International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community

Report of the Special City Council Task Force Cleveland as an International Community July 2007

Prepared by Kenneth J. Kovach, Executive Director

International Community Council

CONTENTS
I. Overview of the City Council Special Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: What have we learned? RECOMMENDATIONS: What we need to do! Listing of Participants in the Hearings conducted by the Special Task Force (NOTE: not included in this DRAFT) APPENDIX A. AGENDAS of the Meetings and Hearings B. OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

II. III. IV.

V.

I.

Overview of the City Council Special Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community
A. B. PERIOD OF WORK: January-June 2007 MEMBERS: Chairperson: Council Member Dona Brady Council Members: Brian Cummins, Joe Cimperman, Joe Santiago, Phyllis Cleveland, and Michael Polensek Representing the Office of the Mayor: Valarie McCall and Michael Mendolera Facilitator: Kenneth J. Kovach, Executive Director, International Community Council INTRODUCTION The Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community was established for the City Council of Cleveland in response to a number of factors: Members of City Council continue to work with a broad cross-section of native born American and foreign-born residents. These residents continue to express their concerns about economic development in the City of Cleveland and the region. They understand the global diversity of our residents and want to explore possibilities of business development and new jobs coming through the international marketplace. They are not hearing how our City plans to work with our international connections to improve economic conditions for everyone. Members of City Council themselves represent the great cultural and racial diversity of the City; their heritages can be traced around the world. There are personal interests in stronger relationships between the City of Cleveland and its residents who are American-born of foreign ancestry as well as foreign-born who now make Cleveland their home. The International Community Council an established nonprofit organization that works with the leaders of the international community of Northeast Ohio convened a SUMMIT on the State of the International Community in Northeast Ohio on September 23rd at WKYC TV-3. Leaders from throughout the region participated in creating a new Agenda for the International Community. One of the key points is: establishing a dynamic partnership with Cleveland City government. There is a strong feeling that what we all seek in terms of a high quality of life, economic growth, and strong community relations can only be achieved through new collaborations.

C.

D.

PURPOSE The Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community was proposed to explore the following key issues: 1. What is the nature of Clevelands distinctive competitive edge in the global marketplace when we leverage the existing and potential connections of Clevelanders with other nations around the world? 2. How can the City of Cleveland establish an image and reputation for being immigrant friendly, thereby becoming a magnet city for new immigrants coming to the United States especially from Asia (including but not limited to China and India) as well as from Eastern Europe. 3. Who are the stakeholders from the international community who are key resource people important to implementing the plans of the City for - new economic growth and job development, - continued excellence in arts and culture, and - continued improvements in education? 4. What new civic involvement opportunities could be identified to bring diverse residents of the City together to collaborate on City projects and events?

E.

SCOPE OF WORK The Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community: 5. Conducted appropriate meetings and hearings as was needed. 6. Connected with individuals and organizations who have documented expertise and experience in working in and with the international community. 7. Connected with other civic leaders that were considered important stakeholders in the international community. 8. Conducted any other business that was considered necessary for the completion of its purpose.

F.

INCLUSIVE APPROACH The Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community explored the dynamics of interactions among Clevelands diverse residents of all existing ancestries and heritages including but not limited to African-American, AsianPacific (including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Laotian, Pakistani, Vietnamese), European (including Eastern and Western European), Latino/Hispanic (including Mexican, Central and South American, and Puerto Rican), and Middle Eastern (including Lebanese and Syrian).

1.

It was important to establish at the beginning of the Task Forces work that the outcomes of the process were intended to support and enhance the well-being of all residents of the City of Cleveland. In our inclusive process we worked to develop as comprehensive an understanding of the Citys diverse population as was possible. During the work of the Task Force a broad cross-section of international groups and agencies/organizations serving the international community were invited to participate in informal hearings. The diversity of groups included but was not limited to the following: Businessmen and women / entrepreneurs - Chinese Women Association of Cleveland - Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel - Cleveland World Trade Center - Federation of India Community Associations - Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Ohio - Japanese American Citizens League - Northeast Ohio Immigrant and Minority Business Alliance - Northeast Ohio International Business Network - Ohio Asian Chamber of Commerce - Team NEO Educators / Scholars / Researchers - Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland Council on World Affairs - Cleveland State University - Council of International Programs USA (CIPUSA) - Cuyahoga Community College Social Service providers - Catholic Commission on Community Action - Hispanic Center - International Services Center - Jewish Community Federation Greater Cleveland Consular Corps Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation Sister Cities Coordinating Committee

2.

G.

The Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community reviewed outside resources and models of successful globalization in such cities as Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It had its organizational meeting at the end of January and convened in open sessions in February, March, and April. The Task Force completed its work by the end of May 2007 and in June-July prepared appropriate documents for review by the entire City Council. It has prepared this report with recommendations for actions concerning the mobilization of international community resources for the wellbeing of all Cleveland residents and the broader community of Northeast Ohio.

II. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: What have we learned?

A. A consistent and comprehensive focus on Cleveland as an International Community requires a coordinator a point person, a go-to person working on behalf of the City and the City Council. This coordinator is the bridge builder with the international community for the City. During the several decades when Cleveland was engaged in identifiable and successful international relations (from the 1950s through the 1980s), there was a full-time coordinator as part of City Hall staff. This coordinator provided consistent and comprehensive information to the Mayor, his staff, and to the City Council. Today, various staff have selected responsibilities for international relations, however, the pooling and sharing of information does not happen on a regular basis. There is no one person that has a full-time responsibility for understanding and managing the big picture of international relations. The City of Cleveland has 20 official Sister City relationships around the world, however, there is no existing strategy or comprehensive plan for what to do with these relationships. The group of volunteers who serve on a steering committee for the City have neither regular staff support nor clear direction from the City Administration concerning these relationships. The nature of relationships with our Sister Cities over the past 10 years has been based on individual initiatives of volunteers with direct contact in these Sister Cities. There was a period of time when the annual membership fee for participation in Sister Cities International the coordinating body for international sister cities was not paid for several years. Cleveland was not viewed as being serious about being international friendly by SSI staff and leaders.

B.

C.

The Administration of the City has been challenged by a lack of an adequate data base that provides current and comprehensive information about all components of the international community. With an inadequate (and sometimes inaccurate) data base, the leadership of the City is at some disadvantage in responding to requests for information about its international community. During the most active times of international relations in the City of Cleveland and because there was a coordinator, the City served as a clearinghouse for resources related to the international community.

D.

There are numerous initiatives within the Northeast Ohio region related to international development and in many cases a representative of the City is not at the table for the important discussions and planning taking place. Many of these initiatives are not part of the governmental scope of work, however, they are very important to its work and require a physical presence at the table with others. Current staff who are responsible for pieces and parts of international relations do not have time for developing and maintaining these connections due to their heavy work load with a wide range of responsibilities.

E.

The Greater Cleveland Consular Corps consists of men and women who represent their homelands and serve in an honorary capacity without any compensation. They are the liaisons between the people of their homeland who live in Northeast Ohio and government officials in their homeland. We have one consul who is not honorary but a full-time employee of his country, in this case, Slovenia. One major role of the honorary consul encompasses community and public relations; the consuls provide information to elected officials, business leaders, and the media. There are many countries from which people immigrated to Northeast Ohio, however, they have no honorary consul. Some examples include countries on the continent of Africa, China, Croatia, Greece, Japan, Russia, and Serbia. There is no honorary consul for Puerto Rico. Members of the current Consular Corps have expressed their interests in expanding the number of honorary as well as non-honorary/full-time consuls.

F.

The special hearing with the largest number of participants (20) was with representatives of international business including individual entrepreneurs, company staff, and organizational officials. The bottom line for these representatives is Cleveland has many opportunities to be a gateway in the Midwest for international business development but is lacking necessary support from local government. Cleveland is not as well known around the world and, with the exception of the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Clinic, our other resources are still a secret. What needs to be provided to support entrepreneurial development by new immigrants is a (1) stable educational system and (2) safe city. We appear to be reaching for the sky with a global vision and yet have basic problems to be solved. Cleveland / Northeast Ohio are still an important port and industrial center; we have the 5th largest port in the United States with robust international activity. We should look at our Northeast Ohio region with Cleveland as its capital city. There are more than 5000 professional jobs going unfilled due to lack of local talent with the necessary skills and inadequate access to immigrants due to visa approvals and backlog in processing citizenship applications.

