Global Ties Akron (GTA) strengthens academic, corporate, organizational, and personal ties between the Greater Akron Area and the World. GTA was founded as Hosting International Travelers in 1976. Our visionary founders realized our community is enhanced by the presence of international dignitaries, scholars and guests.Each of our volunteers – local and international – is a citizen diplomat. Global Ties Akron sponsors international exchanges through the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program. Global Ties Akron has offered programs to welcome and interact with international students attending the University of Akron. In an effort to share the wealth of cultural knowledge that international scholars bring to Akron, GTA organizes an International Speakers Service. This program brings international student ambassadors into our area classrooms to open the eyes of our children to the diverse and interdependent world that they will need to understand in order to succeed. Global Ties Akron continues to be a vibrant asset to our community. Together, our dedicated board of directors, professional paid and volunteer staff and citizen diplomats keep the Akron Area fondly in the memories and hearts of guests from around the globe.Last year, Global Threads Fair Trade – a Social Enterprise of Global Ties Akron – opened a physical retail boutique location in downtown Akron's Northside Marketplace. The shop features a curated collection of handmade textiles, jewelry, and crafts for sale by local and international artreprenuers. To find out more, visit: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalThreadsFairTrade