Our goal is to cultivate a globally informed, engaged, and active Kansas City region.

You know how important it is to sit down at the table and be part of conversations that matter. You and your faculty, staff, and students deserve seats at the table where Kansas City has considered international affairs since 1955.

At the IRC, we anchor global realities, foster aha! moments, mend social fabric, and welcome diverse perspectives.

The following information explains how membership can benefit you and your university.

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The World Out There:

Gain Global Insights from Global Experts

As leaders in education, you and your colleagues need to know what’s happening around the globe and how it impacts your work. And your students need to be ready to enter the world of tomorrow. Think of the number of disciplines at your university that have an international intersection.

At IRC events, you’ll go beyond the headlines and hear directly from noted journalists, professors, diplomats, and other global experts.

Recent speakers include:

Recent series include:

Check out the full calendar of recent and upcoming IRC events here, and see recordings of past programs here.

A Few Notable IRC Speakers:

1955 – Eleanor Roosevelt First Lady, Diplomat, & Activist

1975 – Henry Kissinger U.S. Secretary of State

1982 – Admiral Robert Long U.S. Navy, Pacific Commander in Chief

2003 – Madeleine Albright U.S. Secretary of State

2010 – Condoleezza Rice U.S. Secretary of State

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The World Right Here:

Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We know that international and intercultural academic communities work together more effectively, efficiently, productively, and compassionately when community members are exposed to each other’s global realities.

The IRC offers plug-and-play opportunities for your faculty, staff, and students to build a healthy, inclusive culture through conversation. Our goal is support your institution, faculty, staff, and students in their diversity, equity, and inclusion journey.

These opportunities look like:

The IRC’s annual report shares more about the work we do.

The IRC’s annual report shares more about the work we do.

*“The IRC has proven to be a key partner for Johnson County Community College in bringing a global perspective to our college and the greater Kansas City area. Our students have benefited from the IRC’s working with us in bringing global speakers to our campus. We've collaborated on Great Decisions – a valuable discussion on world events. In addition, JCCC’s annual Peacebuilding Conference is grateful to be partnering with the IRC to inspire community engagement in building positive peace. Lastly we love attending the ever-popular WorldQuest on an annual basis.”

–* Johnson County Community College

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