About CIVIC

The Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC) was organized in 1984 by a group of Iowa Citians to promote understanding on a person-to-person basis between Iowans and international visitors.

CIVIC was recognized in 1986 as a full member of the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV). NCIV is composed of community based, not-for-profit groups (like CIVIC) which are staffed by professionals and draw on community resources and volunteers to design professional development programs for international visitors in more than 100 U. S. cities.

Visitors participating in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Program, are invited by our U.S. Ambassadors and include professionals, technicians, and emerging political leaders.

The International Visitor Program has been described by U.S. Ambassadors as one of the most effective foreign policy tools of American diplomacy. Since its inception 60 years ago, more than 120,000 foreign leaders and specialists have traveled to the United States and enjoyed custom-tailored professional and cultural experiences in the United States.

The program's distinguished alumni include such individuals as Margaret Thatcher, Anwar Sadat, Giscard D'Estaing, Indira Gandhi, Julius Nyerere, Oscar Arias, and F.W. deKlerk. NCIV member organizations have served as the U.S. Department of State's private sector partners since the inception of the International Visitor Program.

When a tour includes Iowa City, and/or other eastern Iowa cities, CIVIC is called upon to plan and schedule activites, arrange appointments, and provide volunteers to host dinners or serve as escorts, guides, and drivers.

Our board of directors includes active members of the eastern Iowa community. Our office is located in the University of Iowa University Capitol Centre, Room 1111, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Our telephone number is (319) 335-0351.

CIVIC is a not-for-profit organization which depends primarily on members dues, donations and grants. CIVIC is provided office space, logistical support and modest financial support by International Programs at the University of Iowa.