East-West Connections

East-West Connections is a nonprofit organization based in Falcon Heights, MN dedicated to fostering understanding and meaningful connections among peoples of the United States, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Baltics through strategic events, educational programming, and citizen diplomacy initiatives. The organization specializes in creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration that transcend traditional governmental channels, recognizing that individual citizens play a vital role in building international relationships and promoting mutual understanding.

East-West Connections sponsors a diverse range of programs and events that highlight the rich history, culture, and contemporary situations across Russia, Former Soviet Republics, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Baltics. These initiatives span from cultural concerts and educational conferences to sister-city exchanges and business delegation visits. By facilitating people-to-people interactions, the organization illuminates shared human concerns while advancing cooperation and goodwill between communities.

The organization's approach to citizen diplomacy emphasizes that every individual can serve as a bridge across cultural divides and promote positive international relations. Operating from Falcon Heights, East-West Connections creates opportunities for residents and organizations throughout Minnesota to engage meaningfully with diverse global communities, fostering informed relationships and encouraging civic participation in international understanding. Through newsletters, webinars, and community programs, the organization maintains focus on emerging strategic regions including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.