GLOBALIZING ALABAMA, ONE HANDSHAKE AT A TIME

promoting international relationships through citizen diplomacy and enriches Alabama’s education, commerce and global awareness.

Who we are

Citizen Diplomacy is the concept that the individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations, “one handshake at a time.” Citizen Diplomats can be students, teachers, athletes, artists, business individuals, humanitarians, adventurers, or tourist. They are motivated by a responsibility to engage with the rest of the world in meaningful, mutually beneficial dialogue.

3900+

Visitors

650+

Volunteers

34000+

Hours of Service

this organization is a platinum-level guidestar participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency.

What we do

Adult Programs

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) The International Visitor Leadership Program was first launched in 1940.

The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) YTILI is a Fellowship Program created by the U.S. Department of State.

Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Launched in 2015, YLAI helps entrepreneurs from Latin America, The Caribbean, and Canada engage in an annual fellowship and active online networking opportunity.

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers diverse opportunities for U.S. academics, and professionals to teach, research, and conduct professional projects while attending seminars abroad.

Youth programs

Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) The Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) believes in the potential for great & lasting impact when leadership development programs target young emerging leaders and adults who empower them.

OUR VISION
that the path to global peace and prosperity depends on our willingness to understand one another and build trust.
OUR BELIEF
that international exchange programs have the potential to change lives for the better, provided that these programs are well-executed and scaled. When successful, we build trust where none existed before, enabling people to work together across borders and cultures to improve their lives and livelihoods.
OUR COMMITMENT
to engage and support our global network of organizations to help ensure their work fulfills their promise and potential.

The Birmingham pledge

The Birmingham Pledge is a grassroots effort to recognize the worth of every individual, by making a personal, daily commitment to remove prejudice from our own lives and to treat all people with dignity and respect.

What people say about us

“I would describe my experience being a Youth Ambassador in Alabama as nothing but perfect. I not only experienced a new, wonderful place with amazing people, but also had my first U.S. experience. Being introduced to a different culture is astonishing. Being able to see and learn new things was stunning. But this experience was only complete because I was surrounded by fantastic people from Global Ties Alabama.”

Pedro Bionde de Arruda

2023 Brazil Youth Ambassador

“Huntsville is a city that takes its global citizen role seriously, and it made our stay there all the more meaningful for my cohort. Our several visits to academic institutions, service organizations, non-profits, and start-ups helped us to understand how this city-on-the-move is helping to transform the lives of its own citizens and others around the world. Programs like this contribute significantly to the building of shared values between the United States and the African continent.”

Bassie from Sierra Leone

2023 Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program Alumni

extending a helping hand,
has the power to transform lives