LATE SUMMER EDITION 2011 | Inspiring our Community to Understand Global Issues and Cultures in an Ever Changing Wor ldwww.micglobe.org | 612.625.4421

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MINNESOTA INTERNAT IONAL CENTER M i n n e s o t a ’ s D o o r t o t h e Wo r l d | 1

Tuesday, September 20 Culture Through Cuisine: Nepal MIC members and guests only Located on the southern end of the Himalayas, Nepal is one of the world’s most beautiful places. Nepal’s ethnicity and friendly culture have distinguished the Nepali. Typical Nepali cuisine has its own identity, with a blend of tastes from rice-based North Indian curries and sweets, to the dumplings and noodles from influences of Tibet and China. Everest on Grand makes each dish from scratch with locally-available herbs and imported spices, bringing the Himalayan dining experience to Minnesota. Our menu will include dumplings, chicken tikka masala, lamb and eggplant curries, pulao rice, daal and more. Special guests from Nepal will join us to spice up the conversation.

When: Tuesday, September 20; 6:30 – 8:30 P Cost: $35/person incl. tax & gratuity. Wine & beer cash bar.Where: Everest on Grand, 1278 Grand Avenue, St. Paul Advance registration REQUIRED

Saturday, October 29 Great Decisions: Foreign Policy and the Media 4th Annual Great Decisions Conference We saw the incredible power of social media as “the Arab Spring” unfolded. How will “instant information” on an international scale affect future news coverage and decision-making? How can leaders and the public evaluate source credibility and acquire needed context and background? Is there still a role for the traditional media? Whose responsibility is it to make sure that the public is well informed about international issues? How do media organizations shape public opinion and foreign policy? How can citizen education and engagement initiatives such as Great Decisions play a role? Confirmed speakers include: Tom Hanson (former Foreign Service Officer); Noel Lateef (Foreign Policy Association); Alisa Miller (Public Radio International); John Rash (Star Tribune); and Keith Porter (The Stanley Foundation).

Major cosponsors: The Foreign Policy Association & The Star Tribune

Other cosponsors:The Stanley Foundation; Upper Midwest Chapter –

American Foreign Service Association; St. Paul-Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations;

Alliance for Lifelong Learning MinnesotaWhen: Saturday, October 29: 8:30 A - 3:30 P Where: Continuing Education and Conference Center Cost: MIC members $40; Non-members $50; Students $201890 Buford Avenue, U of M St. Paul Campus Advance registration required by October 21

MINNESOTA INTERNAT IONAL CENTER M i n n e s o t a ’ s D o o r t o t h e Wo r l d | 2

Connecting Immigrant Communities Across Cultures By Daniel Gethun, International Visitor Leadership Program Manager Although phone books are quickly becoming artifacts for history museums, scrolling through one in Minnesota reflects the state’s deeply-rooted Scandinavian heritage: Anderson. Holmquist. Erickson. Lundgaard. Olson. Ali? Minnesota’s demographics are rapidly changing, but the state recently had the unique opportunity to connect with its Nordic roots - by way of Somalia. In early May, the MIC’s International Visitor Leadership Program hosted a delegation of 10 emerging leaders from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, who visited the Twin Cities to examine how the local Somali population has developed successful models of social, political, and economic integration. While the Twin Cities has long been a resettlement destination and is home to the largest American populations of Hmong, Karen and Liberian refugees, the state’s Somali population is the largest and perhaps most nationally recognized. The 2010 U.S. Census found that more than 1 in 3 Somalis in the U.S. live in Minnesota (primarily in Minneapolis but increasingly in suburban areas); unofficial local reports estimate up to 100,000 Somalis may reside here. Minneapolis was thus a logical city stop for these Somali-Nordic visitors, all of whom were Somali immigrants in their respective countries, and the local Somali community was thrilled to share with the delegation their success in various areas of civil society. The group discussed economic integration and small business development with Mr. Hussein Samatar, who founded the Minneapolis-based African Development Center (ADC) and has won national and international acclaim for his culturally-minded economic development programs. They toured local Somali malls, and enjoyed a meal with the owner of Safari Express, a popular Twin Cities eatery serving East African delicacies (several adventurous visitors ordered the camel burger). Additional professional appointments included meetings with Somali representatives in city government and academia. The group learned about educational considerations for Somali students through a visit to the Somali Education Center, and also

