International Relations Council

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International Relations Council logo[1]

The International Relations Council (IRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan educational organization in Kansas City, Missouri, and a member of the World Affairs Councils of America. As an educational nonprofit, the IRC works in partnership with a range of businesses, universities, community organizations, K-12 schools, and other interested individuals to grow a global perspective and find international connections within the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.[2] The IRC works to foster interest in and understanding of international affairs among the citizens of Kansas City through the development of various programs and events, such as its Global Experience Series, Berkley Lectures, WorldQuest, Great Decisions, and many others. As a membership organization, the IRC welcomes individuals and families, businesses, universities, and other organizations to join as IRC members in order to help sustain global-affairs education in the Kansas City community and receive various benefits.

Mission

The mission of the International Relations Council (IRC) is to bring a global perspective to the Greater Kansas City community through strategic partnerships with businesses, universities, community organizations, and K-12 schools. The IRC brings world leaders and dignitaries to the metro region to share their international experiences, hosts forums for high-school students to interact with and learn from foreign-policy experts, and creates opportunities for area business leaders to strengthen relationships abroad. The IRC emphasizes that promoting global awareness and understanding ultimately strengthens and supports communities.[2]

History

The International Relations Council was founded in late December 1954 by Eliot Berkley, who served as executive director of the IRC for nearly forty years and, later, as chairman of the IRC Academy and lifetime board member of the IRC.[2] After graduating from Harvard University in 1947, Eliot earned an M.A. (1949) and Ph.D. (1952) from Princeton University. Returning to his hometown, Eliot taught history and government at the University of Kansas City, now UMKC. He then taught social science at the Kansas City Art Institute, where he later served as vice president for development from 1960 to 1961 and dean of the college from 1961 to 1965. As an advocate of citizen involvement in the foreign policy process, Dr. Berkley served as executive director of the International Relations Council for nearly forty years and, later, as chairman of the IRC Academy and lifetime board member of the IRC. For many years, his wife Marcia worked side by side with Eliot, hosting dinners and meetings in their home. Eliot passed away in 2012 but is still remembered fondly by business, community, and academic leaders » for his inspirational passion for global issues.[2]

The IRC welcomed Eleanor Roosevelt as its first speaker in January 1955. Since then, a wide range of legislators, professors, journalists, diplomats, and other global-affairs experts have visited Kansas City to share their perspective and expertise. These notable guests include Henry Kissinger (1975), Jim Lehrer (1986), Robert J. Eaton (1993), Madeleine Albright (2006), Condoleezza Rice (2010), and Janet Napolitano (2014).[2]

Since its beginning, the IRC has grown from a small "kitchen table" gathering to an educational organization with a large number of Kansas City area members. With Matthew Hughes serving as the current executive director, the IRC warmly welcomes involvement in IRC events and programs from citizens of the Greater Kansas City area.

Leadership

CEO/Executive Director (July 2016 - Present)

Matthew Hughes

Program Coordinator

April Diaz

2018 Board Officers[3]

Lyn Lakin - President

Amy Bretall - Vice President

Jeffrey Bell - Secretary

Nancy C. Messer - Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee

Board Members[3]

Kimberly Connelly (Chair of Program Committee), Chelan David, Kirk Doan, Anné Erickson, Narbeli Galindo, Dr. Michael Makara (Chair of Education Committee), Holly Nielsen, Bob Rebori (2016 Board President), Lawrence Rouse, Randal L. Schultz, Gino Serra, Carrie Sherer, Cyprienne Simchowitz, Stephen Steigman, Kelli Stout (Chair of Corporate Membership Committee), Samantha Vidal, Dr. Sidne Ward, Mike Wood, Dr. Brian Wright, Dr. Karenbeth Zacharias[3]

Finances

The IRC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is funded almost entirely by memberships, both individual and corporate, donations, program fees and some small grants.[4] Memberships can be purchased on an annual basis. IRC members receive free admission to most IRC events. IRC member universities & corporations can also attend select events for free.

