US CENTER FOR CITIZEN DIPLOMACY: OBAMA ADMINISTRATION SHOULD SUPPORT CITIZEN DIPLOMACY OVERSEAS

In a letter to President Obama released last week, the US  Center for Citizen Diplomacy asked for his administration’s support in a nation-wide initiative they launched to dramatically increase the number of Americans of all ages who are actively engaged in efforts to strengthen America’s international relationships.  The Initiative for Global Citizen Diplomacy, which was formally launched at a National Press Club event on February 5, recommends expansion of existing citizen diplomacy efforts and includes a “Call to Action” for all Americans to become more globally engaged through education and study abroad programs, commercial enterprise, international volunteer service, development assistance, community-based initiatives, and exchanges in the arts and humanities, as well as through sports and tourism.

Question to the Blogosphere:  What can the Obama administration do to encourage Americans to engage in efforts to strengthen America’s international relationships?  Should public high schools in the United States be provided with funds to send young people to different parts of the world?  What types of development assistance and community-based initiatives would be most useful in promoting international understanding?  What can be done to involve the older generations in the United States in citizen diplomacy?