1968–1971: Where it all began

Where SIETAR Began - detailed back story of SIETAR USA, written by the late Albert R. Wight, Ph.D.

The foundation of SIETAR was born out of a cross-cultural training conference sponsored by the U.S. Peace Corps in October 1968 in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Led by figures like interim Executive Director Al Wight, this small cohort operated during an era of intense social unrest and turmoil, but also deep idealism, soul-searching and social responsibility. They shared a profound concern regarding racial discrimination, injustice, inequity, and prejudice, believing that caring and concerned professionals who support each other must all collaborate toward peaceful global relations.

Initially established as the Society for Intercultural Training and Research (SITAR), the initiative moved from the University of Utah to the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 under the guidance of David Hoopes. At this time, "Education" was officially added to the name and mission, transforming the acronym into SIETAR.

1974–1994: Formal Founding and International Growth

• 1974: SIETAR was formally founded in the United States by a dedicated group of professionals aiming to unite those engaged in intercultural learning, research, and training. That same year, David Hoopes and Toby Frank hosted the first official SIETAR conference in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

• 1982: Reflecting its rapid expansion beyond U.S. borders, the organization officially became SIETAR International to serve a growing global network of like-minded practitioners.

• 1985: SIETAR Japan was founded to support international and localized membership within Japan.

• 1991: SIETAR Europa was established, marking the first major regional organization to encompass national groups across Europe.

• 1994: Young SIETAR was formed, providing students and emerging young professionals across the globe a dedicated platform to share ideas and discuss evolving intercultural issues.

1999–2006: Restructuring and Decentralization

By the late 1990s, the organization shifted away from a singular centralized entity to better support local communities:

• 1999: To deepen localized impact, leadership decided to disband the centralized international body. In its place, they envisioned a global network of independent regional, national, and local societies that would focus on enlarging the work of SIETAR within the boundaries of their communities and cultures while linking with each other to ensure an international perspective. An interim management team guided the global network's cross-border relationships.

• 2000: As part of this new decentralized layout, SIETAR USA was founded by Margaret (Peggy) Pusch to unite intercultural specialists across the United States and the continent. SIETAR USA held its inaugural conference shortly after in Fairfax, Virginia.

• 2006: SIETAR Global Council was formed. Composed of representatives from established SIETAR organizations, the Global Council took on the responsibilities to:

• Approve and encourage the development of new SIETAR groups.
• Coordinate and promote active cooperation among existing societies.
• Advance a wider global acceptance of the principles and practices of intercultural communication.