Programs

Eliot S. Berkley Lectures

The Eliot S. Berkley Lecture was founded in 1996 and brings an expert in foreign policy and global affairs to the Kansas City area. The lecture was established through the Berkley Endowment to honor the IRC’s founder and his decades of service, and to provide a platform for engaging community members in understanding critical global issues. Past Berkley lecturers include former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford (2014), Gerald Seib (2011), The Honorable Thomas R. Pickering (2005), and Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr. (1998).[5]

List of past Eliot S. Berkley Lectures

IRC Networking Hours

IRC Networking Hours give IRC members and friends the chance to get to know each other and to learn about international opportunities in the IRC organizational partners' many different professional fields.[6] The first IRC Networking Hour of 2017 took place on March 22nd, where attendees took a visit to Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, architecture, and consulting firm with both domestic and international projects. On August 2nd, attendees learned about the nationwide work of Commerce Bank and had plenty of time to network. At the final IRC Networking Hour of 2017 on October 9th, attendees had a chance to meet employees of Bio-Microbics, a manufacturer of wastewater treatment systems with over 60,000 installations in over 70 countries. The IRC sees great value in allowing members of the Kansas City community the chance to network with internationally interested organizations, as it creates opportunities for further global connections within Kansas City.

Global Forums

IRC global discussions bring dignitaries, foreign-policy experts, and regional leaders together to discuss, debate, and engage the community of the Kansas City area in trying to understand global issues. The IRC's robust global-affairs programming provides opportunities for IRC members, partner organizations, and community members to grapple with issues and understand their regional relevance.[7]

Some of the IRC's recent programs include:

  • Russia in 2017: Perspectives & Challenges with Brigadier General Peter Zwack
  • The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy with Mizzou Professor Cooper Drury
  • Local Impact of Global Epidemics with Rodgers Health and the University of Kansas Medical Center

Speakers Bureau

The International Relations Council's Speakers Bureau is a collection of IRC members willing to share their expertise and experiences with the Greater Kansas City area. Speakers have knowledge of the historical and contemporary aspects of specific countries, foreign policy, geography, and culture. The members of the Bureau don’t charge a fee for their speaking time and are available to the Greater Kansas City area (but it is ultimately their decision where to travel).[8]

WorldQuest

Each year, more than 200 business professionals, academic faculty, community members, and students participate in a fun and interactive global trivia competition. It is a 6 round competition, each round consisting of 10 questions. In the past, categories have included: current events, history, geography, identifications (visual or aural), potpourri 1 and potpourri 2 (potpourri questions allow for topics like food, language, culture). Teams of eight compete to show their knowledge of global affairs, geography, world languages, and more. The winning team takes home the traveling trophy, while second- and third-place teams win valuable prizes.[9]

Great Decisions

Great Decisions is a program produced by the Foreign Policy Association and offered in Kansas City through the IRC. Across Kansas and Missouri, people participating in Great Decisions gather in homes, libraries, and community centers to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our world. Groups receive and study Great Decisions briefing books, which are well-researched, written materials that help guide discussion throughout the year. Each discussion is lead by a Discussion Group Leader. However, participants play the most important role, and their interest, enthusiasm, and commitment ultimately determine the success of the group. Each participant's point of view carries equal weight and everyone is encouraged to share opinions and ideas. The topics change annually, and these discussions strengthen people's understanding of global issues and build connections in the Kansas City community.[10]

Global Experience Series

Global Experience programs give participants of all ages, interests, and backgrounds the chance to explore how international Kansas City is while answering two key questions – What's your global story? Do you get the chance to share it? Often free or low-cost, Global Experience events range from visits to internationally themed restaurants and other outings to film screenings and discussions on timely global issues. By sharing their diverse knowledge and insights, hosts and participants provide a deeper look into Kansas City's vibrant international community.[11]

School programs

The IRC devotes a large portion of its resources to programs for teachers and students. IRC programs aim to promote global and cross-cultural awareness and to inspire a passion for international studies.

Your Global Future

Away from the borders and coasts, Kansas City-area students are often surprised to find just how many international academic and professional opportunities await them after high school. Your Global Future is a unique college and career fair that will take place at Union Station's Grand Plaza on October 16, 2018. The college and career fair will bring together dozens of international businesses, organizations, and colleges and universities to show students just how global their future can be.

Booths set up in Union Station’s Grand Plaza will include representatives from:

  • Businesses from a range of sectors, including agriculture, architecture and design, engineering, finance, hospitality, law, medicine, sports, technology, travel and transportation, and veterinary science;
  • Colleges and universities, including internationally oriented majors, clubs, and student groups;
  • Ethnic and cultural groups represented in the Kansas City area;
  • Government agencies;
  • Kansas City-based international NGOs;
  • Performing and visual arts groups and museums with global connections; and
  • Study-abroad programs

School groups will arrive as early as 9 a.m. and may leave as late as 3 p.m. Presentations from global professionals will be offered throughout the day, and students will be encouraged to practice their interview skills by interacting with booth representatives as they browse the opportunities offered.

