The Global Switchboard's building is in front of a dark gray background. Text reads: "Our space is closing in June. But the work of connecting a broad network of people continues online, on the ground, and all over the city."

The Global Switchboard Closes Coworking Space, Prioritizes Coalition Building

April 15, 2021

After six years in Lower Lawrenceville, The Global Switchboard is closing our co-working space and refocusing valuable resources on coalition-building work to make Pittsburgh a more equitable and globally engaged city.

The Global Switchboard team and our colleagues at member organizations started working remotely last spring. After more than a year of successfully engaging new partners in coalition work, the physical space has become an increasingly less essential piece of our network stewardship model.

In 2014 Amizade, the founder and anchor resident of The Global Switchboard coworking space, established it as a physical home for collaboration between like-minded organizations. Now, the work of connecting a broad network of people continues online, on the ground, and all over the city. While the space is closing in June, our work is not done until Pittsburgh is a livable city for all, including immigrant communities.

Without the limitations of a physical space, we are thrilled to have been able to grow our network during the past thirteen months. As the Switchboard Space closes, nine current member organizations will shift to remote work or new office spaces. We are proud to facilitate connections and collaboration between 36 globally engaged organizations via two active coalitions, and to regularly bring our members and the public together through our BurghMeetsWorld forum and other programs.

The All for All Coalition works to transform the Pittsburgh region into a more inclusive and equitable place for immigrants and refugees.

Twenty-eight member organizations — including Allegheny Health Network, Jewish Family and Community Services, Latino Community Center, 1Hood Media, and many others — work toward the goals of the Immigrant Community Blueprint, a comprehensive community-informed plan for Allegheny County.

Plug in: People and organizations that contribute to the goals of the Immigrant Community blueprint can apply to join the All for All Coalition at this link.
Leadership opportunities are open to all in six active subcommittees: Civic & Community Engagement, Education, Language Access, Healthy Communities, Economic Development, and Family Support.
The Coalition plans to host a mayoral forum prior to this May’s Democratic primary elections. Stay tuned for more details!

The Global Learning Coalition is a network of 10 nonprofits and educational institutions taking action to ensure equitable access to global learning in Pittsburgh.

Plug in: The Global Learning Coalition has two committees focused on Advocacy and Policy and Identifying and Promoting Global Learning Opportunities. Committees come together regularly to work on their goals and the full coalition meets as needed to share developments. Contact us to learn more.

BurghMeetsWorld is a series of public events that shapes how Pittsburgh connects with the rest of the world.

Plug in: Attend our upcoming event, BurghMeetsWorld: Who is the vaccine for?, on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 6:00 pm. An interactive dialogue with community leaders will discuss obstacles to vaccine distribution and education, such as language access, vaccine gentrification, and medical mistrust. Register on Eventbrite.

In the near future, we are exploring the possibility of a third coalition, which would work on local and global approaches to reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We may also explore options for an event space or welcome center. Ideas from the community are welcome!

All currently scheduled events will be held virtually or in pop-up spaces.

Thank you to all of our incredible partners and members who have called the Switchboard Space home for a wonderful six years together! We look forward to continuing this work with all of you. Together, we can make Pittsburgh a globally engaged city where everyone can thrive.