National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy Fact Sheet

The first-ever National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy being held in Washington, D.C., on February 12, 2008 is an opportunity to “expand the face” of Americans by refining America’s perceptions of citizen diplomacy. The National Awards will recognize, honor and benchmark exemplary work of citizen diplomats as well as encourage and inspire others. The National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy is a non-partisan and non-political initiative.

Nomination Process 

• The deadline for nominations was November 1, 2007.
• Individual nominations were received from 21 states across the nation.
• Nominee accomplishments span business, education, non-governmental organizations and community-based programs.
• Nominations were reviewed by the National Awards Advisory Committee, a group of leaders from education, corporate and non-profit sectors of the U.S. One of the six honorees is under the age of 21 years.

Review Criteria
The criteria for the National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy were based on the goals of the Fulbright-Hays Act.  Accomplishments and/or activities must have increased mutual understanding, strengthened ties, promoted international cooperation, and developed peaceful relations between people of the United States and another country or countries.

• Nominees must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old.
• Activities/accomplishments are ongoing and have taken place since January 2006.
• Activities/accomplishments must reflect a commitment to promoting global understanding.
• Nominees represent excellence, diversity and vitality of citizen diplomacy.
• Outstanding ability to attract, support and motivate people in the field of citizen diplomacy.
• Evidence of dedication, originality and capacity for leadership and self-direction.

Recognition  
Award recipients’ recognition includes:

• Cash Donation of $5,000 awarded to a citizen diplomat program/non-profit organization “of choice” in the recipient’s name;
• Sculptured Award and Award Certificate;
• Honoree’s name highlighted in a “Gallery” on the U.S. Center for Citizens Diplomacy’s website.

Awards Ceremony
The invitation-only ceremony for the National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy will be held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday evening, February 12, 2008. This event,
co-sponsored by the Coalition for Citizen Diplomacy and the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy, is being held in conjunction with the 2008 National Summit on Citizen Diplomacy in Washington, D.C., the same week.

The U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy was established in 2006 and is headquartered in Des Moines, IA, USA. The Center is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. It promotes opportunity for all Americans to become citizen diplomats and affirms the indispensable value of citizen involvement in international relations. For more information about the Center, Awards and the honorees, or to download photos, visit http://www.uscenterforcitizendiplomacy.org/media/index.php.