policy—it’s about people. It’s about community. And it’s about ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in diplomacy, understanding, and opportunity. Thank you to Global Ties U.S. and all the changemakers who make these exchanges possible. The impact is real. The future is global. ???? #ExchangeMatters #CitizenDiplomacy #IVLP #GlobalTiesUS #WorldAffairsCouncil

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Rumsfeld Fellows from Central Asia on the Silk Road’s past, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the region’s cultural and economic impact today.

Such a great event a couple of weeks ago. If you are an educator, please keep us in mind in the new school year!

So grateful for WHAS-TV coverage of our important immigration panel last night. Check out their story: https://lnkd.in/ehyt_BZV

Looking for a New Year's resolution? Create a connection that counts in 2025 by becoming a host for international visitors and expand your worldview. https://lnkd.in/efui_wV2?

No matter the language, wishing you and yours peace and a very Happy Holiday. Arabic: ????? ????? (aeyad saeida) Chinese (simplified): 佳节快乐 (Jiājié kuàilè) Danish: H?jtids?nsker! Dutch: Fijne Feestdagen! French: Joyeuses fêtes! German: Fr?hliche Feiertage! Greek: Καλ?? γιορτ??! (Kalés giortés!)Hebrew: ?? ???! (Chag Sameach!) Indonesian: Selamat liburan! Italian: Buone feste! Norwegian: God h?ytid! Polish: Weso?ych ?wi?t! Spanish: ?Felices Fiestas! Turkish: Mutlu tatiller!

Did you know that Louisville Sister City, La Plata, Argentina, hosts an event every New Year's Eve called “The burning of Momos”?? Hundreds of giant dolls are burnt to celebrate the end of the year, letting go of all the bad things that happen in the year that is gone, and to make way for a new year and a new start.?

There’s still time to give. Your support to the World Affairs Council helps create connections, educational opportunities and conversations that drive real change. Expanding our worldview makes our local community stronger. Link: https://lnkd.in/dzwgSrR