MEET OUR MEMBERS

 WorldMontana®members have various backgrounds and interests; but the one thing that ties us all together is the desire to make a difference through citizen diplomacy – living by the credo that in a democracy the individual citizen has the right – indeed, the responsibility – to help shape foreign relations, “one handshake at a time.”

GALLERIES

Toward a More Safe and Secure World: Transnational Crime Issues 2018

Over 80 international law enforcement, security, counter-narcotic, and judicial officials have arrived in the United States a week ago on the Towards a More Safe and Secure World initiative. Participants will spend three weeks meeting with their counterparts across the United States.  These partnerships between the United States and other countries enhance efforts to combat transnational crime. […]

WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING 2016

On April 14-19, a Wildlife Trafficking delegation visited from Mozambique.  They learned about U.S. efforts to deter wildlife trafficking through protection policies, law enforcement, and nongovernmental organizations.  They met with Dr. Megan Parker and Dr. Pete Coppolillo at Working Dogs for Conservation, a nonprofit conservation detective dog organization.  They visited the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Montana Fish, Wildlife […]

WOMEN LEADERS 2016

We hosted a Women Leaders delegation from Latin American and Spain from March 16 – March 19.  During their stay they discussed women’s issues in education, social status, business, violence, and healthcare. The group met Jen Euell (Program Director of MWF), Nikki Anderson (President of ExplorationWorks), Dr. Liz Gandersen (Robotics), Lauren River (SciGirls classes), Kellie […]

CHILD WELFARE 2016

On March 19, we welcomed a group of four international delegates from Indonesia to learn about Child Welfare and the U.S. Justice System.  They met with Supreme Court Justice Jim Rice, visited the Office of the Governor, and toured Riverside Youth Correctional Facility.  They also toured Grant-Kohrs Ranch in Deer Park, Montana.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 2016

We welcomed an environmental stewardship delegation from March 17 – March 23. The delegates came from China, Thailand, and Indonesia. During their stay they enjoyed snow in Yellowstone National Park.  They also visited the Berkeley Pit in Butte, Montana, to discuss environmental issues with mining.

TOXIC WASTE MANAGEMENT 2016

Dr. Jargalsaikhan Lkhasuren visited Montana as part of a program to learn about how US communities handle toxic waste. She went to Butte to see Berkeley Pit and met with state and advocacy groups in Helena .

GLOBAL TIES CONFERENCE, WASHINGTON D.C. 2016

Photos from the Global Ties Conference in Washington D.C.

South African Delegation- International Visitors Leadership Program

Our visitor from South Africa, Ms. Gita Haire, visited Montana to explore how America treats and rehabilitates those suffering from mental illness.

Indonesian Women Delegates

A delegation of Indonesian women can to teach and learn about human trafficking around the world and how it affects us all.

Kyrgyzstan Delegate Visit

Pictures from the past Kyrgyzstan delegate visit. We had a good time hosting them.

2013 PHOTO CONTEST

WorldMontana’s third annual photo contest ran from June to August of 2013.

DIPLOMATS ON TAP

WorldMontana hosted its first ever Diplomats on Tap on April 24, 2013. This event is an opportunity that allows Bozemanites to expand their knowledge of international issues, enjoy networking and some great food and beverages.

2012 PHOTO CONTEST

WorldMontana’s second annual photo contest ran from June to August of 2012.

2012 CITIZEN DIPLOMAT COMMUNITY SUMMIT

WorldMontana® hosted its first Citizen Diplomat Community Summit on June 19-20, 2012 at the Helena Red Lion Inn.  We gathered Montanans who desire to become global citizens by learning about foreign governments and cultures.  We also provided tools to businesses that would like to expand their foreign market potential and prepared students who may consider […]

2011 PHOTO CONTEST

WorldMontana’s second annual photo contest ran from June to August of 2011.

INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE WITH GIRLS FOR A CHANGE

Many of WorldMontana’s international visitor delegations meet with the staff and participants of Girls for a Change which is a grass-roots initiative whose mission is “to empower girls to embrace their future, confident about their individuality, supported by friends, parents, and mentors and secure in their ability to lead and to achieve self-sufficiency, balance, fulfillment and success.”

WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

A HUGE thank you goes out to all (180 folks) who participated in the 2010 NCIV Western Regional meeting that was held in August of 2010 in Bozeman.

2010 PHOTO CONTEST

WorldMontana’s first photo contest ran from May to June of 2010.

BRAZIL YOUTH AMBASSADORS

In partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Youth Division and the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Brazil, World Learning and its U.S. community partners will host 37 Brazilian high school students ages 15-18 and adult educators for a three-week educational exchange opportunity in the United State January 9-20, 2010.

JUDICIAL AND PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT 2016

Prosecutors from the Republic of Kosovo came to Montana to investigate Judicial and Prosecutorial Misconduct. During their visit they were able to meet with professionals including District Court Judge Mike Menahan, Executive Assistant District Attorney Carl Rostad of Great Falls, and local political journalists and lawyers. They were also able to visit the State Capitol Building and tour the town of Helena.

