Dear Colleagues, 
The 2024 National Meeting theme is Diplomacy in Action: Raising Community Voices. Our work on international exchange programs provides a powerful platform to create a greater sense of civic engagement, community pride, awareness, and appreciation of diverse cultural groups. Exchange programs are for everyone, and by expanding access to global engagement and raising diverse voices, we can make our communities and our world stronger.
The many voices of Global Ties U.S. include leaders spanning multiple generations, with a wide range of experiences. Our diplomacy in action truly raises the voices of our communities to the world, and raises the voices of communities around the world to our fellow citizens.
The National Meeting has always been the most important event of the year for me, because it’s the week that brings the Global Ties Network together. It’s an opportunity to gain new skills, share experiences, renew existing friendships, and create new ones.
This week, you will be able to learn about topics such as proposal design, branding, protocol, organizational change, and the continuing DEIA work within our Network. You’ll have the chance to attend briefings from the U.S. Department of State, promote international exchanges on Capitol Hill, and perhaps most importantly, learn and gain encouragement and inspiration from each other.
I’m very excited to see all of you, and want to give a special welcome to newcomers to the Global Ties Network. It’s wonderful to have your energy and enthusiasm as we explore “Diplomacy in Action: Raising Community Voices.”
Sincerely,
Bob Lieser
Vice President of Programming
Tulsa Global Alliance