The American International Club of Rome was started in 1953 when a group of Americans living in Rome (led by Henry Luce, the husband of the U.S. Ambassador to Italy Clare Boothe Luce) felt there was a need for an organization that would provide opportunities for meeting regularly with other Americans. A luncheon was held at the Grand Hotel and the club was born!
Each United States Ambassador to Italy since 1954 has served as Honorary President of AICR, a practice that continues today. In addition, the United States Ambassador to the UN Agencies serves as the club’s Honorary Vice President. Starting a new tradition during our 2009/2010 AICR year, the United States Ambassador to the Rome-based United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture also accepted the role of Honorary Vice President.
From the beginning, AICR has maintained its principal purpose: to be a means for Americans and non-Americans in the constantly changing international community in Rome to meet and become acquainted in a congenial atmosphere, and to provide a practical instrument for the furtherance of international friendships.
The American International Club of Rome works toward achieving a balance between citizens of the United States and other countries. Our goal is to maintain the membership of American citizens at a little over fifty percent in order to foster a club environment that ensures the fullest social and cultural interaction between the American and international communities in Rome.
The club is currently comprised of approximately 250 members, with 50% American, 30% Italian, and 20% from other countries including Austria, Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and Venezuela!
The members of the club are as diverse as the countries they come from: some working in embassies, others writers, singers, lawyers, photographers, and teachers. The list goes on! This mix of mentalities, nationalities, and different types of people is what makes the club what it is today. It’s fun and interesting to continuously meet new people and welcome new members. It creates a friendly and stimulating atmosphere that also serves as a home base for many foreigners in Rome and gives our local members the chance to learn about our culture and introduce us to theirs.
Every month we hold events to socialize, network, participate in community service efforts, and meet new people. The First Fridays Happy Hours are a great way to reconnect each month. Open to non-members as well, this event gives them a chance to explore the club. Other events include speaker evenings, cultural events, evenings with U.S. Ambassadors, holiday celebrations, and more (click here for more information regarding upcoming events.)
AICR strives to foster relationships with like-minded clubs and American universities in Rome. We have collaborated on events with the American Women’s Association of Rome, the American University of Rome, St. John’s University, the French Union, and many others.
The American International Club of Rome continues to be very active in community service, providing opportunities to encourage its members to do so as well. We have established our Community Service Initiative Program and funds have recently been raised for such diverse causes as the World Food Programme, the Italian Union of Major Superiors Counter-Trafficking Office, Retake Rome, Casa di Kim, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Italian Red Cross, and the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis.
AICR is proud of the role it has played in the international community in Rome over the last 60 years. While the driving force behind the club has been primarily professional people volunteering their time, the overriding theme of club activity continues to be one of international relations, goodwill, and understanding between people and cultures.
To become a member, simply fill out an application for consideration at the next AICR board meeting. Prospective candidates will be reviewed at a monthly board meeting and, if accepted, will be notified by email and warmly welcomed as a new member of the club. Dues are currently 80 Euro for new members, 60 Euro for retirees and 40 Euro for students, additional family members, and senior citizens.
Once accepted into the club, dues payment is requested to confirm membership status.
We have a long and proud history...we look forward to welcoming you into the future of the American International Club of Rome!
If you are interested in AICR and want more information regarding upcoming events and membership opportunities, join our mailing list today!
