Who is World Affairs Council?
The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is guided by our vision of a globally minded and globally connected world that is equitable and just for all. We work to convene and connect people around global issues to build a competitive, thriving, and inclusive Pittsburgh.
Established in 1931, our programming is designed to foster global-mindedness and global connectivity in Pittsburgh. Our approach centers on creating inclusive and accessible experiences that generate transformed leadership for youth, business and community leaders, educators and a greater sense of belonging for all.
To make this vision of the future a reality, the Council creates and executes diverse, bold, and engaging programming throughout the Western Pennsylvania region. We work hard to ensure that meaningful, action-oriented global learning opportunities are at the heart of our work and that our programs reflect the great diversity of our world across generations.
Our Public programs include speaker series with subject matter experts and the Global Citizenship Fellowship, an initiative aimed to train and inspire leaders from diverse sectors and backgrounds to become ready to connect our region to the broader world.
Youth programming has been a cornerstone of our community work. We work alongside young people, empowering them to take action on global issues. Since 2020, our Youth Programs have embraced a path of genuine youth leadership, with initiatives designed by youth for youth. These programs empower young Pittsburghers to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and mindsets necessary to address global issues. We strive to collaborate with and amplify the voices of young people, empowering them to be today’s leaders. Our programs include Global Minds, Global Travel Scholars, and the Youth Fellow or Board Member Programs.
Our annual Soiree is a culmination of our efforts, bringing our mission to life in a true celebration. It is a vibrant event dedicated to our caring community, appreciating and recognizing our connections to the world around us.
How long has World Affairs Council been a part of the POGOH’s Community Ambassador Program?
We began our partnership with the Pittsburgh Bike Share program in 2021 during our 90th anniversary celebration. Since then, we have been selected to participate in the Ambassador program in 2022, and we are pleased to continue as Community Ambassadors this year. We have hosted community bike rides with global stop talks focusing on music, climate action and air quality to name a few.
This spring, we hosted a Youth Voice Community Bike Ride, during which members of our Youth Board and Fellows spoke to riders about the importance of youth leadership.
How does being a Community Ambassador help your organization achieve its goals?
We believe our work is only possible with the support of our community partners. If we want to see and create a more equitable world, we need partners, just like with POGOH, to reach even more people in our community.
Through organizing Community Bike Rides, we have connected with the public in a new way. These bike rides offer a fun opportunity to deepen our community’s engagement with global issues and unite neighbors as they explore our shared city.
In 2023, we hosted two themed rides: the Hispanic & Latin Heritage Month Community Bike Ride and the Climate Action Community Bike Ride. Most recently, we hosted a Youth Voice Community Bike Ride, where members from our youth board and fellows spoke to riders about the importance of Youth Leadership.
Bike rides deepen our community’s connections to global issues and unite neighbors to explore our shared city.
Why did you apply to become a POGOH Community Ambassador this year?
We love being Community Ambassadors for POGOH! We’re thrilled that the program has grown, allowing the ambassadors to organize their own rides. This enables us to delve deeper into our work and community building. Riding through the streets helps us connect with communities and introduce people to neighborhoods they might not have explored otherwise.
What would you like to see for your community in the Greater Pittsburgh Area?
We want to see a greater connection and visibility to our multicultural history and roots so Pittsburghers can see the world represented in their daily lives.
Our city’s global representation could be better reflected. We aim to connect people’s daily lives locally with the broader world locally.
How do you think the Community Ambassadors can help break down barriers to bicycling in Pittsburgh?
Community Bike Rides give us the opportunity to explore Pittsburgh’s unique, historic, and culturally rich neighborhoods while bringing visibility to POGOH. During a Ride this season in Homewood, a woman in her car saw us and said, ‘I’d be riding with you if I had a bike!’ We responded, ‘You don’t need to own a bike! You can get a bike from a POGOH bike station just like us!”
Our Community Bike Rides allow us to raise awareness of POGOH resources like bike stations around the city and the Mobility Justice Membership.
What do you think the Pittsburgh bicycling community has been missing?
Re-engaging folx who have stopped cycling is important to maintaining and growing a healthy, engaged Pittsburgh biking community. Many people learn to ride a bike when they are young but may not ride as adults living in a hilly, urban environment like Pittsburgh for reasons such as unfamiliarity with trails, fear of safety, or inaccessible routes between point A and point B.
It is important to have an inclusive and welcoming community ready with resources to encourage and assist people in getting back on their bikes casually and confidently on our city’s streets.
All of us at the Council are grateful to be part of the positive changes POGOH is fostering!
Follow along and learn more about World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh at the links below!
Betty Cruz, President & CEO
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
IG – @worldpittsburgh
FB – https://www.facebook.com/WorldAffairsPGH
Ride with POGOH’s Community Ambassadors
