Welcome to IVC-CT
Welcome to test the newly redesigned home of the International Visitors Committee of Connecticut - AKA the International Hospitality Committee of Fairfield County. The Committee's mission is "To promote peace by fostering friendship through US based international visitor programs and to advance the goals of the United Nations and act as citizen-diplomats of the U.S. through active participation and continuing education."
Welcome to the site of the International Hospitality Committee of Fairfield County - aka the International Visitors Committee of Connecticut. The Committee's mission is "To promote peace by fostering friendship through US based international visitor programs and to advance the goals of the United Nations and act as citizen-diplomats of the U.S. through active participation and continuing education."
IHC-FC celebrates diversity and mutual understanding through people-to-people cultural exchange, including UN and State Department-sponsored visitors. It has welcomed over 55,000 international visitors to Fairfield County since 1956 -- people of all ages, races, ethnicities, orientation, religions, family situation and socio-economic background.
The year was 1945, and the world could finally exhale. The Third Reich was defeated and US troops were coming home.
And, in arguably one of the most historic events of the Second World War, fifty-one countries joined together to form the United Nations, a multilateral peacekeeping union, to ensure that tragedies such as the Holocaust never happen again. Its mission was to be vigilant against tyranny in all forms and to open the world's eyes to the possibility of world peace.
That same year, twenty-five-year-old Ruth Steinkraus was opening her eyes to the world from her home in Westport. A recent graduate of Vassar, where ideas about world issues were sown, this music major and accomplished pianist was slowly developing a passion for activism.
And, in arguably one of the most historic events of the Second World War, fifty-one countries joined together to form the United Nations, a multilateral peacekeeping union, to ensure that tragedies such as the Holocaust never happen again. Its mission was to be vigilant against tyranny in all forms and to open the world's eyes to the possibility of world peace.
That same year, twenty-five-year-old Ruth Steinkraus was opening her eyes to the world from her home in Westport. A recent graduate of Vassar, where ideas about world issues were sown, this music major and accomplished pianist was slowly developing a passion for activism.
* To become a non-voting member of IHC/UNA, it is necessary to engage in any activity in support of the IHC/UNA functions and to register personal contact information on the official mailing list of IHC/UNA. The privileges of being a non-voting member include receiving newsletters and information about IHC/UNA activities, participating in the activities of the Organization, and attending any non-business meetings.
We are seeking volunteers to host visitors from Peru, Congo, Iraq, Mongolia, Russia and other countries in professional programs spanning environmental issues, justice systems, trade education, women's issues, and many others. Join us!
Among the perennial highlights of IVC-CT's year are jUNe Day, held on the last Saturday of June in recognition of the signing of the UN Charter, and UN Day, on October 24th each year. On both days, the flags of all the member countries of the UN are flown on the Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen Memorial Bridge over the Saugatuck River. In 2009, jUNe Day will be held for the 44th consecutive year, coinciding with the 64th anniversary of the ratification of the UN charter, bringing together nearly 400 United Nations employees and volunteers from all over Fairfield County. We appreciate anyone who can help in any way. Please contact Michaela MacColl, Chair of the jUNe Day event, at
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if you wish to volunteer for this wonderful event.