The program will be underwritten by support from the participating organizations and Kansas City-area donors to ensure that attendance is completely cost-free for teachers and students. Sponsor packages to increase visibility and impact are available, and schools will be eligible to receive up to $200 to offset the cost of bus transportation.[12]

Eliot S. Berkley Award

Each year, in memory of the IRC founder and longtime executive director, Eliot S. Berkley, the International Relations Council presents this award to an exceptional high-school junior or senior who has demonstrated superior academic interest and competence in international studies.[13] Finalists are selected by a committee of IRC members. After personal interviews with the finalists, the winner is selected and is presented an inscribed award and a $500 scholarship at an IRC fall event. [14]

Academic WorldQuest

Each year since 2006, the IRC has offered high-school students the chance to showcase their knowledge of world affairs, geography, history, and current events at this event. Each Greater Kansas City area high school may enter one team of four students plus a faculty sponsor, and participation is entirely cost-free. The winning team will receive an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the students and their sponsor to represent Kansas City in the national Academic WorldQuest competition.[15] WorldQuest is a copyrighted program of the World Affairs Councils of America and approximately 4,000 students across the country participate in competitions hosted by over 40 local World Affairs Councils in 26 states. [16]

International Classroom Partnership Program (ICPP)

The ICPP is a program which sends international students from several Kansas City area colleges and universities to visit elementary schools in order to share their life and culture with school children. International college students share facts about language, dress, and etiquette of their home countries with American students. The program aims to dispel stereotypes of other nations while sparking an interest in foreign languages and cultures in elementary-aged children. The International Classroom Partnership Program ended in 2010.

Global Honors Evening

In 1984, the IRC began its annual Awards Banquet, now known as the Global Honors Evening. Each year, the IRC recognizes individuals or organizations for a variety of contributions – to foreign policy and global affairs, to international commerce, or to the Kansas City community. The IRC awards the Distinguished Service Award for International Statesmanship to an individual who has made outstanding contributions in international commerce, diplomacy, education or understanding, and who has a connection to Missouri or Kansas. The IRC also presents awards for Contributions to International Commerce and/or Community Service and for Academic Leadership.[17]

Past awardees

Distinguished Service Award for International Statesmanship

Award for Academic Leadership

  • 2009 Stowers Institute William Neaves, accepting
  • 2008 KU Confucius Institute Sheri Willis, accepting
  • 2007 Richard Derman, M.D., M.P.H. Associate Dean for Women's Health at UMKC
  • 2006 Beverly Byers-Pevitts President, Park University
  • 2003 Paul and Colleen Nance Founders, Nance Museum and Library of Middle Eastern Art
  • 2002 Gary Armstrong, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Political Science, William Jewell College
  • 2001 Hal Jehle Secondary Resource Specialist, Shawnee Mission School District
  • 2000 Maria Carlson, Ph.D. Director, Center for Russian and East European Studies, The University of Kansas
  • 1999 KCPT Public Television 19 William T. Reed, accepting
  • 1998 John E. Cleek, Ph.D. Director, Center for International Business, Bloch School of Business and Public Administration, UMKC
  • 1997 Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Marc F. Wilson, accepting
  • 1996 Terry Rodenberg, Ed.D. Director, International Program, Central Missouri State University
  • 1995 Janet R. Baird, Ph.D. Program Administrator, Southeast Magnet High School for International Studies
  • 1994 George Woodyard, Ph.D. Dean of International Studies, The University of Kansas
  • 1993 Carolyn J. Kadel Director of International Education, Johnson County Community College
  • 1992 Paul A. Garcia, Ph.D. Instructional Specialist for Language and International Studies, Kansas City Missouri School District
  • 1991 Henry A. Mitchell Professor and Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic and International Affairs, UMKC
  • 1990 Miyo Wagner Visiting Instructor of Japanese Language, Rockhurst College
  • 1989 E. Grey Dimond, M.D. Provost Emeritus, Health Sciences, UMKC
  • 1987 Ed Chasteen Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, William Jewell College
  • 1986 David Wolfe Director, Social Studies, Shawnee Mission School District
  • 1985 Harry L. Klut Social studies teacher, Paseo High School, Kansas City School District
  • 1984 Joyce Cox Social studies teacher, Center High School, Center School District