discussed youth outreach and efforts in combating extremism with community leaders in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, the most densely populated area of the city and home to thousands of Somalis. It is in this neighborhood that national attention has been focused in recent years because of Somali youth being recruited to join militias in the Horn of Africa; a situation which the local Somali population feels has been the focus of unnecessarily excessive media attention. The broader international implications of Somalis in the United States were also a topic of a meeting with U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN), the country’s first Muslim Congressman. Rep. Ellison’s district includes Minneapolis, providing him with insight into the Somali experience in the U.S., and, as Minnesota’s first African-American member of Congress, a unique personal experience from which to discuss minority participation in the political process. As often happens with the IVLP program, the meeting ran an hour longer than scheduled, with Rep. Ellison imparting to the visitors the importance of diplomatic partnerships between the U.S. and the Nordic Countries. In addition to a packed professional itinerary, the visitors enjoyed home hospitality and also attended a reception held in their honor by members of the local Nordic and Somali communities in the Twin Cities. The short visit to Minnesota proved incredibly meaningful for both the participants and the professional resources. Immediate friendships were made, the seeds of long-term partnerships were planted, and the illusion of a “nationality of a name” was perhaps forever shattered.

Late Summer Edition 2011 | Communiqué

The International Visitor Leadership Program is sponsored by National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) and is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State under the authority of the Fulbright-Hayes Act. www.nciv.org

Building person-to-person relationships “one handshake at a time.”

MIC’s Social Happenings

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Late Summer Edition 2011 | Communiqué

Every Member Counts! Membership is a key source of income for MIC. Thanks to our members’ support, MIC provides opportunities for Minnesotans to learn about the world. But it’s not only enlightening, it’s fun too! Memberships begin at $75 per household and directly support MIC’s mission. Join now at www.micglobe.org or call Tricia at 612.625.0620.

This summer we are working hard to produce another suc-cessful program year for the Minnesota International Center. Our 2012 gala will be a Celebration of

Türkiye and plans are already underway to strengthen ties between Minnesota and Turkey. We have some great programs coming up this fall, including our 4th annual Great Decisions conference on Saturday, Octo-ber 29. Join us for a day of critical think-ing and enlightened discussion. Minneso-ta is proud to sponsor 55 Great Decisions groups across the state, which is the largest number for any state in the nation! The conference topic is “Foreign Policy and

the Media” and we are thrilled to have the support of the Star Tribune which will be partnering with us on a yearlong Great Decisions project. Please make sure to read MIC staff member Daniel Getahun’s fascinating ar-ticle on the Somali-Nordic visitors that we hosted this spring in Minnesota. In light of the recent tragedy in Norway and sub-sequent discussions about the lightning rod topic of multi-culturalism in Europe, his article presents a thoughtful discussion about the value of the International Visitor Leadership program and the education it affords both Minnesotans and the interna-tional visitors. As President of the Minnesota Inter-national Center, I am always delighted to speak to other organizations about MIC, its programs and mission. In the coming

month, I will be presenting to the Associa-tion of Retired Foreign Service Officers; the new Great Decisions discussion group at the Minneapolis Women’s Club; and a meeting of the Honorary Consuls in Minnesota. In addition, I will be meeting with the Turkish American Association of Minnesota to discuss the upcoming visit of the Mr. Fatih Yildiz, Turkish consul general from Chicago, and MIC’s upcom-ing Celebration of Türkiye. We couldn’t fulfill our mission with-out the wonderful support of our mem-bers and we thank you. We look forward to seeing you this fall at MIC programs!

Letter from the President

Carol Engebretson Byrne, President

News from the Board of DirectorsAs always at this time of year, MIC has to say “thank you and farewell” to those members of its board of directors whose terms of service have expired. The following directors will be leaving the MIC board but not the MIC family:

Dr. Daryoush Allaei, CEO, QRDC, Inc. Melissa Camarena, MCM Designs Mary Jane Carlson Richard E. Weiner, shareholder, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

But we are also privileged to welcome new directors who will continue the work of their predecessors in ensuring the future strength of the organization:

Christopher Berger, principal, Berger Brands Pablo Gaito, Tartan leader Human Resources, Cargill, Inc. Michael Hoff Jay Novak, client advisor for Aethlon Capital Guy Sanschagrin, tax director, Global Transfer Pricing/Valuation Services, PwC James H. White, President International Sector, Ecolab Inc.

