There is a version of international and civic understanding that happens entirely online — through posts, profiles, and curated content. We don't think that's enough.

CIRI is founded on the conviction that genuine relationships between people, communities, and ideas are built through direct encounter: sitting in the same place, sharing a conversation, hearing someone's account of their own life in their own words.

Social media tells you what someone wants you to see. Meeting them tells you who they are. That distinction matters enormously — and it sits at the heart of everything we do, from our events and courses to our trips and internships.

So while you'll find us online, we'd much rather meet you in person. Come to an event. Join a course. Say hello.

The most important thing we can do together probably won't happen on a screen.