About the Directory
Kansas City is home to countless organizations with a global focus or international operations, including the IRC, and we love how connecting organizations can result in valuable ideas and impact no organization would be able to produce alone. To help connect international organizations in the area, the IRC is proud to offer this growing directory.
We invite area organizations, universities, K-12 school programs, arts groups, ethnic/cultural groups, religious groups, libraries and museums, and government agencies with international connections or interests to share their information with us to be included in this directory. To get started, please click the “Add Your Organization to the Directory” link below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Evan Verploegh.
AFS Kansas City
AFS is an intercultural foreign exchange organization recognized by the US Department of State and educators. We promote peace, understanding, tolerance, and acceptance through hosting and study abroad programs. AFS is volunteer driven and always looking for volunteers to support our placements. AFS has over 90 international partners who welcome American students that want to study abroad and we welcome students from our partner countries. Our focus is to promote world peace and teach/learn about other cultures.
Contact Information: 913-216-2672 • kmaricle@afsusa.org
Asian American Bar Association of Kansas City
The Asian American Bar Association of Kansas City is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote justice, equality, and opportunity for Asian Americans, and to foster professional development, legal scholarship, advocacy, and community involvement in the metropolitan Kansas City area. Our membership reflects all aspects of Kansas City’s Asian legal community. In coordinating social events, continuing legal education seminars, pro bono representation, and volunteer opportunities, AABAKC promotes Asian American involvement in the legal profession and addresses the needs of Kansas City’s Asian American community.
Contact Information: 900 W. 48th Place, Suite 900, Kansas City, MO 64112 • 816-360-4118 • hthomas@polsinelli.com
Baraza African Cultures Center
The mission of the Baraza African Cultures Center is to provide leadership through the context of African cultures to create, preserve, and promote a deeper understanding of one’s own culture and a broader appreciation of the various cultures of the world. We are an entity for diversity, inclusion, team building, and leadership training. In addition, we are a driver of development projects in Africa – especially in the more marginalized communities.
Contact Information: 9324 Swarner Drive, Lenexa, KS 66219 • 913-753-6477 • Contact@BarazaACC.org
Children’s Mercy Hospital
Children’s Mercy Kansas City is an independent, nonprofit, 367-bed pediatric health system, serving half a million patients each year from across the country. Children’s Mercy is ranked by US News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” and has received Magnet® recognition four times for excellence in nursing services. Our services team helps to meet the unique needs of international patients traveling for medical care. International services also has a consulting (advisory) arm to assist foreign hospitals and governments with capacity building. Our Global Health program has a number of programs focused on global education/training as well as humanitarian efforts. Our researchers frequently collaborate with research teams worldwide.
Contact Information: 2401 Gilham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108 • 816-701-4524 • international@cmh.edu
Crescent Peace Society
A Kansas City-based interfaith organization seeking to build bridges between Muslims and other faith-based communities as well as those with no faith. Our members include individuals and families representing countries from around the Muslim world and many who have lived in Europe and North America.
Contact Information: 12709 Eaton Circle, Leawood, Kansas 66209 • 913-485-9218 • crescentpeacesociety@gmail.com
Cultural Crossroads, Inc.
Cultural Crossroads is an educational organization with a focus on cultural commonalities that works through interactive children’s programming and dialogue events for adults. Working individually and in partnership with other organizations, Cultural Crossroads brings diverse groups together to share ideas, plans and cultural background.
Contact Information: 3605 Blue Ridge Blvd., Independence, MO 64052 • 816-737-5979 • culturalcrossroads@hotmail.com
Czech and Slovak Club of Greater Kansas City
Czech and Slovak Club of Greater Kansas City promotes Czech and Slovak language and culture through food, fellowship, music and educational programs. We welcome persons of Czech or Slovakian descent, their friends, families, and as others who enjoy the social, cultural and educational activities of the organization.
Contact Information: https://csclubkc.wordpress.com • czechslovakclubofkc@gmail.com
DeMolay International
DeMolay International is a non-profit youth development organization for young men ages 9-21 with a mission to shape men into leaders of character. We currently operate over 700 Chapters in all 50 U.S. states and more than 25 countries.
