Salzburg Global Seminar Proudly Announces the Launch of the Global Citizenship Alliance

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Oct 21, 2015
by Salzburg Global Seminar staff
Salzburg Global Seminar Proudly Announces the Launch of the Global Citizenship Alliance

Newly established organization to operate Salzburg Global Seminar’s successful Global Citizenship Program

Stephen Salyer and Jochen Fried officially sign the GCA into being at a celebratory ceremony at Schloss Leopoldskron

After 12 years, 71 sessions, and more than 3000 participants from 80 colleges and universities in the United States, the Global Citizenship Program (GCP) is reorganizing to increase its scope and streamline its operations. The GCP’s staff have formed an independent organization, the Global Citizenship Alliance, which is assuming operating responsibility for global citizenship education programs previously run under Salzburg Global’s aegis. The Alliance will continue to offer sessions “in association with Salzburg Global Seminar,” underscoring both organizations’ commitment to innovative, highest quality programs.Following a consultative process extending over several months, the senior leadership of Salzburg Global Seminar and the GCP staff agreed to place the GCP, formerly known as the International Study Program (ISP), on new footing. Growing interest by program partners in a range of global citizenship education programs – close to home as well as overseas – argued for a dedicated organization able to respond flexibly to the needs and expectations of program partners and alumni. Areas of interest for the newly formed Alliance include:
  • offering GCP sessions and workshops at locations in the United States and at the long-standing anchor location in Salzburg;
  • tailor-making programs for GCP alumni and other constituencies;
  • increasing input by GCP stakeholders, including engagement by partner institutions, faculty and students in program design, curriculum development and new initiatives.

“Salzburg Global believes in the mission and goals of the GCP and feels great pride in what it has achieved,” said Salzburg Global President Stephen Salyer. “Steady support by Salzburg Global has allowed the GCP to build long-term partnerships, secure grants and create brand recognition in relationship to our unique campus at Schloss Leopoldskron. We are pleased to help the GCP transition to a new operating structure, and look forward to a close relationship for many years to come.”“We are grateful for and excited by this opportunity to take global citizenship education to new heights,” commented Jochen Fried, President of the Global Citizenship Alliance, who conceived the GCP twelve years ago and had been its Director ever since. “From its beginning, the GCP has operated in close partnership with dedicated colleges and universities, and with a core faculty who have given the program inspiration and depth.  Now that partnership will further intensify. With participants from ages 17 to 70, we can together make global citizenship an essential ingredient in 21st century education.” Astrid Schroeder, Chief Operating Officer of the Global Citizenship Alliance and former Program Director of the GCP added: “GCP partner institutions have built on their Salzburg experience to launch global education programs suitable for the communities they serve. The Global Citizenship Alliance will help expand these efforts and foster active cooperation among our partners.”On October 18, the GCA Board of Directors met for the first time to ratify the organization’s operating structure and elected Jochen Fried its president. For 2016, the GCA has already announced plans for seven sessions, with additional activities under discussion with partner colleges and universities. For latest information, consult the new GCA website at www.GlobalCitizenshipAlliance.org.