Being immigrant friendly has many issues. It is time to work across ethnic, racial, and religions lines and overcome past divisiveness and polarization to address these issues. We need an office in Cleveland City Hall to serve the needs of new immigrants including immigrant entrepreneurs. Cleveland needs a WELCOME CENTER. The Northeast Ohio Immigrant and Minority Business Alliance (NEOIMBA) continues to be engaged in bridge-building between and among individuals and government entities. It believes that everyone is valuable for the future of Cleveland and needs to be at the table for dialogue. The Hispanic Business Association was established in 1982 and continues to address the issues of a growing Hispanic population in Northeast Ohio. The association has established numerous partnerships with the City, the County, and TeamNEO. Municipal government can assist in business development through more advocacy for immigrants and the challenges they face. (1) Regularly recognize the many contributions of past and present immigrants, (2) speak out concerning the laws of the United States - that they are not executed with impunity but help not harm immigrants. We need a point person to facilitate collaboration among international entities. We need to market Cleveland and the region to the world. We could start with the winners of the immigration green card lottery and connect with the 50,000 people who win a green card each year and have no visa problems. Connect with these people through the foreign embassies, through the officially sanctioned physician who conduct physical exams for these people. We need welcome signs in many languages at the airport and in government buildings to demonstrate our receptivity to internationals.

G.

Cleveland is known for its broad array of arts and cultural and educational opportunities. There are over 600,000 foreign students in the United States each year; for example, 800+ come to study at Cleveland State University (CSU). There are over 1100 international students at Case Western Reserve University and other University Circle-based educational institutions as well as throughout the region. At Cleveland State University There are 30-40 foreign visiting scholars. There are 120-150 US students in Study Abroad programs. There are basic issues of degree certification and authentication for foreign students and faculty. Living in downtown Cleveland on the CSU campus has consistent security issues for foreign students and faculty. Foreign students love Cleveland but cannot find employment as internationals. At the Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA) there is an 80-year history of education about the world, international relations and politics. The Model United Nations Program gets into regional elementary and secondary schools. They conduct workshops for teachers to prepare them for addressing global issues.

The International Visitor Program is presented in conjunction with US Secretary of State and over 400 international visitors have participated in this program. The Cleveland International Program (CIP) was integrated into the CCWA in 2006. A new program for International Business Development has been initiated by the CCWA. At the Cleveland-based Council of International Programs (CIPUSA), there is a national network of 10 affiliate offices. This program was started 50 years ago this year by Dr. Henry B. Ollendorff - a foreign-born social worker - who started the Friendly Inn Neighborhood Settlement in Cleveland and then began a special professional development program in Cleveland for social workers around the world. CIPUSA has worked with Cleveland State Universitys Career Services Center and the Unger International Center. The Council of International Fellowship (CIF) convened in Cleveland in July to hold its 27th annual conference and celebrate the 50th anniversary of CIPUSA. There are 27 national branches of CIF in 54 countries around the world. CIPUSA has visa authority to provide J-1 visas for study and H-1B visas for work. CIPUSA has a social work focus and continuing professional development. At the Northeast Ohio ABLE Resource Center, the focus is on adult basic and literacy education and it provides resources for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESOL). It is one of 5 centers in the State of Ohio. It is funded by the Ohio Department of Education. They teach basic language skills Help people find jobs Help people keep jobs Help people move into higher education. Among the problems of immigrants is the isolation of non-working family members and connections to the community. Immigrants are leaving Cleveland because we cant seem to meet their needs once they come here. We have lost the connectivity of ethnic festivals that we once had; the Cleveland All Nations Festivals threaded together a number of peoples and cultures and provides an exciting venue that bring thousands of people downtown. With the great MOSAIC of peoples and cultures in Cleveland / Northeast Ohio, how do we support an exciting showcase for them? Could we connect with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a series of international folk festivals? H. The International Services Center (ISC) and Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services are the two main agencies addressing a multitude of immigrant and refugee issues. Since the occurrence of 9-1-1, immigration is down to a trickle from 175-200 families before the attacks. There is affordable housing in Cleveland which makes it very attractive. The counselors of the ISC since the 1950s operate with the right to act as lawyers for refugees and immigrants.