Contact Information: 10200 NW Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 • 816-891-8333 • DeMolay@DeMolay.org
Dialogue Institute of Kansas City
The Dialogue Institute aims to promote mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among people of diverse faiths and cultures in the Greater Kansas City Area, Wichita and Lawrence by creating opportunities for direct communication and meaningful shared experiences. We promote peace, communication, and mutual understanding to help create a world where every person treats each other with dignity and promote the common good.
Contact Information: 4215 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kansas, 66106 • 979-571-6305 • kansascity@thedialoginstitute.org
Don Bosco Centers
The Don Bosco Senior Center serves those 60 years of age and older and adults with disabilities, providing hot lunch and a wide array of programs and activities. Our ESL school offers free education to refugees and immigrants, providing English courses, GED and citizenship programs, and workforce certifications.
Contact Information: 816-691-2900 • info@donbosco.org
Ethnic Enrichment Commission
The Ethnic Enrichment Commission is made up of 66 different locally organized countries and cultures. We aspire to foster understanding, appreciation and preservation of cultural heritage and coordinate ethnic programs throughout the metro area. We bring groups together at community events, parades, outreach and our annual Ethnic Festival at Swope Park.
Contact Information: 4600 East 63rd Street Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64130-4629 • 816-513-7553 • ethnic.enrichment.commission@kcmo.org
German Honorary Consul
The German Honorary Consul represents The Federal Republic of Germany in Kansas City. There are eight consulates in the US along with many honorary consuls that serve the diplomatic and cultural needs of Germans residing in the US.
Contact information: 8014 State Line Road, Suite #203, Leawood, KS 66208 • 913-642-5134 • RSnyder@kc-diplo.de
Global Ties KC
Global Ties KC creates opportunities for face to face interactions between international leaders and their American counterparts in Kansas and Western Missouri. Through professional meetings, shared meals, and one on one conversations, local citizens engage in citizen diplomacy which builds global understanding and shapes United States foreign relations “one handshake at a time.” Network with over 300 international leaders who visit KC each year, in addition to contacts with American Embassies throughout the world.
Contact Information: 30 West Pershing Road, Suite 405, KCMO 64108 • 816-421-4242 • cbrooks@globaltieskc.org
Heart of America Japan-America Society
The mission of the Heart of America Japan-America Society is to further understanding between the peoples of Japan and the Greater Kansas City area by prompting social, cultural and educational exchanges. In July 2012, the HAJAS was awarded a Certificate of Commendations from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Koichiro Gemba, in recognition of our organization’s contributions to Japan-U.S. relations.
Contact Information: P.O. Box 22487, Kansas City, MO 64113-2487 • hoa.japanamericasociety@gmail.com
Heartland Chapter of Alliance of Divine Love
Ministerial association of interfaith ministers, Alliance of Divine Love is interested in promoting the fellowship of all people. The Heartland Chapter works closely in partnership with the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council and other religious communities and nonprofit organizations to sponsor the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner. Additionally, several Heartland ADL ministers attend the Parliament of the World’s Religions, which brings together several thousand people from different faiths and countries.
Contact Information: 3605 Blue Ridge Blvd, Independence, MO 64052 • 816-737-5979 • HeartlandADL@hotmail.com
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City
We engage, connect and develop the Hispanic Small Business Community. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City is the voice for small business in the Greater Kansas City metro area. We represent businesses of all sizes across 8 counties in both Kansas and Missouri. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City is dedicated to the creation, advancement, promotion, and development of economic opportunities within the Hispanic market and business community locally, regionally, and internationally.
Contact Information: 107 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO 64105 • 816-472-6767 • gmunoz@hccgkc.com
Honorary Consulate for Slovenia in the Midwest
Barbara Koval Nelson represents the country of Slovenia as a member of the Consular Corps of Greater Kansas City and reports to the Slovenian Ambassador in Washington, D.C. Honorary consuls are appointed by the foreign country and accredited by the U.S. State Department to deal with diplomatic, artistic, and cultural matters that occur in the district represented. There are more than 75 honorary consuls in the world representing Slovenia and more than a dozen in the United States and Mexico. We deal with all of the business, diplomatic, and cultural matters involving the country we represent.