We are also pleased to announce that Robert W. Sit, vice president - Research & Investment Management, Sit Investment Associates, Inc., has been elected Board Chair succeeding Susan B. Plimpton who will continue on the board as Past Chair. Board member Leni D. Moore has graciously agreed to succeed Rob Sit as Board Treasurer.

MIC member discounts for Walker Art Series:Despair Be Damned: New Music and Dance from the Congo

September 23 and 24 at 8:00 P Dance: Faustin Linyekula/Studios Kabako Where: Walker McGuire Theater, Minneapolis Cost: Discounted tickets for MIC Members $21.

September 27 at 8:00 P Music: Staff Benda Bilili Where: Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis Cost: Discounted tickets for MIC members $25

To obtain tickets: call the Walker box office (612.375.7600) and mention the Minnesota International Center discount.

Inspiring our Community to Understand Global Issues and Cultures in an Ever Changing World

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Minnesota International Center’s mission: Inspiring our community to understand global issues and cultures in an ever changing world

300 MIC members and guests enjoyed an outstanding gala celebrating France and raised $226,000 to support the programs of the Minnesota International Center. The food was spectacular, the entertainment provided by Maria Jette, Laura Hynes-Smith and the VocalEssence Ensemble conducted by Philip Brunelle, was sensational and a great time was had by all who attended. It seems that every year our Galas outdo each other in terms of fundraising, delicious food and enjoyment for the attendees. This really puts the pressure on the following year’s event. So stand- by for a one-of-a-kind Celebration of Türkiye in 2012.

An Outstanding Evening Celebrating France...In Minnesota MIC members and guests have enjoyed the cuisine and

culture of Afghanistan (Da Afghan), Russia (Moscow on the Hill), France (Meritage), Persia (Atlas Grill) and Brazil (Samba) since MIC began its Culture through Cuisine program this year. We have received very positive feedback following each of these events. So don’t miss your chance to socialize with other MIC members and enjoy the cuisines and cultures of the world. More events are planned for September, November, January, March and May.

Culture Through Cuisine

Join us for Nepal on September 20. see page 1

MIC’s Social Happenings

70 people enjoyed conversation with each other and with General Consul of Canada Martin Loken and Consul of Mexico Ana Luisa Fajer at the Uptown Cafeteria on July 12. The Consuls talked about their education and how they entered foreign diplomacy. They also spoke about their current duties as representatives for their respective governments. There was discussion about the primary issues between their respective countries and the U.S.; for Canada, one issue was trade, with Canada as a leading trade partner with the U.S.; for Mexico, an issue was immigration and the need to work as partners with the U.S. for mutual understanding. It was a great evening of mingling and networking for all who attended. Watch for details on our next get-together on Careers in International Business on Monday, October 17 at Hell’s Kitchen, downtown Minneapolis.

Career Building Socials

Most of the international visitors who come to Minnesota are on a 3-week trip where every day is filled from morning to night with professional meetings, checking into hotels, checking in at airports, and eating meals in restaurants and hotels. Dinner hosting is an unique opportunity for international visitors to kick back, relax and enjoy time spent with “ordinary” Americans. International visitors regularly list dinner hosting in an American home as the highlight of their visit.

Dinner Hosting: Try It – You’ll Like It!

What dinner hosting isn’t… » Stressful » Expensive » A 4-course candlelight dinner

(unless, of course, that’s what you like to do!)

What dinner hosting can be… » A potluck with neighbors and

friends » Take-out pizza » A BBQ » Your favorite recipes

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Late Summer Edition 2011 | Communiqué

Thursday, December 1 WorldQuest International Trivia Competition If you’ve participated before, you won’t want to miss this year’s competition. If you haven’t, now is the time to recruit your brainiest and best-informed friends to test their collective international knowledge against other foreign policy buffs, international nonprofits, global corporations, community groups, college students, and the internationally curious. Topics for WorldQuest 2011 will include: world events, flags and capitals, geography, people in the news, the 2011 Great Decisions Topics, and MIC’s 2012 gala focus country, Turkey. View sample questions from past WorldQuest games at www.micglobe.org, and hints and practice questions on MIC’s Facebook page.

