Local Community Resources

Organizations in Chicago with Global Missions

Chicago Ideas - This organization holds over 200 events annually on wide ranging topics from education to journalism to hip hop. It seeks speakers from different backgrounds, values inclusivity, and has specific programs dedicated to youth. The website also has fascinating articles on topics impacting Chicago and elsewhere.

Chicago Public Library - The CPL is amazing. It has a wide ranging collection and also holds book talks and cultural events to spur curiosity and thinking.

Chicago Sister Cities International - Chicago is the most active sister cities program in the US, with 29 partnerships. This organization fosters and international mindset by connecting Chicagoans to the citizens of its partner cities.

Heartland Alliance - The mission focuses on advancing human rights and reducing poverty to form a more equitable global society. The organization has programs related to health, safety, and economic development both in Chicago and in countries around the world.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs - The Council seeks solutions to issues that Chicago and the rest of the world faces. It works to accomplish its mission through public engagement, discourse, and policy. The organization holds events regularly related to economics, culture, and politics.

UChicago Global - This branch of the University of Chicago fosters academic collaboration between thinkers around the globe. While its programs are aimed at UChicago students and faculty, it does hold events explaining global research. Check out the website for interesting articles on worldly topics.

World Business Chicago - This organization promotes public-private economic development. Its programs seek to help Chicago grow as an inclusive global business destination. The organization has partnerships with the City of Chicago in various fields including STEM (ThinkChicago) and economic research (ChicagoMade).

World Chicago - This group promotes the importance of person-to-person interaction as a way to foster Citizen Diplomacy. The organization has a variety of programs including fellowships, personal exchanges, and youth leadership programs.

Chicago, being a world city, currently has 59 Foreign Consulates.