No matter where you’re from, poetry is a universal language. It is more than the combination of words with meter and rhyme. Poetry definitely touches hearts. Beautiful and inspirational moments marked the International Poetry Night, organized by Global Connections. Webster’s Bookstore Café opened its doors for about 30 people from different countries on April 9.

Poems were read in Spanish, Farsi, Russian, French, Portuguese, and, of course, in English. The event celebrated the National Poetry Month. Between the participants there were people from the USA, Iran, Mexico, Kazakhstan, India, and Brazil.  

Ardavan Javid attended a Global Connections event for the first time. She read “Bani Adam” in Farsi and its translation in English. “I found an advertisement for Poetry Night and decided to come. It was great.” Asked if she would attend another event like that, she was emphatic: “Sure!”

Bob Persiko, president of GC, said that “Global Connections’ mission is to bring people together to share their cultures and learn from each other. Poetry is a beautiful vehicle to do this.” He also expressed our special appreciation for Elaine Meder-Wilgus, the manager of Webster’s, for her strong support of GC over the years and for letting us have the Café for our event.

The members of the Tuesday discussion group participated of an important presentation made by Centre Safe. Becky Misangyi and Brittany Sherman talked about their work in the organization dealing with social issues in the Centre County area. They spoke about equality and equity, violence, mental health, homelessness and poverty. They explained how people in danger can ask for help. The session also benefited from the participation of Alix Crosswell, Family Liaison and Bilingual Educator for the State College Area School District.

Centre Safe has the mission to empower survivors of sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking and to work toward the elimination of such violence. They have a hotline where people can find help (814 234 5050). Click here for other information www.centresafe.org/

You are invited to a General Membership Meeting that will be held virtually on Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 PM. The purpose of the event is to approve changes in bylaws for Global Connections. Here is the link to the package of documents (Bylaws Revision) for your consideration: (https://globalconnections.wildapricot.org/sys/website/files/). Please read them over carefully to inform yourself about what decisions we need to make. Let us know if you have any questions. A more detailed agenda will be distributed closer to the meeting.

In addition to discussing the bylaws amendments, there will be a presentation by Kiyomi Masamune, a Ph.D. candidate at Penn State, on her perspectives about cultural adjustment. She has some insights that we think you will find enlightening.

Click here to access the meeting.

“The poetry is the eternization of the moment”, said the Brazilian poet Manoel Bandeira. You are Global Connections’ special guest to eternize a moment of open mics to show the beauty of poetry all over the world.

In honor of National Poetry Month, Global Connections will be holding an International Poetry Night. All members are welcome to step up and share their favorite poem from a favorite poet in their own language and its English translation or share one of their own poems.

Let us know which poets have inspired you. Are you a poet? Come share your work or a poem that’s touched your life. If you prefer, only attend this inspiring event and enjoy a cultural night. It will happen at Webster’s Bookstore Café (133 E Beaver Ave, State College), on Saturday, April 9th, at 7 pm.

The registration is free for all Global Connections members.

Global Connections is a non-profit and all-volunteer membership organization. We welcome people to register for membership and pay dues of only $10 per year.

Click here to access the registration link for the International Poetry Night.