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We have immigrants coming from some parts of the world with not many marketable skills (e.g. Bantus). Some are coming as political refugees (e.g. Burmese and Iraqis) We have immigrants from India who come with advanced skills in business and engineering. I. There has been a 40 year decline of the market in Cleveland. We have lost many people. We need bodies! Ireland and Spain and accepting and embracing foreign workers. Our congressional representatives do not acknowledge all the realities of immigration today. They have failed to provide a workable immigration policy. Cleveland is not on the international radar screen as a place to get a US education. Cleveland and the region have 117 international groups and yet we have not embraced foreign entrepreneurs. How do we use the 117 international groups to market unfilled jobs in Northeast Ohio to family members in other US cities as well as their homelands? The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation has oversight of the network gardens that are unmatched anywhere in the United States. The theme of peaceful coexistence through understanding continues to have relevance to this 21st century world. The Federation is working on the restoration of the gardens. There is interest in exploring its designation as a National Historic Landmark. There continue to be both realities and misperceptions of safety and security in the gardens. Access to the gardens is another issue for those without private transportation.

J.

NOTE: During the course of the public hearing held throughout the month of May 2007, there was a large quantity of public comments about the many dimensions of Cleveland as an International Community. The preceding comments represent a summary of those comments but not the totality of them. For the purposes of this report they have been categorized to reflect the most common themes and issues.

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III. RECOMMENDATIONS: What we need to do!

A. Focus on making Cleveland more international friendly through several phases of manageable physical and symbolic modifications at the people level. 1. Post new signs in City Hall that state WELCOME TO CLEVELAND and/or WELCOME TO CITY HALL in a wide range of languages that reflect the countries of origin of Cleveland residents. Post new signs at the Cleveland International Airport that state WELCOME TO CLEVELAND in a wide range of languages that reflect the countries of origin of Cleveland residents, Expand the City of Cleveland website to include greetings of WELCOME TO CLEVELAND in a wide range of languages that reflect the countries of origin of Cleveland residents. Develop some unique directional signs for placement at key locations in downtown Cleveland, the University Circle area, and in other communities that indicate the direction and number of miles (kilometers) to the 20 foreign cities that are Sister Cities of Cleveland; e.g. VOLGOGRAD 0000 miles (with an arrow pointing in the appropriate direction).

2.

3.

4.

B.

Expand the network of influence of the City Council and Administration through an international bridge building initiative. 1. Working with the Consular Corps, representatives of the various Sister City committees and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, as well as others, identify individuals who come to visit our City and region for appointment as honorary Ambassadors of Cleveland. Provide them with information about Cleveland, internet-based linkages for sharing information, periodic briefings about news from/about Cleveland, and other similar activities that bring Cleveland to the doors of homes and city governments of our Sister Cities and other cities around the world. Working with representatives of the organizations within the international community, develop a comprehensive data base of Cleveland-based as well as Northeast Ohio-based organizations which represent the interests of the peoples and cultures of foreign countries. Working through each Ward office of members of City Council, expand any existing network of international interests artistic, cultural, educational, entrepreneurial, health and human services, etc. and use the network for communications and collaboration within the City and throughout the region.

2.

3.

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C.

Address the issues of current residents of the City of Cleveland who either came from other countries as immigrants or refugees, who may or may not have attained United States citizenship, and/or are first or second generation American born of foreign heritage as well as foreign students and visitors. These issues include but are not limited to the following areas of City Services: 1. Community Relations 2. Community Development 3. Economic Development 4. Public Safety (Police and Fire) During the hearings of the Special Task Force of City Council, we received information about incidents of cultural insensitivity and cultural incompetence in dealing with foreign born people. For example, some incidents related to the public safety foreign students around the Cleveland State University and some related to misunderstandings in applying for official City permits and documentation, applying for support in business development.

D.

