Vol. 7, No. 6 June 2017
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World Refugee Day
Recognizing the resilience of 21 million uprooted
(From left) Karis Chung, Anna Crosslin, and Sarah Masoud participated in the World Refugee Day Opening Ceremony at the International Institute. Photo by Wayne Crosslin/nternational Institute
On June 20, the International Institute hosted the Opening Ceremony for this year's World Refugee Day recognition. Almost 100 guests were in attendance.
Anna Crosslin, IISTL President, offered opening remarks, which recognized the plight of 65.5 million displaced people around the world including more than 21 million refugees.
Ethel Byndom represented St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger and Martin Casas represented Mayor Lydia Krewson. Each presented a proclamation recognizing the courage and resilience of refugees around the world and locally. June 20 was declared World Refugee Day in both St. Louis County and City.
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Refugee Travel Ban Reinstated
Denying refugee newcomers a safe haven
Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
The Trump Administration's March Executive Order, which temporarily banned refugee arrivals to the US, is being partially reinstated as the result of a June 26 SCOTUS ruling. We will keep you abreast of the situation as information becomes available. Click here for IISTL statement. 
50 New US Citizens Welcomed
Accepting the rights & responsibilities of citizenship
Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
More than 50 applicants from several dozen countries took the Oath of Allegiance to the US in a ceremony hosted at the International Institute on June 2. The ceremony was held under the auspices of the US District Court-Eastern MO with District Judge Catherine Perry presiding.
Festival Volunteers Sought
Ensuring a top-notch 2017 celebration
Photo by Ron Anderson/International Institute
More than 600 volunteers and area coordinators are required to ensure the success of Festival of Nations on August 26 and 27. Sign up for one, two or more shifts! Click here for information and on-line registration.
"The International" Annual Golf Tournament 
Benefitting our programs and services
Photo by Wayne Crosslin/nternational Institute
Sixteen teams gathered at Glen Echo Country Club on June 5 for a round of golf to benefit the International Institute. The winning team (pictured above) came to us through the Missouri Asian American Bar Association (MAABA). Ben Song, team member, also collected the prize for Men's Longest Drive. Other winners included Andy Friese for Closest to Pin; Bob Barnes, Putting Contest Winner; and Itzel Nieto for Women's Longest Drive. Congratulations to all!
Upcoming Events
50/50 Fridays
July 21, 7pm-10 pm; Wheelhouse
Proceeds benefit the International Institute. Click here for more info.

United in Goodness
July 1 - September 4; Pi Pizzeria (all locations)
A percentage of all sales from their new internationally inspired items from Chef Cary McDowell will benefit the International Institute and PROMO. Click here for more information.

International Institute's Festival of Nations
August 26 - 27; Tower Grove Park (Grand & Arsenal)
Gather with more than 140,000 visitors for two days of non-stop ethnic music, dance and the most diverse array of food in town. Admission is free! Click here for more information.

Tours of IISTL
Last Wednesday monthly, 10 am
Click here for reservation form. Group tours for more than five visitors can be arranged at other times with advance notice, also by using the form.
Other News
International Institute's Oral History Project Debuts
Refugee and immigrant oral histories reflect experiences and challenges encountered while acclimating to a new life in the United States. Click here to learn more.

Rent event spaces at IISTL
Need a space to hold a small meeting or a large event? We may have what you want! For rates and room sizes, please visit our rental page.

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