History
Mayor Bradley recognized the importance of the International Visitor Program when the World Affairs Council ended their role in the program. He recruited civic leaders to keep it going; and with start up funds from supporters, office space from Arthur Anderson, one telephone and a typewriter, the L.A. Council for International Visitors (LACIV, as it was known then) was born. The early '80s saw several executive directors and locations for LACIV, but by 1985 the three staff members and several volunteers settled into office space at Cal State L.A. It was the dedicated volunteers who kept this program functioning through the 80's, such as Dorothy Mendelson, Maurine Ruzek, Dick Dommes, Robin Hinchliffe, Mary Dee Romney and Maria Wrigley. The decade ended with new stability. The name had changed to the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA); the office moved to downtown L.A. and the City of L.A. provided needed funding.
Specialties
Mission: To increase respect, mutual understanding and cooperation between the Los Angeles region and the rest of the world. IVCLA works to accomplish this mission through the professional meetings and cultural activities we arrange for emerging international leaders who are individually selected by U.S. embassies throughout the world and sponsored by other public and private organizations. These potential international leaders are welcomed to the Los Angeles area by IVCLA's Citizen Diplomats (our individual members and professional resources) who invite the visitors into their homes and offices. Through our programs visitors gain a better understanding about the individuals, organizations and businesses of Greater Los Angeles and our local participants learn more about the rest of the world. Lasting professional connections and friendships are often created.