Contact Information: 6521 Wenonga Terrace, Mission Hills, KS 66208 • 913-236-4661 • koval@kc.rr.com
Indonesian Community of Kansas City (ICKC)
The Indonesian Community of Kansas City is a community group for people of Indonesian descent or those interested in Indonesian culture. We promote Indonesian culture and activities that bring us together, such as Indo-Independence Day Picnic, Consul Meet and Greet, annual participation in the Ethnic Festival, and being a part of the network for the Indonesian Diaspora worldwide.
Contact Information: 11650 S. Walnut St., Olathe, KS 66061 • 913-269-1710 • indonesiakc@gmail.com
International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City (ITC)
The International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City is a regional nonprofit professional association committed to building a strong and successful international business network in the Kansas City region. To achieve this, ITCGKC connects professionals and global partners in the international business and academic communities, delivers timely international trade education, and bridges access to relevant resources.
Contact Information: P.O. Box 12340, Kansas City, MO 64116 • 816-830-2364 • office@itcgkc.org
Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City (ISGKC)
The Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City is Kansas City’s largest Islamic Center. ISGKC provides Paily prayers, Matrimonial Services, Islamic Burials Services, and a full-time Islamic school to congregates from all over the world.
Contact Information: 8501 E 99th St. Kansas City MO 64134 • 816-763-2267 • manager@isgkc.org
Johnson County Public Library
The Johnson County Public Library has more than 10 locations in Johnson County that host community events for both children and adults. The Oak Park location also holds Conversation Classes every Saturday morning for those who want to practice their English or Spanish.
Contact Information: 913-826-4600 • ask@jocolibrary.libanswers.com
Kansas City Irish Center
The KC Irish Center is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to preserve, promote, celebrate, and support Irish culture through year-round programs and activities. KCIC provides year-round classes, activities, programs, and events that keep Irish culture and heritage a vital part of our community. We maintain ongoing relationships with the Irish Consulate for our region in Austin, Texas, as well as Culture Ireland and the Dept. of Foreign Affairs, both based in Dublin, Ireland.
Contact Information: 3101 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111 • 816-474-3848 • newroots@irishcenterkc.org
Kansas City Public Library
The Kansas City Public Library strives to be a doorway to knowledge for all consisting of ten branches which are trusted, safe, and free access points to information, education, and technology. The Library’s Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE) division aims to provide programming and resources to support refugees and immigrants as they integrate in to the social fabric of Kansas City. Additionally, RISE partners with community resources to create a community that welcomes refugees and immigrants as neighbors and makes Kansas City a place where everyone thrives. RISE provides one-to-one and classroom programs for refugees and immigrants to learn English and prepare for the naturalization interview. RISE also hosts various events ranging from education to cultural celebrations to naturalization ceremonies at the Library.
Contact Information: 14 W. 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 • 816-701-3766 • rise@kclibrary.org
Kansas City St. Andrew Highland Dance Association
A group of dancers and teachers that seek to promote Scottish arts and heritage in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Kansas City St. Andrew Highland Dance Association works with the Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums and the Kansas City St. Andrew Society in our mission to preserve and promote Scottish arts and heritage in Kansas City. We encourage our dancers to travel to compete in the United States, Canada, and Scotland.
Contact Information: kchighlanddancers@gmail.com
Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes & Drums
The band was founded by the St. Andrew Society, an organization of Scottish ancestry and interest, and has promoted piping and drumming since 1962. We have competed in Kansas City, the Midwest, Canada and Scotland. We welcome those interested in learning the bagpipes, Scottish snare, tenor and bass drums. The band has performed at the KC Ethnic Enrichment Festival, the KC St. Patrick’s Day parade, and various other events throughout the year.
