Rochester Summit on Citizen DiplomacyWhat is Citizen Diplomacy?
Citizen Diplomacy is the concept that, in a vibrant democracy, the individual citizen has the right—in fact, the responsibility—to help shape U.S. foreign relations.
Traditionally, individuals involved in international exchange programs as hosts or as participants have been considered citizen diplomats. In addition, citizens who interact with people from other countries (such as business representatives, government officials, academics, organizational leaders, athletes, performing artists, and students) should be encouraged to view themselves as citizen diplomats. Just like the participants in international exchange programs, their actions influence foreign colleagues’ views of the United States and their willingness to cooperate with us.
The Coalition for Citizen Diplomacy
The Coalition for Citizen Diplomacy is a group of national leaders representing organizations such as Sister Cities International, The Fulbright Program, Councils of World Affairs, the National Council for International Visitors, People to People Organization and other representatives from sectors including non-profit, business, and academic communities who share a common purpose in promoting positive and sustainable engagement of Americans in a wide range of international initiatives. The goal of the Coalition is to raise awareness of the citizen diplomacy movement, to examine its critical role in advancing U.S. foreign relations and promoting world peace and understanding, and to increase international activism at the grassroots level. To meet this goal, the Coalition is encouraging organizations across the country to hold local Summits on Citizen Diplomacy.