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Council of International Programs USA

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Council of International Programs USA

CIPUSA promotes international understanding through professional and cross-cultural exchanges.

06/01/2026

In the lead up to our 70th anniversary event in July, we will be proudly sharing our history with you in the coming months ahead.

The first of its kind in Cleveland, the original program welcomed 25 youth leaders from Germany, creating one of the first international exchanges jointly supported by both the U.S. government and a foreign government.

The vision behind the program was shaped by Dr. Henry B. Ollendorff, a German-born immigrant and social worker who fled N**i persecution. Driven by a belief that education, cultural understanding, and personal relationships could help prevent future conflict, Dr. Ollendorff dedicated his life to creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to learn from one another.

Over the past seven decades, we have welcomed more than 25,000 professionals and emerging leaders to the United States through international exchange programs. Participants gain hands-on professional experience, build lastingh relationships, and return home with new ideas and skills that strengthen their communities.

Today, we continue our mission through professional exchanges and public diplomacy initiatives, that address issues ranging from social work and education to governance and human trafficking. In 2025 alone, CIP hosted 383 participants from around the world.

As CIP marks this milestone anniversary, we celebrate a legacy of connection, understanding, and shared learning. We look forward to continuing to bridge communities and strengthen societies for generations to come.

Read more in our newsletter about what our 31 alumni branches across the globe are doing to continue our mission in 2026:

https://mailchi.mp/cipusa/whats-happening-monthly-newsletter-17238670?e=43eb32b7e5

04/23/2026

CIP board members, advisory board, hosts, and staff joined the Cleveland International Hall of Fame dinner on Tuesday night, an inspiring evening celebrating leaders shaping global connections right here in Cleveland.

Honorees represented the Ukrainian, Ethiopian, Puerto Rican, Greek, and Norwegian communities represented all walks of life and shared powerful stories of their journeys, each leaving a meaningful mark on our city.

A good reminder: whether you’re in City Hall, a classroom, an office, or a studio—every role has the power to make a difference.

04/21/2026

CIP 70: Alumni Impact Stories

From El Salvador to Cleveland, OH

During his time with CIP, Adalberto Adonay Santos Gamez gained hands-on experience in the classroom—supporting teachers and exploring new educational strategies.

Now, he’s preparing to bring those skills back to El Salvador to provide high-quality education and make a lasting impact in his community.

“CIP opens many doors of opportunity and ensures that every participant is included and supported.”

Through programs like CIP, exchange experiences continue far beyond the U.S.—shaping careers, strengthening communities, and building global connections.

Want to be featured on our social media? Email your stories and photos to [email protected].

04/03/2026

What is it really like to host an exchange visitor? Three host families share their experiences hosting our Azerbaijani delegation in this month’s blog post.

At first, many hosts felt unsure, especially about potential language barriers. For most, it was their first time hosting, and they weren’t sure what to expect.

Those concerns quickly faded. What followed were meaningful, memorable experiences centered around shared meals, music, and connection. Ann and Alistair, for example, spent many evenings making music with Mustagim. One of their favorite memories was “listening to him sing and play Azerbaijani music on the guitar and piano, and then making music together and forming our band ‘Mush-Al-Ann,’” a name created by combining all of their names.

Christine’s time hosting Fakhriyya and Fatima was just as impactful. “Every morning I came down to good, healthy breakfasts already made… so friendly, caring, eager to help,” she shared. What began as hosting soon became a genuine cultural exchange, with everyone feeling comfortable and at home.

So, would they host again?

For Christine, the answer is a resounding yes: “Invaluable… I feel like I’m doing something to promote international peace and communication.” Cynthia echoed that sentiment: “They brought joy and connection to my home and my family.” And Ann, a returning host, put it simply: “It’s always been terrific.”

Read the whole story and see what else is going on with CIP here: https://mailchi.mp/cipusa/whats-happening-monthly-newsletter-17237343?e=43eb32b7e5

03/26/2026

CIP invites you to join us at our 70th Anniversary Celebration!

July 31, 2026

This special event is an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and engage with the CIP community. You won’t want to miss it!

Register today using the link below:
https://forms.gle/VoiVAV7Mi44F3N289

03/08/2026

Today on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, leadership, and global impact of women working to create safer and more just communities.

From February 18-28, four Azerbaijani female professionals participated in the three-week Open World Program in the United States on Combatting Human Trafficking. The delegation included Nasrin Abbasova, human trafficking consultant; Fakhriyya Huseynova, social worker at the “TAMAS” public union in G***a; Gunel Alakbarova, founder of the Women Initiative UP public union in Sumgayit; and Sabina Ismayilova, founder of the Psixoloq Zorakılıq Mediasiya public union.

The program, administered by the Congressional Office for International Leadership, began in Washington, D.C., where the group held meetings at the office of Ohio Congresswoman Shontel Brown, and continued in Cleveland, Ohio, where they were hosted by the Council of International Programs USA.

While in Cleveland, the delegation met with leading institutions and organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. They delivered an informative presentation at Cleveland State University on efforts to combat human trafficking in Azerbaijan and engaged with leading organizations such as Bellefaire JCB, the Alliance Against Human Trafficking, Renee Jones Empowerment Center, Cleveland R**e Crisis Center and the Canopy Child Advocacy Center.

These exchanges provided valuable insights into survivor-centered, trauma-informed approaches, innovative rehabilitation practices, and effective interagency collaboration. The delegation also met with the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, The Harriet Tubman Movement, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Jones Day law firm, Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, and the office of Senator John Husted.

