Join us for a follow-up conversation on how policies, displacement, and community response have shifted in 2025. Together, we'll reflect on what has changed since January, what has been unexpected or impactful, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

This event will also explore how allies from all backgrounds can offer meaningful, sustained support. Whether you are directly affected or standing in solidarity, this is a space for reflection, connection, and collective support.

Sheila Vélez Martínez, Jack and Lovell Olender Professor of Asylum, Refugee and Immigration Law/Pitt
Mónica Méndez, Director of Programs, Latino Community Center
Nathan Harper, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Manager, City of Pittsburgh
Michael Goodhart, Professor, Political Science, University of Pittsburgh
Jaime Martinez, Community Defense Organizer, Casa San José
Moderator: Scott Morgenstern, Professor, Political Science, University of Pittsburgh

To register: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/clas/content/clas-event-registration. This will be a hybrid event.
The Zoom link will be provided to registered online participants at a later date.
For in-person participants, refreshments will be provided.

Sponsors: The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS), the Center for Ethnic Studies Research (CESR), the Global Studies Center (GSC) at the University of Pittsburgh, the Latin American Cultural Center (LACC), and the Center for Applied Research on Targeted Violence (Pitt/CMU).

Are you interested in studying abroad with CIEE? Come by 810 William Pitt Union, meet with a CIEE representative, discover programs of interest, and ask all your questions!

The Global Appalachian Reading Group for Spring 2026 examines the complex intersections of regional identity, connectedness and disconnectedness to lived spaces, and environmental justice as they pertain to Appalachia and its connections to the wider world. Through thoughtful engagement with The Appalachian Trail by Philip D'Anieri, No Last Place to Rest by Dineo Skosana, and Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, participants will explore the spaces that comprise and define Appalachia, reflect on the theme of dispossession within the context of Appalachia, and discuss global climate change through displaced species that find a home in Appalachia. This reading group invites participants to connect local narratives with global contexts, fostering deeper understanding and critical conversations about place, space, identity, sustainability, and the future of Appalachian communities.

The series theme is Spaces. Participation in all three events in the series is not required but encouraged. All events will take place from (please see dates below) 1:30-3:00pm (EST) in 4217 Posvar Hall. Copies of the books will be available in the Global Studies Center for local registrants to pick up. Please contact Veronica Dristas at dristas@pitt.edu with questions.

Thinking about studying abroad? Interested in IES Abroad programs? Come by 810 William Pitt Union, meet an IES representative, and ask all your questions about studying abroad with IES!

This professional development workshop series is designed for K-12 educators seeking to deepen their understanding of global issues through literature. This year, we will explore the theme of “The U.S. in the World.” Through global and regional perspectives, we will discuss narratives of a “Global United States,” where the U.S. role in the world and its relationship with other countries and regions is informed by transnational narratives and dialogues shaped by global trends such as migration, environmental issues, human rights, and human conditions. By exploring compelling stories from diverse cultural perspectives, educators will gain insights into the complexities of this theme, its impact on individuals and communities, and how to engage students in meaningful discussions around these topics.

Each session features a carefully selected book, paired with historically contextualized presentations, interactive discussions, teaching strategies, and cross-disciplinary activities to inspire classroom implementation.

The January 22, 2026 workshop will focus on the book, "Forty Autumns," by Nina Willner.

Sessions this year will take place virtually on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (ET). Three Act 48 credit hours (for PA educators) and a copy of the book are provided for each session.

For more information and to register, please go to: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/GILS .