By Megan Norton-Newbanks
The FIGT Global Gathering, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on July 25–26, was a vibrant celebration of FIGT’s values, mission, and vision. Over 70 attendees gathered in person to celebrate Ruth Van Reken’s 80th birthday, with many more joining virtually through pre-recorded messages. The event sparked a deep sense of connection and a shared enthusiasm for reuniting in person—leading to several conversations about reigniting face-to-face gatherings within the FIGT community.
Friday, July 25: Welcoming Connections
The weekend began with an informal Friday evening reception. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, introduced themselves, and shared where they first met Ruth by pinning locations on a map. For many, it was the first time meeting in person after years of connecting online through FIGT’s WhatsApp group or virtual events—making those hugs and conversations especially meaningful.
Saturday, July 26 Morning and Afternoon: Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future
Saturday morning featured a keynote speech from Ruth, reflecting on FIGT’s 25+ years of growth and evolution. She concluded by inviting the community to share their vision for the future of the global FIGT network, sparking thoughtful contributions and a sense of collective purpose.
Following Ruth’s presentation, attendees participated in FIGT’s classic Kitchen Table Conversations—an interactive tradition that encourages open dialogue and idea-sharing. Topics included “FIGT,” “Parenting TCKs,” “CCKs,” and “Research,” with each table led by a facilitator to help guide the conversation. These small-group discussions allowed for deeper exploration of key themes and reinforced the community’s commitment to collaboration and shared learning.
Saturday, July 26 Evening: Honoring Ruth’s Legacy
The weekend culminated in a heartfelt evening celebration of Ruth’s 80th birthday, bringing together more than 70 guests—about half from the FIGT community and half from Ruth’s family. The program featured a touching speech from one of Ruth’s daughters and older sister, and personal tributes from several FIGT members, each highlighting Ruth’s profound impact on their lives and on the organization.
Following the speeches, the evening shifted into a meaningful literary moment with the official launch of the book Letters Now Sent, a collection of letters penned by several globally mobile individuals, many of whom are part of the FIGT community. The book is deeply inspired by Ruth’s memoir, Letters Never Sent, and served as both a tribute and a continuation of her legacy. The launch provided a space for contributors to share excerpts and the personal journeys behind their letters, creating a resonant and intimate atmosphere that celebrated Ruth’s lifelong dedication to cross-cultural understanding, storytelling, and connection.
Looking Ahead
Several attendees expressed a strong desire to continue meeting in person and to build on the momentum of the Global Gathering. If you're interested in organizing or hosting future in-person events, we encourage you to reach out to the FIGT Board. You may consider starting a U.S.-based Affiliate or volunteering to help lead gatherings in your region. Your initiative and leadership can play a key role in strengthening the FIGT community and expanding opportunities for meaningful connection.
Megan C. Norton-Newbanks, MA, MS, is an author, Cross-Cultural Kid/Third Culture Kid (CCK/TCK) consultant, intercultural trainer, host of the podcast A Culture Story, and writer at adultthirdculturekid.com. Megan’s research and writing have been featured in various magazines and online platforms. As a U.S. diplomat dependent, Megan grew up in six countries and has since lived in four more as an Adult Third Culture Kid, in addition to six U.S. states. Her cross-cultural upbringing deeply informs her work with globally mobile individuals and communities. Her debut book, Belonging Beyond Borders: How Adult Third Culture Kids Can Cultivate a Sense of Belonging, equips and empowers globally mobile youth to recognize their cultural competencies and apply them in various contexts. Megan also spearheaded the book, Letters Now Sent: A Collection of Letters from the Globally Mobile, which has over 90 contributors. Combining her expertise in intercultural training with a strong background in international education, Megan designs socio-emotional and educational programming tailored to the needs of TCKs, CCKs, and globally mobile families. She regularly facilitates in-person and virtual workshops, university student retreats, and intercultural dialogue groups across sectors and international organizations. Megan is actively involved with organizations that support expatriates and TCKs/CCKs, including Expat Valley, NAFSA, MuKappa International, the Foreign Service Youth Foundation, Families in Global Transition, and a number of Christian faith-based nonprofits and missionary organizations. Passionate about hearing and honoring TCK/CCK stories, Megan is dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate their sense of home, identity, and belonging. In 2022, she launched Beyond Borders Publishing, a platform committed to amplifying cross-cultural voices and stories.
