Campus Connection

La Crosse celebrates Global Initiatives Week Nov. 3–10

A group of businesses and organizations in the Greater La Crosse Region will come together to celebrate the fifth annual Global Initiatives Week Friday, Nov. 3–Friday, Nov. 10. Organizers aim to showcase the community’s cultural value and highlight the economic and social impact of the Coulee Region’s global connections through food, dance, art, film and speakers. The week kicks off with a global celebration sponsored by the La Crosse Community Foundation Global Awareness Fund from 4-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, at Myrick Park Center. The free event features global food samples prepared by local restaurants, a multi-lingual children’s story time, and several cultural music and dance performances. In addition, attendees can network with a wide variety of organizations in the Coulee Region involved in global work. Families and children will enjoy the Global Friendships Celebration from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the La Crosse Public Library. During the free event, participants will discover world cultures through dance, crafts, games, language and traditional attire with students from UW-La Crosse’s International Education & Engagement (IEE). Kids can pick up a “passport” and have it stamped at each station. A growing number of local restaurants and businesses plan to offer discounts to patrons who mention “Global Initiatives Week.” Stop in at Dim Sum, El Rodeo Restaurant, Global Grounds Coffee Shop, Gracie’s, Grand Bluff Running, Hackberry Bistro, Hmong Golden Eggrolls, Iguana’s Mexican Street Café, International Bake Shoppe, New Taste of India, That Foreign Place and more to experience the region’s global connections through food and merchandise sales. A wide variety of events are scheduled throughout the week at various locations. A complete calendar is available at https://www.glaxdiversitycouncil.com/community-calendar/. Global Initiatives Week was created to incite conversation, contribute to global awareness and inspire local action. Organizers hope the week inspires attendees to volunteer with local organizations engaged in global work, develop cultural competence and discover new ways to strengthen the region through global connections. Join the conversation on the La Crosse Area Global Initiatives Week Facebook page or Twitter using #lacrosseglobal. Along with UWL, the following organizations have helped support and promote Global Initiatives Week: DigiCOPY, Gundersen Global Partners, La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau, La Crosse Community Foundation Global Awareness Fund, Mayo Clinic Health System, Midwest Family Broadcasting and WisCorps. If you go: What: Global Initiatives Week When: Nov. 3-10 Where: Various La Crosse locations. See event calendar:  https://www.glaxdiversitycouncil.com/community-calendar/ Cost: Free unless otherwise noted