Contact Information: P.O. Box 648, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-0648 • 913-223-0350 • BusinessManager@kcpipeband.org
KC for Refugees
KC for Refugees provides education about refugee-related topics, helps the community engage with local refugees, supports and provides help to locally settled refugee families, and advocates for refugees. We support UNHCR related work and provide information to the community related to international refugee crises.
Contact Information: 555 Olive Street, Kansas City, MO 64124 • 913-523-4113 • kc4refugees@gmail.com
National Association of Asian American Professionals – Kansas City (NAAAP-KC)
An Asian American-centered organization promoting professional development and personal marketability in the workplace. We offer networking opportunities, cultural experiences and organize community events. In 2016, a chapter was started in Xiamen, China.
Contact Information: P.O. Box 410391, Kansas City, MO 64108 • member@naaapgkc.org
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums. The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing free access to its renowned collection of nearly 40,000 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture, and new American Indian and Egyptian galleries. The museum’s collection spans global cultures, with art from all over the world. The museum regularly welcomes foreign scholars and artists for talks and performances, and it showcases artwork from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Ancient World, and the Americas in both its permanent collection and its traveling exhibitions.
Contact Information: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 • 816-751-1278 • ask@nelson-atkins.org
Owen/Cox Dance Group
Owen/Cox Dance Group’s mission is to create new music and dance collaborations, to present high-quality contemporary dance performances with live music, and to engage a wide audience through affordable live performance, education, and outreach programs. Owen/Cox Dance Group performances feature acclaimed artists from around the world. The ensemble is interested in international partnerships, collaborations and touring opportunities.
Contact Information: 4220 Mercier St., Kansas City, MO 64111 • 816-225-6209 • jenocdg@gmail.com
Pan American Association of Kansas City
The Pan American Association is a non-profit organization that helps educate the community, particularly young people, about the sovereign countries of the Americas and about the Organization of American States (OAS), of which the U.S. is a member. The Pan American Association seeks to contribute to peace and prosperity in the western hemisphere. We are the sponsoring organization for the Grand Boulevard of the Americas.
Contact Information: 1204 Romany Rd., Kansas City, MO 64113 • info@panamkc.org
PeacePathways
PeacePathways is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was developed for the purpose of bringing together organizations that are actively focused on the mission of peace and justice through programs and activities. PeacePathways provides oversight for the Peace Pavilion as one of our principle functions. One focus of the Peace Pavilion is “Peace for Everyone,” where the objective is to encourage openness and understanding of others while celebrating the diversity of the human race.
Contact Information: P.O. Box 242, Independence, MO 64051 • 816-521-3033 • info@peace-pathways.org
Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City
The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City includes Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform rabbis and serves as the rabbinical voice in and for the Jewish community and the larger Greater Kansas City community. It guides the community in making religious decisions for community events, supports the rabbis in their personal and professional growth, and develops and nourishes collegial relationships within the Association. Our member rabbis have diverse, and in many cases extensive, involvement with Jewish communities; certainly in Israel, but also in other parts of the world.
Contact Information: 5801 W. 115th, Box 113, Overland Park, KS 66211 • 913-327-4622 • afprogram@aol.com
The Society for Friendship with China
The primary mission of the Society for Friendship with China is to promote better understanding between American and Chinese people in Kansas City neighborhoods, in the region, and abroad. The Society is a partner of the Kansas City-Xi’an Sister City Committee and as such works to develop projects and exchanges with the city of Xi’an. The organization co-sponsors Kansas City’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, sponsors cultural programs, and is currently working on the development of a Chinese garden in Kansas City.
Contact Information: 5519 Crestwood Drive, Kansas City, MO 64110 • 816-363-3353 • chgraham@chgraham.com
Strawberry Hill Ethnic Museum and Cultural Center
Housed in an 1887 High Victorian mansion (later to become the St. John Children Orphanage), the museum and cultural center’s mission is to promote, sponsor, and preserve the ethnic heritage prevalent in Kansas City, Kansas.
Contact Information: 720 North 4th St., Kansas City, KS 66101 • 913-371-3264 • shecs@strawberryhillmuseum.org