U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy

National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy 2007

**Update: Click here to see pictures from this event.

Click here to view the video of the Award ceremony.

On February 12, 2008, the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy will present its first National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy. This event is in conjunction with the 2008 National Summit on Citizen Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The 2008 Summit is co-sponsored by the Coalition for Citizen Diplomacy and the U.S. Center.

“It is not only the right, but the responsibility of every American to be a citizen diplomat, of the highest quality, for our communities and our country,” said Harriet Mayor Fulbright, board member for the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy and the President of the J. William and Harriet Fulbright Center.

Recognition and engagement of citizen diplomats are two of the overarching goals of the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy. The National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy “expands the face” of Americans by refining America’s perception of a citizen diplomat, and is an opportunity to encourage and inspire others, as well as to recognize, honor, and benchmark exemplary work in the field.

National Award Honorees

**Click on individual images for a bigger version and then press P on your keyboard for a slideshow.

Anjali Bhatia, Kinnelon, New Jersey, founded Discover Worlds at the age of 16. The student-run non-profit organization sets up programs promoting relations between the U.S. and Rwanda. Now 19, Bhatia continues to work with at-risk youth and set up programs in Rwanda.For more information on Anjali Bhatia, please click here.

Tarik Daoud, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a leader in business and philanthropy who promotes cross-cultural understanding through the International Visitor’s Council of Detroit. Daoud has led international delegations and demonstrated a commitment to community service and diplomacy overseas. For more information on Tarik Daoud, please click here.

Khris Nedam, Livonia, Michigan, is an elementary school teacher in Michigan who has taught in France, Turkey and Afghanistan. Nedam emphasizes world class citizenship and encourages students to research and investigate different cultures through cross-country collaborations. For more information on Nedam, please click here.

Greg Mortenson, Bozeman, Montana, is the co-founder of the Central Asia Institute and “Pennies for Peace.” Mortenson has raised funds to build 64 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan and has helped 25,000 children. He is co-author of The New York Times best seller, “Three Cups of Tea.” For more information on Greg Mortenson, please click here.

Jillian H. Poole, Arlington, Virginia, is the founder of the Fund for Arts and Culture which provides assistance in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and assistance to international arts and cultural institutions supporting efforts to adjust to the free-market economy. For more information on Jillian H. Poole, please click here.

Donna Tabor, Granada, Nicaragua, works with Building New Hope, a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together they’ve raised funds to start a school. Tabor has rallied volunteers and opened her home to street children in Nicaragua feeding them, teaching them to read and providing medical care when needed.For more information Donna Tabor, please click here.

National Awards Criteria

U.S. citizens were nominated based on accomplishments and/or activities that have increased mutual understanding, strengthened ties, promoted international cooperation and developed peaceful relations between people of the United States and other countries. To be considered for the Award, the following criteria were reviewed by the National Awards Advisory Committee:

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

The Awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the 2008 National Summit on Citizen Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. In addition to the Award and national recognition, a $5,000 cash donation will also be awarded on behalf of each honoree to a non-profit organization of his/her choice.

For a complete press kit for the National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy and information on the honorees, please click here.

To register for the 2008 National Summit and Awards, please click here.