Review and consider a proposal from the International Community Council (ICC) to establish an annual contract for it to serve as international ombudsman for City Council and provide a predetermined menu of services to the Council and/or the Administration that support City initiatives focused on Cleveland as an International Community. NOTE: The role of the international ombudsman would be to represent the interests of the international community before the City Council and Administration. This international ombudsman would give total focus to the repositioning of the City of Cleveland as an International Community and maintain a comprehensive big picture of the initiatives of City Council related to that focus. The international ombudsman would work with current City staff who have an component of international relations as part of their work assignments but that component is not their full-time responsibility; in effect, the international ombudsman serves as consultant to these City staff as well as City Council. In a non-traditional approach, the international ombudsman would be investigated and addressing opportunities for strengthening Cleveland as an International Community.
Traditionally an ombudsman is an official, usually (but not always) appointed by the government or by parliament, who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints reported by individual citizens. The word ombudsman and its specific meaning, Swedish in origin, have since been adopted into English as well as other languages, and ombudsmen have been instituted by other governments and organizations such as the European Union.

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1.

Members of City Council and Administration have established relationships with many of the organizations that are part of and serve the international community. The Cleveland Council on World Affairs is a major resource for Northeast Ohio and, specifically, for initiatives of the City of Cleveland. Founded in 1923 to promote world peace, the Cleveland Council on World Affairs is Northeast Ohios most prominent organization that provides the public with greater understanding and personal engagement in international relations and global issues.With the leadership of Alex Machaskee as Chairman of the Board and Mark Santo as President, the organization is well-positioned to address regional issues. The International Community Council offers a different set of resources for the City. Established in 1993 as a grass roots organization a project of the Greater Cleveland Roundtable - it continues its work of connecting international leaders and their organizations for new collaborative initiatives in the City as well as region. You might think of the analogy of David and Goliath when comparing the two organizations, however, neither organization is out to get the other. They are just different and do different things. Both continue to earn the respect of the people they serve and both provide the City Council and the residents of Cleveland with unique resources.

2.

E.

Continue the existence of the Special Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community or establish a new Ad Hoc Committee of City Council to continue exploration and identification of opportunities for continued development as international friendly. Given the multiple issues that require the attention of City Council, the focus on Cleveland as an International Community should be put within the context of that big picture. Council needs to determine what is appropriate time and attention that can be allocated for addressing international issues as a Task Force or Ad Hoc Committee and if approved in conjunction with an international ombudsman for City Council. To be effective in moving forward the agenda of Cleveland as an International City Council will require accurate, useable, and relevant information about the international scene in the City and region. It has several options in this area: Continue to operate on an ad hoc / address the issue as it comes up basis and rely on external resources various international organizations - to bring issues to the Council. This is your basic reactive approach. Initiative a proactive approach to seeking information of interest to members of Council and of importance to the City. This option requires someone working for Council that is an advocate for the Citys interests as well as those of the international community and who has the capacity to facilitate, translate, and convey sensitive information.

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F.

The marketing of Cleveland continues to be a significant issue. Visitors to Cleveland proclaim having wonderful experiences while here and that Cleveland is one of the best kept secrets. Foreign students who study at our local colleges and universities express their great experiences and their regrets not being able to find employment in the City/region. Delegations arriving from foreign countries are greeted with great hospitality. However, all this is once they arrive here. Even though we do an inadequate job of attracting internationals here, once they are here they have wonderful experiences because of the people who reach out to them with the best of Greater Cleveland hospitality. How can we expand efforts to attract, to welcome, and retain the internationals who have the Cleveland experience? Can we connect with foreign embassies and provide the right stuff in terms of information about how international friendly we really are? What about connecting with the 50,000 people who win the Immigration Lottery each year, tell them about Cleveland, and extend an invitation to them? What about using our existing family ties within the international community to reach out to those who are looking at America as their future home? What about providing expanded resources to retain internationals using a kind of Welcome Wagon approach? Where we have internationals living in the diverse Wards of Cleveland, what could be done to help integrate them into mainstream life in the City? The marketing of Cleveland is certainly not the direct responsibility of City Council, however, it does play a key role in recommending some approaches based on best practices. The CLEVELAND Plus campaign is a major corporate initiative to promote the region; how does being international friendly tie into it?