These meetings empowered these professionals to continue their vital work supporting and advocating for victims of human trafficking, while also strengthening their professional networks and enhancing their ability to implement effective, survivor-focused approaches in Azerbaijan.

Their visit is a powerful reminder that international exchange empowers women leaders and strengthens global efforts to address critical issues like human trafficking.

We are proud to support women changemakers around the world and grateful for the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with these remarkable delegates.

03/02/2026

Our final recap of the Open World Azerbaijan Human Trafficking Program!

On Friday, our delegates visited Case Western Reserve University School of Law, home to the only law school-based program in our region providing direct legal services to adult survivors of s*x and labor trafficking. They met with Maya Simek, ESQ, MSSA, LISW-S, Director of the Human Trafficking Law Project, and Laura McNally, Director of the Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic and Health Law Clinic, to learn how legal clinics and direct services help survivors pursue justice and stability.

The group then visited Jones Day, one of the world’s largest law firms and founder of the groundbreaking Start Anew Project, which hosts one-day legal clinics for survivors across the United States. Delegates engaged with Caitlin M. Dunnett Britton, who shared about her litigation practice and pro bono work through the Firm’s Human Trafficking Expungement Initiative. They also met with Richard Pogue, Senior Advisor, and Sanjiv Kapur, Partner, for a meaningful discussion on the role of private law firms in advancing justice.

We concluded the week with a heartfelt farewell celebration. A special highlight of the evening was a beautiful musical performance by delegate Mustagim Hummatli, joined by his host family Alistair Crannis and Ann Kent!

03/01/2026

We’re catching up on an impactful past few days with our Open World Azerbaijan Delegates!

Wednesday began with a visit to the Renee Jones Empowerment Center, founded in 2002 and devoted to preventing human trafficking and s*xual exploitation through community engagement and education. In a meaningful discussion with Founder Renee Jones, delegates learned about innovative, survivor-centered approaches including the powerful impact of horse therapy as a pathway to healing.

The group then visited Canopy Child Advocacy Center, where multiple agencies work collaboratively under one roof to provide a coordinated, trauma-informed response for children and families. By centralizing services including forensic interviews, law enforcement, medical exams, mental health support, victim advocacy, and the Prosecutor’s Office, Canopy reduces trauma by ensuring children do not have to repeatedly share their story.

Thursday continued the momentum with Carolyn Arny, Director of Education & Training at the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. As the backbone organization of the 60+ member Greater Cleveland Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking, the Collaborative provides strategic leadership, training, and public awareness to drive systemic change across the region.

The day concluded with Laura Bartchak, Executive Director of The Harriet Tubman Movement, an advocacy organization committed to walking alongside individuals on their road to freedom. Their trauma-informed, no-cost services support individuals impacted by s*x trafficking, prostitution, and other forms of exploitation delivered with compassion, integrity, and dignity.

Friday’s final recap is up next!

02/26/2026

Tuesday was an incredible day of collaboration and connection for our Open World Azerbaijan Human Trafficking Delegates!

The day began with an in-depth conversation with Chief Larry Henderhan and members of the Cuyahoga Regional Human Trafficking Task Force. Chief Henderhan leads a multi-agency team of investigators working across Northeast Ohio to combat human trafficking — coordinating complex investigations, organizing special event operations, partnering with hospitals and community organizations, and training first responders and professionals across the region. Delegates gained powerful insight into the strategy, coordination, and dedication behind this critical work.

Next, the group visited the Cleveland R**e Crisis Center Human Trafficking Drop-In Center, where Jessica Martin, MSSA, LISW-S, shared how the center provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed care. From counseling and case management to legal clinics and support groups, the Drop-In Center offers comprehensive services designed to empower and support survivors every step of the way.

The day concluded with a warm welcome at Global Cleveland, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Northeast Ohio by connecting international communities to opportunity. It was a meaningful way to reflect on the importance of global partnerships and shared solutions.

Each visit continues to strengthen cross-cultural learning and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking. More impactful moments ahead!

02/24/2026

Yesterday, we were honored to kick off Day One of the Open World Program with our Azerbaijan Human Trafficking Delegates at Bellefaire JCB!

Bellefaire JCB is one of Northeast Ohio’s leading child and family service organizations, dedicated to strengthening families and helping children and youth achieve resilience, dignity, and self-sufficiency. Their work supporting vulnerable youth and families made for an impactful and meaningful first visit.

Delegates had an engaging discussion with Karen McHenry, Homeless and Missing Youth Program Director, who shared valuable insights into local efforts to support at-risk and vulnerable young people.

The group also met with Carolyn Kinkoph, human trafficking advocate and educator in Northeast Ohio and Co-Founder of Alliance Against Human Trafficking Her perspective on regional collaboration and survivor-centered advocacy sparked thoughtful dialogue.

We were especially proud to hear from our delegates:
✨ Nasrin Abbasova, Volunteer Consultant, Clean World Women’s Aid Public Union
✨ Gunel Alakbarova, Vice President, Women’s Initiate and Assistance to the Solutions to Social Problems

They delivered a powerful presentation on Combatting Human Trafficking in Azerbaijan, highlighting the important work being done in their country and the ongoing challenges they are addressing.

This was just the beginning! There’s much more in store for our Open World delegates this week — stay tuned for more highlights.

Address

30100 Chagrin Boulevard #204
Pepper Pike, OH
44124

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+1 440-247-1088

Website

http://cipusa.org/

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