In our April newsletter, we recap an unforgettable Spring Diplomacy Forum at Impact House where wine served as a bridge for global culture and climate conversations. We celebrate the launch of our inaugural Associate Board—11 professionals dedicated to citizen diplomacy—and share highlights from our Youth Diplomats’ international careers panel. Plus, our YGCI 8th graders lead the way in virtual exchanges with peers in Tenerife, proving that global citizenship starts with local connection.

In our March newsletter, WorldChicago’s 8th grade Young Global Citizens Initiative (YGCI) students connect live with peers in Tenerife, Canary Islands — 3,800 miles across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Youth Diplomats tackled local challenges through a citizen diplomacy lens, board member Monica Swope is spotlighted, and the Spring Diplomacy Forum on March 19 at Impact House invites the community to explore how wine bridges cultures around the world.

In our February newsletter, tickets are now on sale for the Spring Diplomacy Forum on March 19 at Impact House — join us for “The Spirit of Diplomacy: Culture, Climate and (Chicago) Connections.” We recap our January Speaker Series, celebrate the launch of our 2026 Youth Diplomats cohort representing 18 ZIP codes and 8+ languages, and share highlights from a professional exchange in Ljubljana, Slovenia focused on entrepreneurship and justice-impacted communities. We also welcome new board member Karl Kemp and invite our community to share their own Globe Trotting stories. 

In our January newsletter, the ‘Making a Positive Impact’ year-end campaign continues through January 9 — there’s still time to help us reach $20,000 to activate the next generation of global citizens. We launch our 2026 Speaker Series on January 28 at Impact House with a fireside chat on diplomacy and democracy, announce our 2026 Youth Diplomats cohort, and welcome new board member Susan Falatko, a 26-year U.S. diplomat. Plus, Korean interpreter and citizen diplomat Robert Holloway shares his story in Globe Trotting with WorldChicago.

In our December newsletter, WorldChicago launches its year-end giving campaign with a goal of $20,000 to expand youth programming across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. We share highlights from our 2025 Impact Report, spotlight Associate Board member Bennett Piscopo, and recap our Civic Voices in Action exchange trip to Vienna, Austria. The 2026 Youth Diplomats cohort announcement is coming the week of December 15 — follow us on social to be the first to know.

In our November newsletter, applications for the 2026 Youth Diplomats program are in — 63 students applied, and interviews begin the week of November 17. We spotlight the Young Global Citizens Initiative (YGCI) launch with The Academy Group, welcome new board member Brian Peckrill, and hear from intern Nathan writing in from Paris. The Spring Diplomacy Forum is on the horizon, and our Quiz Corner tests your knowledge of everything from flamenco to Chicago’s first snowfall. 

In our October newsletter, applications open for the 2026 Youth Diplomats program — don’t miss your chance to join the next generation of global citizens! We also recap our IVLP Judiciary Reform exchange with Hungarian judges, welcome three YSEALI Fellows to Chicago, and introduce our 2025 intern cohort. Plus, Program Coordinator Michael takes a historic plunge in the Chicago River Swim, and our Quiz Corner puts your local-to-global knowledge to the test. 

In April of 2024, WorldChicago Youth Diplomat Alum (’18-’20), Olivia Dixon [also the daughter of Executive Director, Jennifer Dixon] was awarded an English Teaching Assistantship in Spain through The Fulbright Program!

Last month, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) was presented with the 2024 Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy by the Walter Roberts Endowment.

“The Power of ‘Yes’”

Threepeat Fellowship host, Kristina Schneider, CEO of ADROC Productions, reflects on her pathway to Citizen Diplomacy which found her sharing her expertise with peers from around the world.

As Executive Director, Dixon will have the opportunity to continue to elevate the profile of WorldChicago, increase its role in promoting citizen diplomacy in the Chicago region, and develop the next generation of citizen diplomats.