2017 was a year unlike any other. As a global society, we faced political, environmental, social, intellectual, and emotional challenges, and while many of these challenges caused outrage and heartbreak, there were some incredibly positive moments that helped us grow in 2017. We watched women stand up, speak out, and be heard with the #MeToo movement; we witnessed acts of heroism across the world during some of the most devastating natural disasters in history; we saw 172 U.S. cities declare themselves sanctuary cities; we observed interfaith groups mobilize people for change; and we celebrated as three more countries ruled in favor of marriage equality.  The magnitude of the challenges our world faces may seem overwhelming, but there is much to be proud of and feel hopeful about. 

2017 was a very busy year for IVCLA. We hosted more visitors through our programs this year than any year in the past decade, participated in a ground-breaking exchange program empowering women in STEM, and we welcomed visitors from nearly 150 countries. Take a look at IVCLA's year by the numbers:

The issues we face as a global community will continue to become more complex, but IVCLA is committed to the belief that building relationships, increasing understanding, and promoting dialogue across cultures unites us and makes us unstoppable. In 2018, we will continue to grow awareness for global issues, provide platforms for critical, global dialogue, and cultivate opportunities for problems to be solved through international collaboration.

Our programs and events in the coming year will be designed to raise awareness for 5 significant issues that impact Angelenos & our International Visitors:

Help us make 2018 a year of action, courage, and compassion!