Kenton County residents who want to host international visitors over a home-cooked meal can sign up on August 1, when the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky staffs a booth at the Covington Farmers Market.
The free event, called "Farmers Market & Friends," runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 629 Washington St. in Covington. Visitors can meet international delegates in person and learn how to become volunteer dinner hosts through the council's hospitality program, according to the organization's event listing.
New volunteers become "Dinner Diplomacy Ambassadors" and host visiting delegates for casual meals at home. The council offers a stipend to new sign-ups, though the amount has not been disclosed. Hosts are encouraged to invite neighbors and friends to co-host, according to the council.
Who the delegates are
The delegates attending the August 1 event are U.S. Department of State guests participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program. This year's group is focused on strategies to prevent opioid use, according to the council's event page. IVLP participants are nominated by U.S. embassies abroad and represent emerging leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Since 1940, more than 230,000 delegates have participated in the program, including over 500 heads of state or government, according to the council.
Third year for the grant
The World Affairs Council received the Dinner Diplomacy grant from Global Ties, in partnership with Marriott International, for the third consecutive year in 2026, according to a July 9 announcement from Global Ties U.S. The national program involves 20 member organizations across the country.
The council, headquartered at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, serves the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. Azalea Laverde, a council contributor, wrote in a June 24 blog post that the program connects local residents to global exchange without requiring travel.
How to take part
The event is free and open to the public. Residents can RSVP or find more information at globalcincinnati.org/event/farmers-market-friends/, or call the council at 859-448-8984.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, August 1: Farmers Market & Friends, Covington Farmers Market, 629 Washington St., Covington, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free; RSVP at globalcincinnati.org.
