U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citizen Diplomacy?

Citizen diplomacy is what happens whenever a U.S. citizen has a positive interaction with a person or group from another country. Whether it’s an exchange student attending school in a foreign land, an international business person successfully completing a project with a company from another country or a service group helping to create a better living environment in an impoverished village, it's citizen diplomacy at work.

Why do we need a U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy? Aren’t there lots of organizations doing it now?

Yes, there are hundreds, even thousands of organizations in the United States who are – either formally or informally – conducting citizen diplomacy activities. But that’s exactly why we need a U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy to help bring resources and expertise to bear for all these organizations in order to identify, recognize and support best practices in the field. We believe that by raising awareness about and supporting citizen diplomacy we can encourage more people to be U.S. citizen ambassadors to the world.

Where will the center be headquartered?

The only center of its kind in the nation, U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy will be centrally located in Des Moines, Iowa, a city and state with an established history of outstanding commitment to and engagement in people-to-people diplomacy with countries throughout the world.

How will the location benefit economic development in Iowa?

By 2010, when the Center should be operating in its own facility, it will bring major exhibits to Des Moines, conduct international and national conferences and hold other special events that will attract not only invited visitors but the general public. The Center will contribute to economic development in the city and state by bringing people to Iowa and Des Moines who will use conference facilities, restaurants, hotels and other services.

How did the idea for a U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy come about?

In 2004, a summit of 33 national leaders in cultural, educational and professional international exchange was held at the Johnson Foundation Wingspread Conference Center in Racine, Wisconsin, to develop a consensus and strategy to strengthen and increase the capacity of United States institutions and organizations at the community level for international engagement and commitment to citizen diplomacy. Emerging from that summit was an idea to form a center which would serve as a catalyst to build awareness and identify opportunities.

Exactly what will the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy do?

As a 501(c)3 organization, the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy will be active in:
Funding and supporting innovative citizen diplomacy programs

Providing information on citizen diplomacy activities using up-to-date and innovative technology

Serving as a nexus point between corporations, local and state governments and non-profit organizations dedicated to cultural and educational exchange

Providing training for individuals and organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in the world, creating future leaders in the field of citizen diplomacy

Conducting, documenting and disseminating research focusing on the impact of citizen diplomacy

Producing special events including an annual Summit on Citizen Diplomacy to promote and encourage participation in citizen diplomacy and honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field

Organizing special exhibits that recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the peace making power of citizen diplomacy

Who is involved in the development of the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy?

The center is governed by a board of directors made up of local, regional and national representatives whose organizations have an interest in citizen diplomacy. Ambassador John Menzies, president of Graceland College and former U.S. Ambassador, serves as chairman of the board, and Ann Schodde, principal, International Training, Education and Business Services, serves as the coordinator for center development.

How is The U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy funded?

The center has found a firm base of support, including a generous $1 million donation from Des Moines entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Townsend. Other pledges will also be solicited from the private sector to provide matching funds from local, state and federal support. Any donated land and facilities will also be used as match money to obtain the federal support for program and administrative costs.

How will the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy remain independent from the federal government?

The effort to obtain significant funds from the federal government will not mandate ownership by a federal agency or governmental unit. However all federal funds will require appropriate reports and monitoring.

If I want to make a donation, how will I know what it goes toward?

At this time, a donor who has made a significant pledge of $1 million has indicated he is satisfied with using these dollars as match money and leverage to obtain additional funds. Once these dollars are proposed for any specific use, the donor will be provided with appropriate documents adhering to any restrictions as to use and dispersement. This will be done with the authority and knowledge of the board of directors.

How will funds be used?

It is anticipated upon receipt of any funds from the State of Iowa, Federal government or private donors, specific projects related to development of curriculum for training institutes, research and internships will be contracted out to organizations or individuals on a competitive grant proposal basis. This activity will encourage and spread the excellent work of many existing organizations currently engaged in international education and exchange, rather than The Center conducting these activities per se. The important purpose of The Center is to promote, market, expand international exchanges throughout the country and involve more citizens in citizen diplomacy activities. This approach will enhance the 501c3 status of The Center. Federal funds allocated as part of the budget, which is anticipated in 2010, will require that program funds be distributed in this manner.

What resources will be available?

The exhibits, library, and any of the general educational programs will be open to the public. Some seminars and conferences will be by invitation only since they will be directed to specific persons related to or engaged in the field of citizen diplomacy.

What research will be available?

The Center will conduct on-going research and evaluation of the impact and value of international exchange programs. These publications will be paid for by federal funds and will be free to the public upon request. They will also be distributed widely through The Center web site and at The Center library.

How will the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy obtain its resources?

The Board of Directors will work to obtain land, building and interior furnishings to The Center. These will be solicited from the private sector, city of Des Moines, State of Iowa and other sources outside of Iowa. The proper documents and all approvals to accept these gifts will be conducted in accordance with current city and state laws and any specifications made by donors from the private sector.

How are competitive awards presented?

There will be written contracts for any competitive award given which will be approved by the board of directors.

Where can I get more information about the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy?

Visit our Web site, www.uscenterforcitizendiplomacy.org. The site will be updated with new information as the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy is developed and begins its work.