Citizen Diplomat: The Community's Role Today

Abstract

As community groups serving international visitors look toward the twenty-first century, they can be justly proud of their growth and accomplishments during the past 25 years. The citizen diplomat today is more sensi tive to the needs of visiting leaders and students and has more expertise in receiving them. Many relationships are emerging which result in long-term involvements in cultural and business contacts. Over 561 U.S. cities are twinned with 703 cities abroad, adding yet another dimension to the informal exchanges between the U.S. and other countries. National coordinating agencies, with the support and assist ance of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State and the Agency for International Development, provide solid leadership and good liaison be tween groups. State and municipal governments, with some exceptions, need to devote more attention to protocol for visits of high-ranking officials who are adding more U.S. cities to their itineraries. States and cities where Consular Corps members are located have a special obligation to these representatives of foreign governments. The nationwide net work of volunteer community organizations provides a unique experience for visiting foreigners, and the pro gramming compares favorably to other nations where more centralized control is exercised.