Unveiling Citizen Diplomacy: Connecting Communities Across Borders
February 16th is Citizen Diplomacy Day. This date was first recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2011 to celebrate Global Ties U.S.’ 50th anniversary and their network’s crucial role in building connections through their International Visitor Leadership Program as well as other unique exchange programs. Each year they mark this day as an opportunity to share how their network is building relationships for U.S. foreign policy and communities through International Exchange.
What is Citizen Diplomacy?
Citizen diplomacy, also known as public diplomacy, is the foundation of foreign relations. Citizen diplomacy involves peer-to-peer contact between citizens of different countries. These people could be students, professionals, volunteers, and/or travelers. With this interaction, it can help shape public opinion and understanding of other countries and citizens.
Citizen Diplomacy Connections to The Center:
At The International Center, our employees have many connections to citizen diplomacy and have shared what it means to them. Audrey Hughey, our Executive Assistant & Administrative Liaison to the Board, stated,
“To me, citizen diplomacy is a human connection. Citizen diplomacy, beyond identifiable language, clothing, food, traditions, history, etc. is learning, understanding, and embracing the intricacies of human connectivity clues like what the eyes might convey, a smile or a touch or not, that this is the moment and moments to come, though not guaranteed, will vary.”
Audrey helps with Naturalization ceremonies across Indianapolis. These ceremonies are when immigrants become official citizens of the United States.
Another person who works very closely with citizen diplomacy is our Chief of Protocol, Peter Kirkwood. Along with setting up flags for various events across the Indianapolis area, Peter is involved in the Sister Cities campaign. This campaign is where you find a commonality between a city in Indiana and a city in a different country and join them together. They will then become sister cities and host unique events together. Peter describes citizen diplomacy as “peace and understanding” between two countries. He states,
“As a proponent of sister cities initiatives, I strongly believe in President Eisenhower’s vision of fostering global understanding through grassroots connections. By supporting these kinds of citizen diplomacy initiatives, The International Center bridges cultures, builds friendships, and promotes peace in our communities and abroad. It embodies the belief that ‘people-to-people’ interactions are the key to a more harmonious and interconnected world.”
The Sister Cities initiative is a unique way to be involved with citizen diplomacy and meet people all over the world that share a commonality with cities all over Indiana.
At The International Center, our International Visitor Program Manager, Neelam Patel is also a citizen diplomat. She shares her thoughts on citizen diplomacy,
“To me, being a citizen diplomat means representing the cultures and values of my own communities and being able to be creative on how I connect folks from different communities. Whether it’s through a formal meeting between leaders or a reception for international and local artists at the art museum or a small dinner hosted by a Hoosier family, there’s great opportunity to be a citizen diplomat and make meaningful connections.”
Foreign relations is a tool for citizens to stay connected all over the world. Indiana has unique ways to stay connected to citizens of different countries. Learn how you can be involved today!
By: Carley Jobe, Marketing & Communications Intern
