International Visitor Leadership Program
International Visitor Leadership Program
International Visitor Leadership Program
A Global Moment in Time
ALL PROGRAMS
In October 2021, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) launched A Global Moment in Time, a special International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) initiative that addresses significant contemporary societal conditions affecting all corners of the world. The initiative consists of three hybrid projects, each with up to 100 global participants, spanning up to 18 time zones, nominated by U.S. embassies. New to the IVLP model is the hybrid project, consisting of three components—a virtual program, an in-person program, and Bridge Sessions connecting the two in time and space. The Bridge is designed to maintain continuity between the formal programs by offering interactive leadership opportunities to strengthen a sense of community for our international participants. The Bridge opens additional possibilities for deepening connections to the United States, and American culture and people through innovative and creative activities and programming. Through social media, digital, and print documentation, participants will present information and photo compilations about the following themes as experienced in their home communities and countries.
Photojournalists Document Challenges and Opportunities
in the Covid Era
This project examines the role of photojournalists and photojournalism in civil discourse, public opinion, and public understanding of how Covid-19 has disrupted society, as well as how it has brought people and organizations together. Participants are engaging with U.S. photojournalists and media experts to discuss disinformation and the responsibility of media during the crisis. They are exploring the importance of volunteerism, the role of government, and decentralized efforts to mitigate the pandemic. The photojournalists are documenting the impact of Covid-19 in their communities, shown in their Global Moment Galleries on this website, as well as through contributions to a joint digital presentation and photobook.
Program Team
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Office of International Visitors
Tanya Rodzianko
Victor Duncan
National Program Agency:
World Learning
Meghan Simpson
Hallie Skripak Gordon
Bridge Builders
Bonnie Beard
Brittany Lynk
Peace and Justice
This project examines ways to build peace and justice at local and regional levels around the world. Participants are learning how leaders and organizations in the United States actively engage in mediating disputes arising from ethnic, political, religious, regiional, and socioeconomic differences. They are exploring conflict resolution methods and strategies for directing positive political, social, and economic change in a democratic society. Participants are exploring the skills necessary to balance divergent social demands and interests and to participate effectively in international forums to end conflict, promote justice, and sustain peace. The project includes a series of interactive dialogues on Peace and Justice. Participants are contributing to a joint digital presentation and photobook that amplifies their involvement in peace and justice activities in their communities.
Program Team
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Office of International Visitors
Jessica Heller
Hrag Varjabedian
National Program Agency:
Institute of International Education
Rob Means
Fred Kitchen
Bridge Builders
Minnie Battle Mayes
Leesa Fields
Reflections on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
This project examines what Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) mean in the United States and around the globe. Participants and their U.S. counterparts are examining their own understanding of DEIA and the need to advance opportunities for all. Participants are also examining how historic trends continue to impact minorities and the efforts of modern civil rights groups to challenge assumptions and change the status quo. The project highlights American democratic principles, enhances understanding of American values, and identifies shared global challenges and opportunities. Participants are contributing to a joint digital presentation and photobook that documents DEIA efforts and interpretations around the world.
Program Team
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Office of International Visitors
Sara Delson
Victoria Morgan
National Program Agency:
Meridian International Center
Renée Worthington
Mary Sauerborn
Bridge Builders
Belinda Chiu
Jennifer Strauss Gurss
Photobook and Social Media Team
Melanie Gouthro
U.S. Department of State
Ava D'Sa
U.S. Department of State
Emma Fenton
Meridian International Center Special Projects
Sarah Gentry
Meridian International Center Special Projects
Claire Schaefer
Meridian International Center
Program Associate
Anna Bradley
Meridian International Center
Program Associate
Articles
Bridge Building: Impressions from the Global Moment in Time Special Initiative
by Bonnie Beard and Brittany Lynk, Bridge Builders for “A Global Moment in Time: Photojournalists Document Challenges and Opportunities in the COVID Era”
in Global Ties U.S. Exchange Matters | January 25, 2022
New IVLP Model Bridges Time, Space, Possibility
By Leesa Fields and Minnie Battle Mayes, Bridge Builders for “A Global Moment in Time: Peace and Justice”
in Global Ties U.S. Exchange Matters | February 22, 2022