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.
Elliott is a member of PTPI who most recently returned from the Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference (GYFHC) in Costa Rica. He’s participated in many PTPI programs over the year, however, and is excited to become involved in Young Generation (YG) programs as he heads off to college this fall.
Elliott receives a warm welcome at the Aldeas S.O.S. orphanage where the GYFHC delegates volunteered in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Elliott spent the week of August 3, 2009 in Kansas City at PTPI’s World Headquarters. He had a chance to get to know more about each department and work on various projects.
In the main conference room at PTPI World HQ, Elliott helps Paige Leitnaker, Director of the School and Classroom Program, sort through the Global Youth Murals.
Before Elliott took off on his last day, we caught up with him to find out how the week went and what his next adventure will be.
1. Describe life at PTPI World Headquarters in three words.
Amusing, active, committed
2. What project did you most enjoy working on this week? Rebecca things it was organizing the accounting records. Is that true or false?
False. I think Rebecca is slightly mistaken. Though I had a BLAST moving/emptying boxes, I most enjoyed creating the GYFHC presentation.
3. Who is your favorite PTPI staff member?
I told you I wouldn’t choose favorites…
4. Where are you off to next?
Lebanon. I’m attending the American University of Beirut.
5. That is really cool. Why did you decide to go there?
Well, I’ve been interested in Middle Eastern studies for a long time, and AUB offers programs that really match my interests. It’s just a great fit, and Beirut is an awesome city.
We wish Elliott all the best!