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V.

APPENDIX
A. AGENDAS of the Meetings and Hearings
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. AGENDA - January 30, 2007 AGENDA - April 19, 2007 AGENDA - May 3, 2007 AGENDA - May 10, 2007 AGENDA - May 17, 2007 AGENDA - May 24, 2007 AGENDA - May 30, 2007

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International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community

Initial Meeting: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 3:00 PM AGENDA

Chairperson: Dona Brady I. Call to Order, Welcome, and Introductions A. Members of the Task Force B. Facilitator: Ken Kovach

II.

Overview of the Purpose of the Task Force A. Expectations of the Task Force Members B. Expectations of the International Community

III.

Review of Basic Operating Procedures and Protocol A. B. C. D. E. Scope of Work Inclusive Approach Proposed Protocol for Meetings and Hearings Proposed Timetable for the Work of the Task Force Other

IV.

Other business

V.

Adjournment

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International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community
Work Session:
Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 3:00 PM City Council Conference Room

AGENDA
Chairperson: Dona Brady VI. Call to Order, Welcome, and Introductions A. Members of the Task Force B. Facilitator: Ken Kovach

VII.

Review of NOTES from the Initial Meeting and other materials A. Individuals and organizations serving as resources to the Task Force B. Schedule of meetings and hearings C. Other

VIII.

Dialogue with Dr. August B. Pust, retired Director of International Relations for the City of Cleveland, the State of Ohio, and Senator George V. Voinovich, Special Advisor to the International Community Council, and former Commissioner of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of American Heritage Abroad

IX.

Other business

X.

Adjournment

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International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community
Work Session: Thursday, May 3, 2007
3:00-4:30 PM City Council Committee Room
Chairperson: Dona Brady

GUESTS FROM THE CLEVELAND CONSULAR CORPS

George Dobrea, Honorary Consul Lars Eriksson - Consulate of Romania - Director, Swedish American Chamber of Commerce - representing Michael L. Miller, Honorary Consulate of Sweden - Consulate of the Slovak Republic - Vice President, Lithuanian Community Association - representing Ingrida Bublys, Honorary Consul General, Republic of Lithuania - Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia

Dr. Edward G. Keshock, Honorary Consul Dr. Viktoras Stankus

Dr. Zvone Zigon, Consul General

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International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community
Work Session: Thursday, May 10, 2007
1:00-4:30 PM City Council Committee Room
Chairperson: Dona Brady Facilitator: Kenneth J. Kovach

GUESTS REPRESENTING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

David Bowen Leonard Calabrese Charles A. de la Porte - Principal, Richard L. Bowen Architects - President, NEO Immigrant and Minority Business Alliance - Honorary Consul, Consulate of the Netherlands and Trustee, North East Ohio International Business Network - Editor, KOLORS Newspaper - Director, Family Refuge Center - Staff, Forest City Enterprises - Director of International Logistics and Customs Compliance, Manager of China Office, KICHLER - International Student Advisor, Cuyahoga Community College - Co-CEO, HourPower Watches, LLC - MOSAIC Blogger, Albanian Community - Sr. International Trade Specialist, U.S. Export Assistance Center, U.S. Department of Commerce - Director, Hispanic Business Association - President, Ariel Ventures, Inc., Trustee, Ohio Indian Chamber of Commerce and Trustee, North East Ohio International Business Network - Businessman

Zenon Domanski Reverend Richard Haluska Abbas Hasan Hu Huang

George Koussa Paulette Nance Anila Niklos Ricardo J. Pelez

Dan Porras Radhika Reddy

Harry Weller

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Carl Williams Judy Wong Rose Zitiello

- Founder, African International Development Symposium - Relationship Manager, Fifth Third Bank - Co-Chair, NEO Immigrant and Minority Business Alliance

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International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community
Work Session: Thursday, May 17, 2007
1:00-4:00 PM City Council Committee Room
Chairperson: Dona Brady Facilitator: Kenneth J. Kovach