When: Thursday, December 1; registration 6:00 P; competition 6:30 – 9:00 PWhere: McNamara Alumni Center, U of M (East Bank), 200 Oak Street SE, MinneapolisCost: $35 per person/$250 per team. Discount for students: $20 per person/$140 per team

Registration: Priority registration opens to MIC Members ONLY on Tuesday, September 1; Public registration opens on Thursday, September 15Due to high demand, teams MUST register and submit payment in advance to secure their team’s spot. Academic WorldQuest for High Schools to be held alongside the public competition. View Teachers’ Guide at www.micglobe.org.

COSPONSORED PROGRAMS - DETAILS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MICGLOBE.ORG

The Architecture of Erginoğlu & Çalişlar, Istanbul, Turkey September 6 – October 23

U.S. Commercial Service and District Export Council; International Trade Networking Cocktails Tuesday, September 13; 5:30 – 7:30 PTopic: Challenges and Opportunities in Selling to Foreign Governments

Slovenia and the EU in the Global World, Twenty Years Later Thursday, September 29; 1:00 – 2:30 PSpeaker: Ambassador Roman Kirn of Slovenia; Introduction: James L. Oberstar

The Rose Ensemble Concert Saturday, October 8, 2011 & Sunday, October 9, 2011 Il Poverello: Medieval and Renaissance Music for Saint Francis of Assisi

World Affairs Councils of America National Conference Wednesday, November 2 – Friday, November 4U.S. National Security: Six Top Issues for the 2012 Election

2011 Dialogue for Peace Wednesday, November 15; 6:00- 9:30 PEmpowering Women for the Future: A Forum for Engagement and Mobilization

Westminster Town Hall Forum CollaborationMIC will be facilitating the post-forum discussions for the following Westminster Town Hall Forum programs: Thursday, September 15; Norm Ornstein: Broken Government – Where Do We Go From Here? Thursday, October 20; Jeffrey Sachs: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity

When: Concert 11:30 A; forum 12 noon; reception and post-forum discussion 1:00 PWhere: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nicollet Mall and 12th Street, MinneapolisCost: FREE and open to the public; no registration necessary

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Communiqué LATE SUMMER EDITION 2011

MIC Contributors & Corporate MembersPremier ($50,000+)Delta Air Lines, Inc.Medtronic, Inc./Medtronic Foundation

Millennium ($30,000+)3M/3M FoundationBest Buy Co., Inc./Best Buy Children’s FoundationGeneral Mills, Inc./General Mills Foundation

Senior Global ($20,000+)CargillCarlson and The Curtis L. Carlson Family Foundation

Global ($15,000+) Sit Investment Associates, Inc.Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Executive ($10,000+) The Mosaic Company

Leadership Patron ($5,000+) Colwell Industries, Inc.Donaldson Co., Inc.Dorsey & Whitney LLP/Dorsey & Whitney Foundation

Ecolab Inc./Ecolab FoundationFaegre & Benson LLPFredrikson & Byron, P.A.George Family FoundationHorton Holding, Inc.The Lakeland CompaniesPropel Event Transportation ManagementTarget CorporationThomson ReutersThe Toro Company United Health GroupU.S. Bank/Elavon

Contributing Patron ($2,500+) David Winton Bell FoundationKPMG LLPRobins, Kaplan, Miller & CiresiRBC Wealth ManagementWanner Engineering

Associate Patron ($1,000+)Athwin FoundationBepex International LLC C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.Gray Plant MootyMedicaMinneapolis Area Association of REALTORSPolaris IndustriesSt. Jude Medical

Associate ($500+)Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER)

Global Language InstituteHamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.C. Julia Knight Inc. QRDC, Inc. Sheer Wind, Inc. Smart Skin, Inc. TripleInk

Sponsoring Hotels The Marquette HotelRadisson Plaza Hotel

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