Over two decades ago, I was encouraged by my academic mentor, Dr. Ron Jacobs, to travel abroad to participate in academic forums and meetings. My first trip abroad introduced me to the customs and hospitality of people who were very different from “the people back home,” and ignited my ongoing commitment to citizen diplomacy.
After decades of learning about other cultures, I’ve discovered that the more we are exposed to other cultures, the more effective we become at increasing the connectedness of our diverse, global community. Diane Rasmussen, the Director of The Center for Citizen Diplomacy, states that, “Global citizen diplomacy isn’t a single experience; it’s a lifetime continuum of opportunities to learn and enhance your cultural competency.” I couldn’t agree more.
To quench my thirst for learning about different cultures, and satisfying my appetite for becoming a better citizen diplomat, I recently participated in the Discover Diplomacy program hosted by Global Ties U.S. The Discover Diplomacy program was truly a unique learning and networking experience. Participants were offered insights by thought leaders from government and NGOs into the important role citizen diplomats play in the broader diplomatic world. The event began at the historic DACOR Bacon House, built in 1825 by a close friend of President James Monroe. The house is furnished with many historic art objects, paintings, and portraits of America’s most famous ambassadors. In the words of Dr. Jennifer Clinton, President of Global Ties U.S., “future global prosperity, peace, and stability depends on increased international cooperation, collaboration, and mutual understanding.” During her welcome speech, Dr. Clinton enthusiastically reminded participants that “it is the personal relationships that make a difference!”
Diane Rasmussen, the Director of The Center for Citizen Diplomacy, states that, “Global citizen diplomacy isn’t a single experience; it’s a lifetime continuum of opportunities to learn and enhance your cultural competency.
As someone who has traveled extensively, it was great to hear the views of thought leaders on the methods and purposes of citizen diplomacy. Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) discussed the challenges of depending on our legislative branch of government to promote better international relations. Offering an alternative view, he stated that “we have to rely on citizens, so the world sees how America really functions.” Mark Harkins, a Senior Fellow at the Government Affairs Institute, reminded us during the panel presentation that civic engagement by citizen diplomats leads to cooperation and mutual understanding, and is much cheaper and far more effective than war. After the opening session, participants were provided exclusive tours of the U.S. Department of State or the Organization of American States Main Building by officials from each organization.
At the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, I came to terms with the impact of our work. Ambassador Gandolivic of the Czech Republic, spoke as a proud alum of the International Visitors Leadership Program on the value of our work in promoting international peace and mutual understanding. After his presentation, an award was presented to Betty Bledsoe. Her personal story was perhaps the most moving part of the entire Discover Diplomacy program. She is the parent of eleven children, and somehow prioritizes time to serve as an exceptional home host to international visitors. After hearing the endorsements and songs from her amazing children, I walked away inspired to become a better host to others.
On day two I had the opportunity to amplify my learning about different cultures. I participated in a number of Embassy Open House visits starting at the House of Sweden. I then visited 11 other Embassy Open Houses! The most memorable visits were the embassies of Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bolivia, and Brazil. Each of these locations reflected the art, customs, food, music, and heritage of their respective countries.
I concluded my tour of the diplomatic world in DC by experiencing what it means to be welcome by an exceptional home host. A small group of us were hosted by Dr. Jennifer Clinton and her family at her home. Jennifer truly served as a model in extending hospitality to visitors; there were warm introductions, great food, and lively conversations on a variety of interesting topics.
Offering an alternative view, he stated that “we have to rely on citizens, so the world sees how America really functions.
Discover Diplomacy was truly an insider’s view of citizen diplomacy in Washington DC. I strongly recommend the Discover Diplomacy program to anyone who is interested in enhancing their cultural competence, who desires to investigate the world, or who seeks to become a more effective citizen diplomat.
By: Christopher Washington, Board Member, Columbus International Visitors Council