The RIA is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to celebrate cultural diversity and provide opportunities for multicultural education and exchange. Membership in RIA brings the world to you and will keep you informed of multicultural events in the community. Learn more about our history by reading an article titled “Diversity is Great, Unity is Better” by Doug McGill.
We also help sponsor and endorse the following.
Rochester World Festival: Allow us take you around the world from China to Latin America, India to Uzbekistan, and all in one weekend. Volunteers from many different cultures in our community take part in every World Festival. Learn more on how to be a volunteer for the next World Festival and other RIA sponsored activities and events by contacting us.
RIA’s International Student Scholarships: RIA has donated $1000 to the RCTC Foundation for two tuition scholarships awarded to returning international students from this area.
Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association: The IMAA’s bilingual staff provides assistance to refugees in employment, community services, immigration and citizenship as well as interpreter and translator services for the community. Ron Buzard is the Executive Director. Abucar Iman, also on the staff, serves on the RIA Board.
Boys and Girls Club: This club meets the needs for after-school, summer, and Saturday programs for youth from 6-17 years of age. New quarters are located at the former Holmes School on East Center St. Program Director is Nancy Campbell.
Rochester Public Library: Rochester’s immigrant groups are invited to take part in the series “Journey to Rochester.” Free display areas and use of their auditorium for arts, music, fashion and stories from first generation immigrants to Rochester. Call the library or RIA for information. Don’t forget about the international and independents films showing at the library on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6 P.M. Glass cases at the library are available for displays of ethnic holidays celebrated in this community. Call Marilyn Campbell at 507-281-7360 to schedule a display.
Ethnic dinners and programs: Ethnic dinners and programs are popular with RIA members and the entire community. They are an opportunity to raise funds for groups and RIA. Please call if your group has an event they wish to invite the community to attend.
Please contact us if you need further information.