LOCAL WATER MANAGEMENT AND DRY CLIMATE IRRIGATION

A group of delegates from Kyrgyzstan came to Montana through the Open World Program to study Local Water Management and Dry Climate Irrigation.

MANAGEMENT OF FOREST RESERVES IN THE U.S.

A group of delegates from Botswana visited Montana to study Management of Forest Reserves in the United States through the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Their program was arranged by the Institute of International Education.

Jovenes En Accion 2016

Eight youths from Mexico visited Montana for two weeks to study substance abuse prevention.  During their time in Montana they were able to meet youth from Iraqi and interact with other young people.  They also toured the Capitol and the Gates of the Mountains, visited downtown Helena, and went to the Last Chance Stampede Rodeo.

IYLEP 2016

Eleven students from Iraq visited Montana for two weeks to study environmental issues.  During their trip they were able to connect with Mexican students who were also studying in Helena.  They were able to visit the Capitol, tour the Butte Mines, and go to Yellowstone National Park during their stay in Montana.

Kazakhstan 2016

World Montana hosted a group of four delegates from Kazakhstan who had come to experience Montana, and take their observations back to improve the Kazakhstani beef industry. During their stay, they met with state Livestock and Agriculture officials, visited the Helena Farmer’s Market and took a trip to a bison ranch just outside Townsend, Montana. […]

Africans 2016

Eleven professionals from Africa (Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Eauat, Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabou, Kenya, Nambia, Niger, Uganda, and Zambia) were in Montana researching wildlife with the Regional African Project on Wildlife Trafficking program. They got the opportunity to attend a welcoming benefit reception at the home of president Bill MacBride on September 20th

Russian Environmentalists 2016

Seven Russian environmentalists came to Helena to learn more about environmental issues with Jim Jensen of the Montana Environmental Information Center, focusing on similar issues in Russia, such as mining. Next they met with Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) headquarters and spoke with Bureau Chief, Ed Thamke, who will gave an overview of regulations in Montana. The […]

Chinese Educators 2016

12 delegates from China came to Montana on Education Management in the U.S. Their focus is Native American education. The group will visit schools and colleges on the Flathead Reservation and in Helena. They are planning to meet with officials on Indian Education for All, with Carroll College faculty and students, and visit ExplorationWorks. Helena residents and the Carroll SIN will host dinners for our Chinese friends.

Studying Governance 2017

Five parliament members from Krygyz Republic came to Helena, Montana on March 2nd till March 8th 2017.

National Parks/Parks and Recreation 2017

On May 20th till May 28th, we welcomed a group of six visitors from Kazakhstan on the topic of National Parks, Parks and Recreation.      

Combatting Wildlife Trafficking 2017

8 delegates from Africa (Angola, Mozambique and Guinea Bissau ) arrived to Montana on April 6th to 12th to study Combatting Wildlife Trafficking.    

Promoting Press Freedom through Journalism Education 2017

5 Russian journalism professors from universities in Ekaterinburg, Yakutsk, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok and Yuzhno-Sakhalunsk arrived to Helena to study Promoting Press Freedom Through Journalism Education on April 1st-5th. Their professional meetings included, James Smith, the City of Helena Mayor, City Manager, Ron Alles, the Helena Civic TV, Carroll College, and a visit to the State Capitol. […]

Marginalized Population and Health Care 2017

4 medical visitors from Kazakhstan arrived to Montana on April 5th to 9th to learn about marginalized population and health care in the United States.  

Iraqi Young Leader’s Exchange Program (IYLEP) 2017

13 Iraqi high school students from the Iraqi Young Leader’s Exchange Program (IYLEP) arrived to Montana in August 2017 and spent two weeks in Helena (Aug 1st till 15th) to study Peacebuilding and Reconciliation. During their stay here in Helena, the Iraqi high school students had the great opportunity to have a tour of the […]

IVLP African Group 2017: Wildlife Conservation, AntiPoaching and AntiTrafficking

7 African participants from Tanzania, Benin, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Zimbabwe and Nigeria arrived to Montana on Sep 23rd till 27th where they stayed in Bozeman for 4 days to study Wildlife Conservation, AntiPoaching and AntiTrafficking. The African visitors went to Yellowstone National Park, where they met with Pete Webster, the Chief Ranger, to discuss the laws […]

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation 2017

11 visitors from Cambodia, Egypt, Hungary, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, China, South Africa, Suriname, Turkey and Venezuela arrived to Montana on Sep 20-26th, where they spent 6 days in Bozeman and Helena to study Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation. Meetings included the World Commission on Environmental Law with the Executive Officer, Aaron Laur, The Montana […]

Municipal Government Budget Management 2017

5 mayors and CPAs from different Arab Israel cities arrived to Helena on Aug 31st till Sep 6th to study Municipal Government Budget Management. Meetings included the Montana League of Cities and Towns, a tour of the Montana State Capitol by Andy Shirtliff, and a visit to Yellowstone National Park.  

Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses for Women 2017

16 women entrepreneurs from 16 different countries arrived to Helena on Oct 5th-10th to study Entrepreneurship and Small Business for Women. Meetings included the Helena Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Department of Commerce, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and LaunchPad at the Montana State University.  […]

Promoting and Supporting Entrepreneurship 2017

4 Azerbaijan visitors arrived in Bozeman on Nov 7-12th to study Promoting and Supporting Entrepreneurship in the U.S. Some of the highlights of the program included a visit to Yellowstone National Park, home hospitality, and professional meetings with Bill MacBride, the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, Synesis7, Bozeman Regional Small Business Development Center, Butte Local Development Corporation […]

Indigenous Peoples of Russia 2018

5 indigenous Russian delegates arrived to Montana on Feb 2nd-10th to study the Preservation of Indigenous Cultures and Languages. The program is sponsored by Open World. During their stay, the delegates had professional meetings and cultural events in Helena, Bozeman and Pablo. Some of the highlights of the program included meetings at the Salish Kootenai College, […]

Blackfoot River Brewing Fundraising Event 2018

On March 5th, 2018, WorldMontana® organized their first fundraising event of the year at Blackfoot River Brewing in Helena. The event started at 5:30PM and finished at 8PM. WorldMontana® staff and Board members were present at the event to raise awareness about WorldMontana® among the Helena community, and recruit new members and/or host families. Blackfoot […]

The U.S. Justice System: Protecting Women and Children 2018

WorldMontana® hosted a group of 7 delegates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland and Ukraine arrived to Montana to study: The U.S. Justice System: Protecting Women and Children. The program was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. During their stay in Montana, the delegates had professional meetings which included […]

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation 2018

WorldMontana® hosted 10 delegates from Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guyana, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, Romania, Seychelles and Vietnam in Montana on the topic of Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation. Meetings included Montana Hunting Company, Dr. Paul Lachapelle and Dr. Jerry Johnson from MSU, Mr. Aaron Laur from WCEL, Yellowstone ranger, National Bison Range Complex and Blackfoot Challenge. The delegates […]

Toward a More Safe and Secure World: Transnational Crime Issues 2018

International professionals from France, Kuwait, Lithuania, Macedonia, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam came to Montana to study transnational crime issues and met with Montana Army National Guard, FBI agent for Western Montana,  Attorney General Tim Fox, The Montana Racial Equity Project, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Lewis & Clark County Sheriff Leo C. Dutton. The  […]

WorldMontana® Annual Meeting 2018

WorldMontana® held its Annual Meeting on June 3rd on Carroll College campus with WorldMontana® Board Members, Staff, Host Families, and other guests, including Ron Waterman. During the event, the new WorldMontana® President, Ron Lukenbill and Vice-President, Jeffrey Tiberi were elected. Host Families of Iraqi high school students from the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) […]

IVLP “Small Towns in a Globalized World”

Lord Mayor Thomas Zenker from Zittau, Germany visited Montana in June 2018  to learn more about small towns of the Montana state. In Helena Mayor Zenker met Lt.Governor Mike Cooney,  city Mayor Wilmot Collins, Helena Young Professionals Association. In Bozeman Thomas Zenker met Mayor Cynthia Andrus, Daryl Schliem, Executive Director of Bozeman Area Chamber of […]

2018 Iraqi Young Leadership Program in Montana

The group of Iraqi high school students stayed in Helena with American families fro 2 weeks in July 2018. WorldMontana® has developed a program on Piecebuilding and Building Community Resilience for the Iraqi students. The program participants met Montana officials, participated in the Last Chance Pow-Wow, interconnected with the Capitol High School students. The program […]

Journalists from IRAQ on “INVESTIGATIVE AND BUSINESS JOURNALISM”

Journalists from Iraq had meeting at The Helena IR team and had a tour of the facilities, with Dr. Cech, Carroll College President,  at School of Journalism, UM, Institute of Journalism and Natural REsources, met Missoula city Mayor John Engen and his Informationand Communication Director Giiny Merriam. On the weekend the group went to Helena […]

Infrastructure Development Issues for Delegates from 9 Indo-Pacific Countries

The group form nine Indo-Pacific countries studied Infrastructure Development issues in Montana. Their agenda included meetings at the Montana Governor’s office of Economic Development, with Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins and his team, at the Great West Engineering, Montana League of Cities and Towns, with the Montana Infrastructure Coalition, at the DEQ, with Bozeman Mayor Cindy […]

Silent Auction fund raising for WorldMontana at the Myrna Loy Center on Feb 24, 2020

Thank you to Helena Civic Television for celebrating citizen diplomacy between HCTV and WorldMontana and screening a primer on International Peace Parks! We appreciate the Myrna Loy hospitality on that evening! Thank you to Helena community for generosity: WorldMontana have raised $2300.

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