About Us

If you want to donate to The International Center online, please go to http://www.firstgiving.com/64599.

The International Center (IC) is a Washington, DC based 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1977 to focus on issues between the United States and the developing world. The International Center currently has programs in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The International Center programs include the U.S.-Vietnam Trade Council Education Forum, the New Forests Project, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation.

The U.S.-Vietnam Trade Council Education Forum (USVTC-EF) has played a major leadership role in building the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam. USVTC-EF seeks the full normalization of U.S.-Vietnam relations; helps create essential policy frameworks for building a new economic partnership between the two nations; and provides assistance for the establishment of links that increase bilateral trade and investment. USVTC-EF has played a key role in the negotiation and implementation of the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and continues to work closely with Vietnam on next steps in Vietnam's economic integration and development.

The New Forests Project (NFP) supports reforestation and agroforestry projects in the developing world that protect and restore natural forests, reverse land degradation and promote land-use practices that increase productivity and sustainability. NFP consists of two protects: the World Seed Program and the Clean Water initiative. The World Seed Program supplies free seeds and other supplies to in-country partners who redistribute the seeds locally. NFP also provides agroforestry trainings, small grants for the purchase of equipment for reforestation efforts among other things. Since 1982, NFP has helped plant over 8 million trees around the globe. The Clean Water Initiative supports local water associations, committees and organizations in their efforts to provide clean, reliable water and sanitation services to rural communities in Central America and the Caribbean.

Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF) is a humanitarian organization that addresses the consequences of war through programs of advocacy and service in Vietnam. VVAF receives grants from the Department of State and other organizations to conduct landmine clearance projects in Vietnam with the Technology Centre for Bomb and Mine Disposal Engineering Command (BOMICEN). VVAF and its project partners carryout surveys to collect information about the prevalence and burden of the most common mental disorders and the effects this has on the individuals and their families. VVAF is also engaged in upgrading and constructing schools in various provinces around Vietnam.

The International Center' s Sports Corps Division aims to improve understanding between the people of developing countries and the United States through the medium of youth sports. Our sport exchange programs create a dynamic environment for youth of various SE Asian countries to better understand each other and demonstrate how sports can overcome economic, religious, and geographic differences. These exchange programs, mainly focusing on young women and their coaches, seek to empower, teach, and inspire these women to improve themselves and their communities through sport.