Award for Contributions to International Commerce and/or Community Service

  • 2016 A. Zahner Company Robert Zahner, Senior Vice President, accepting
  • 2015 Henry Bloch Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of H&R Block
  • 2014 Julián Zugazagoitia President and CEO of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • 2013 R. Crosby Kemper III Executive Director of the Kansas City Public Library
  • 2012 Sporting Kansas City Greg Cotton, Chief of Staff, accepting
  • 2011 Consul Jacob Prado Consul General of Mexico at Kansas City
  • 2010 Seaboard Corporation Robert Steer, Senior Vice President and CFO, accepting
  • 2009 Danny O'Neill President and Owner, the Roasterie
  • 2008 Len Rodman President, Chairman, and CEO, Black & Veatch
  • 2004 Consul General Takao Shibata Consulate General of Japan at Kansas City
  • 2004 Benny Lee Chairman and CEO, Top Innovations, Inc.
  • 2003 Dr. Min H. Kao President and CEO, Garmin International; Co-founder and co-chairman, Garmin Corporation
  • 2002 Michael R. Haverty Chairman, President and CEO, Kansas City Southern Industries
  • 2001 Lillian Gonzalez Pardo, M.D. Medical Director, TEVA Neuroscience; Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, KU Medical Center; President, Filipino Cultural Center Foundation
  • 2000 Dr. Richard W. Harriman Founder and Director, Harriman Arts Program, William Jewell College
  • 1999 Jeffrey W. Colyer Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center
  • 1998 John P. McMeel Chairman, Andrews McMeel Universal
  • 1997 Stanley H. Durwood Chairman and CEO, AMC Theatres.
  • 1996 Anne and Norman Burkart President and Director, Language Link
  • 1995 William D. Chapman President, Butler International
  • 1994 Lawrence D. Starr President and CEO, Koch Supplies.
  • 1993 Gary B. Morsch, M.D. Founder and Chairman, Heart to Heart International
  • 1992 Morton I. Sosland Chairman, Sosland Publishing
  • 1991 Robert A. Cushman President, ARMCO Worldwide Grinding Systems; Vice President, ARMCO Inc.
  • 1990 James L. Rainey President and CEO, Farmland Industries
  • 1989 William T. Esrey President and CEO, United Telecom and Sprint
  • 1988 John T. Pierson, Jr. President, PRECO Industries
  • 1987 Heinz K. Wehner Group Vice President and General Manager, Agricultural Chemical Division, Mobay Corp.
  • 1986 Allen M. Acheson President, Black & Veatch International
  • 1985 Stanley A. Hamilton President, Hallmark International; Honorary British Consul
  • 1985 James E. Burke Late Honorary Consul of Japan
  • 1984 Rod Turnbull Director of Public Affairs, Kansas City Board of Trade

Affiliations

The International Relations Council is one of more than 90 organizations in the U.S. affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). WACA is the largest non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to fostering grassroots understanding of, and engagement in, international affairs.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "International Relations Council". www.irckc.org. Retrieved 2018-08-08.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "International Relations Council: Who We Are". International Relations Council. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 "IRC Board of Directors". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  4. ↑ Greater Kansas City Community Foundation International Relations Council Profile Retrieved on Sept. 14th, 2009.
  5. ↑ "IRC Berkley Lecture". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  6. ↑ "IRC Networking Hour". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  7. ↑ "IRC Events: Global Forum". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  8. ↑ "IRC Speakers Bureau". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  9. ↑ "IRC WorldQuest". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  10. ↑ "International Relations Council: Great Decisions". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  11. ↑ "International Relations Council: Global Experience". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  12. ↑ "International Relations Council: Your Global Future". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  13. ↑ "IRC Eliot S. Berkley Award". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  14. ↑ Shawnee Mission School District SM South senior earns $500 award for international issues Accessed June 12,2013.
  15. ↑ "IRC Academic WorldQuest". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  16. ↑ Fox 4 News Academic WorldQuest champions Accessed June 12,2013.
  17. ↑ "IRC Annual Awards Banquet". International Relations Council. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  18. ↑ Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Kansas City Director General Jack J.C. Yang attends the 2012 Annual Awards Banquet held by International Relations Council in Kansas City Accessed June 13, 2013.
  19. ↑ Imprint Express Bergrud MCs International Relations Council awards banquet Accessed June 12,2013.
  20. ↑ Wood, Mike. "KC Plays a Leading Role on the International Stage." The Kansas City Star July 12, 2008.
  21. ↑ Canon, Scott."Danforth envisions a crisis coalition"The Kansas City Star December 14, 2005
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