GUESTS REPRESENTING INTERNATIONAL ARTS, CULTURE, AND EDUCATION

George C. Burke - Director, Center for International Service and Programs, Cleveland State University - Acting President, Cleveland Council on World Affairs - President and CEO, Council of International Programs CIPUSA - Director, Northeast ABLE Resource Center

Patricia Doyle Lisa Purdy

Christina Theuerling

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International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community
Work Session: Thursday, May 24, 2007
1:00-4:00 PM City Council Committee Room
Chairperson: Dona Brady Facilitator: Kenneth J. Kovach

GUESTS REPRESENTING INTERNATIONAL ARTS, CULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
James Craciun - President, Board of Trustees, International Services Center - Employment Specialist, Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services - Chairman of the Board, Cleveland Council on World Affairs - Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) representing David Deming, President, Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) - President, Board of Trustees, Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation - Manager of International Student Services, Center for International Services and Programs, Cleveland State University

Garth Douglas

Alex Machaskee

Nancy Neville

Dr. George Parras

Monica A. Plunkett

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International Community Council

A network of international partnerships

City of Cleveland
City Council Special Task Force Cleveland as an International Community
Work Session: Thursday, May 31, 2007
1:00-3:00 PM City Council Committee Room
Chairperson: Dona Brady Facilitator: Kenneth J. Kovach

AGENDA
The purpose of this Work Session is to develop several doable recommendations for action by City Council and the Administration that address one or more issues presented during the special hearings in May as well as identified in documents sent to members of the Special Task Force. I. Review of issues from each special hearing A. Past practices of the City with a full-time International (Ethnic) Coordinator B. Work of the Cleveland Consular Corps C. Initiatives and challenges for International business D. Arts, culture, and education representatives E. Health and human services for the international community Review of issues from selected documents A. The Rise of New Immigrant Gateways from the Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy B. A World of Opportunity from the Center for an Urban Future C. Research paper by John James D. Other What have we learned from the process? A. Are there several doable things that could be accomplished by the end of this year that move Cleveland closer to realizing its global aspirations and meet real needs of the international community? B. Are there things that require a continuing effort by members of City Council and the Administration?

II.

III.

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C. Who will facilitate the implementation of whatever is recommended? D. Would the Council consider outsourcing additional work on Cleveland as an International Community and contract with the International Community Council to serve as its key facilitator in an ongoing process to address the many issues raised for the Special Task Force? IV. Next Steps for the Special Task Force A. Preparation of a REPORT of the Findings of the Special Task Force on Cleveland as an International Community B. Continuing consultation with the Chairperson and/or other members of the Special Task Force C. Presentation of the REPORT 1. to the full City Council 2. to the Mayor and his Cabinet D. Dissemination of the REPORT to everyone who participated in the special hearings E. Other

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V.

APPENDIX
B. Opportunities for Improvement
1. There are multiple resources and relationships within the international community as well as about it, however, to what extent can they be integrated and at what level(s)? The Task Force addressed issues of duplication of efforts by existing organizations for many reasons and at the same time there are many gaps in what is given attention and support as well as what goes undone. 2. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are one of the great assets of Northeast Ohio and yet cultural groups have struggled to maintain their gardens. Could we explore the Cultural Gardens becoming a part of the MetroParks State Parks System? Could we explore the Cultural Gardens being designated as an international peace memorial an historic National Landmark serving as a powerful symbol of peace for the 21st century? Anthony J. Celebrezze, a former Mayor of Cleveland, fully understood the universal message of the Cultural Gardens when he said, I hope and trust that the basic concept behind the Cultural Gardens of Cleveland will provide the necessary impetus in the movement for better understanding among all people, and among all nations throughout the world. University Circle, Inc. is the fiduciary agent and administration for the Rockefeller Fund which was provided for ongoing support of the gardens. What are the pros and cons of linking the Cultural Gardens to a larger network? 3. The Cleveland International Airport is a key entry point for many international visitors to the regions, yet there, is little or no international feeling at this airport. How could the airport be made more international friendly? a. b. c. Add international exhibits representing the diverse peoples and cultures of Cleveland and the region Display flags of the nations of the world Install WELCOME signs in many languages to communicate our welcome. (For example: There could be signs in the languages of the 20 official Sister Cities of Cleveland.)

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