Check out this brochure from PTPI’s early days – it is targeted at Americans traveling to Europe and while there are some points that are not relevant (i.e., segregation), a lot of the advice is just as useful today as it was then. Is there anything you would add?
People to People International has strived to enhance friendship and understanding among the world’s people for more than 50 years. We thought you might like to know how it all started at U.S. President Eisenhower’s 1956 White House Press Conference, which gathered notable business and civic leaders to bring his vision to life.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, founder of PTPI
Here’s an excerpt from a summary of a detailed historical outline of PTPI by Mrs. William C. Menninger, who formerly served as President of PTPI as well as Chairman of the Board of Trustees:
Following the meeting of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev in Geneva, Switzerland in July, 1955, it seemed as though the “Cold War” with Russia was beginning to thaw. In his report to the nation soon afterward, President Eisenhower said “The subject that took most of my attention was the possibility of increased visits overseas by the citizens of one country into the territory of the other nation. In this subjet there was the fullest possible agreement between the West and the Soviet Union.”
Read the full article here and take the time to tell us why you support PTPI’s mission. Thoughts from our global membership will be shared in this year’s issue of People magazine.
Please tell us: Why do you believe PTPI’s mission is still important today? And what do you or your community gain from your involvement with PTPI? Comment here or email your response to ptpipublications@ptpi.org.
The deadline is Thursday, October 15 2009. No late or incomplete applications will be considered.
Are you a past PTPI program participant preparing for or attending college/university and interested in a scholarship to assist with tuition?
If so, do you know about PTPI’s Joyce C. Hall Scholarship? Each year, PTPI awards five $2,000 scholarships that are used to pay tuition first, then can be applied to books and supplies. To apply, you must have been involved in PTPI in some way, such as the Student Ambassador Program, chapter activities, the Global Youth Forum, etc.
Applicants also must be current high school seniors or full-time college/university students with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards
Joyce C. Hall was the Founder and CEO of Hallmark Cards, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of greeting cards. Hallmark is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. When President Dwight D. Eisenhower created People to People International in 1956, Hall was one of a group of leading American businessmen invited by Eisenhower to help promote the organization. Eventually Eisenhower asked Hall to lead the organization. He accepted and PTPI’s headquarters relocated to Kansas City.
If that doesn’t apply to you, how about this: Have you earned the 2009 Congressional Award (bronze, silver or gold)?
If so, you are eligible to apply for PTPI’s 2010 James and Eunice Doty PTPI/Congressional Award Scholarship. The scholarship covers the cost of participation in one of several PTPI student programs, domestic or international, in 2010. All program fees and airfare are covered. The costs for a passport, any required visas and personal spending money are not included.
In 2009, three students were chosen to receive this scholarship:
Pictured at right, James and Eunice Doty
From left to right, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, James Doty and fellow PTPI member Gert Swanson
James and Eunice Doty were personal friends of the Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. James Doty served as President of PTPI for 12 years, from 1969 to 1981. He was instrumental in expanding PTPI and its programs.
