Save the GIC

 

“The future of the GIC is on the shoulders of its members, so we, the members, have to serve the means of the community.” Dr. Shin Gyonggu, Director of the Gwangju International Center (GIC), desires us to join together and take action by continuing to help, as the GIC now needs us.

On June 30, the GIC will relocate from its current location in the Jeonil Building to a new home to be determined. One of the oldest in the city, the Jeonil Building will be demolished to provide space for a new park in Downtown Gwangju. With this upcoming transition, the financial quota has been set for the GIC to raise 40 million won, in order for this non-profit organization to pay the deposit and moving charges.

So on May 4, the GIC will host “SAVE THE GIC!” at its current location. Members, non-members and volunteers are all invited to attend anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hosted activities will include a flea market, Save the GIC Night, a GIC Talk discussing the GIC with a special performance afterwards, coffee, food, games and more.

The indoor flea market will be an opportunity for Korean and international residents to purchase clothing, accessories, books, CDs and other items, with all funds funneled directly into the GIC Moving Fund. Pies, cookies, muffins and other tasty treats will also be sold to GIC visitors that day at a bake sale. Kim Jihyun, GIC Coordinator, stated that those who come will have the opportunity of playing such roles as “buyer,” “seller,” “performer” and “speaker.”

In addition to purchasing items, guests will enjoy tasty treats, refreshing drinks and relaxed conversations, while listening to instrumental music, hearing Dr. Shin and Maria Lisak, a GIC Board Member, lead the GIC Talk, and watching a performance by artists. The atmosphere will be lively and enjoyable.

After the day event at the GIC, raising funds will continue, with a number of events, including the Save the GIC Night. From 5 p.m. to midnight on May 4, participants will be able to visit The First Alleyway to enjoy pizza, cheeseburgers, onion rings, tacos and/or Key lime pies and to drink beer, wine and/or soda at special prices. Save the GIC Night tickets are now available at the GIC or online at the GIC website, and volunteers will be needed to help with this special event.

On May 12, the GIC will also host its annual GIC Concert to help with funding. Korean and international musicians will gather to perform songs commemorating the four seasons. Ticket reservations can be completed either at the GIC, by contacting Lee Bo-ram, GIC Coordinator, or by visiting the following web address: http://eng.gic.or.kr/portal/board.php?bo_table=notice_eng&wr_id=537

Warren Parsons, the GIC Culture Tour Guide, will also organize two walking tours around Gwangju on May 4 and May 11. Each tour will go to separate locations around the city, including a walk to Mudeung Mountain.

Other ways for Gwangju residents to bless the GIC with one-time giving are for non-members to become members, and for current members to renew their membership. Creating or renewing one’s membership can be simply completed by visiting the GIC or visiting the GIC’s website.

The current account for raising funds will still accept donations, up until the GIC’s move on June 30. This account can be accessed by transferring won to Kwangju Bank’s Account Number 134-107-000980 or KEB’s 040-22-02413-8. For both accounts, the Depositor is: (사) 광주국제교류센터.

For overseas transfers, GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/gicmovingfund (credit card) or Paypal Account: gic@gic.or.kr. will accept financial transfers.

 All accounts will help GIC, an NPO, continue doing what it has been doing for 14 years: serving the community.

Karina Prananto, GIC Coordinator, is originally from Indonesia. Prananto first heard of the GIC while searching for an opportunity to take Korean classes. What she found was home. “The GIC is also the voice of the community,” Prananto said, further mentioning that the GIC has advocated for its members by reporting its members experienced inconveniences to City Hall. “That is part of our mission, to become a bridge for the international community and the Gwangju city.”

After all, as Kim also mentioned, “Everyone is a community member.” While serving at the GIC for nine years, Kim has been privileged to share the GIC’s concept with outside organizations and communities in Korea. The response has constantly been one of impression, because of the large network of dedicated volunteers and the wide variety of opportunities found at the GIC. In addition, Kim is able to share from the heart, because of what she personally witnesses while at work. “Every day, I see people who want to share their gifts, talents and energy within the community, and it’s very nice to see that people are willing.”

So now, with the need to raise the support the GIC needs to continue, Kim stated that while the GIC helps the community, vice-versa applies. “We are all together. We all work together for the community, so we don’t need to divide.”

In addition to community members serving at the GIC, Dr. Shin desires the GIC to be a role model for what works and excels in Korean society. “The volunteering here is so rich. I work here as a volunteer.” Instrumental in creating the GIC from its beginning in 1999 and having been active since, Dr. Shin further explained that exhibiting transparency, functioning autonomously and promoting democracy are key factors for how the GIC conducts its business. “Trust is the best method for any organization, and I want to show that an organization can be more prosperous by enjoying the trust of other people. That is how we want to be a model organization for other organizations in Gwangju, and in Korea as well.”

Even with five years of service to the GIC, Prananto has started to notice something new. “The GIC’s role in my life is getting bigger and deeper, and I want to be one to make the GIC more known to people.” Prananto additionally mentioned that the GIC’s purpose is never for profit, always for service. So, as the GIC continues to fund-raise, Prananto encouraged residents to give “if the GIC means something to you or we have helped you in the past.” Like all other GIC staff members, Prananto is appreciative of every gift.

Dr. Shin stated that receiving something in life takes more than thought to make it happen. “Without dedication, I don’t think we can achieve anything.” And Dr. Shin knows he cannot be alone in preserving the GIC. “We can make the most of the GIC for our future, as I want it to be utilized by its members.”

The GIC will only be able to continue by having the support of its community.

So, please come to the GIC on May 4, and support the GIC thereafter for their upcoming move. Kim believes in the power of the singular act and individual. “I know that every effort, every volunteer, can change the GIC.” As Kim concludes, know that you are needed to SAVE THE GIC! “Everyone can help. Everyone can make a difference by attending this event.”