U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy

Citizen Diplomacy is the concept that the individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations 'one handshake at a time.' Citizen diplomats can be students, teachers, athletes, artists, business people, humanitarians, adventurers or tourists. They are motivated by a responsibility to engage with the rest of the world in a meaningful, mutually beneficial dialogue.

The U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy promotes opportunities for all Americans to be citizen diplomats and affirms the indispensable value of citizen involvement in international relations. In an era of increasing globalization, more and more people develop their most lasting impressions through face-to-face, personal encounters, when people visit the United States or when Americans travel abroad. In this context, the ‘citizen diplomat’ is a powerful force in defining the United States to the rest of the world.

Who are citizen diplomats?

Citizen diplomats...

• Have a desire to be engaged with people around the world
• Appreciate views other than their own
• Are non-judgmental regarding cultural differences
• Demonstrate respect for people of all nationalities
• Collaborate with individuals from diverse cultures to solve problems
• Effectively interact and communicate across cultures
• Strive to understand and communicate in the language of others
• Interact effectively with others both inside and outside of American borders.
• Have open minds and natural curiosity
• Have friendly and positive attitudes
• Are good listeners
• Have the ability to put themselves in another’s place
• Have a general understanding of international relations and world economics
• Have knowledge of other cultures