National Council of International Visitors

From Public Diplomacy

[edit] Overview

The National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) was founded in 1961 to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy; the idea that the individual citizen has the ability to shape U.S. foreign relations. This non-profit group brings together citizen diplomats to bridge cultures and build mutually beneficial relationships through international exchanges.

Since its establishment, NCIV has grown to 92 national organizations with 43 states represented. They are the national association for their network of organizations and individuals involved in citizen diplomacy.

They work to establish professional programs, cultural activities and hospitality to foreign leaders, scholars and specialists who visit the United States, such as participants in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. NCIV has member organizations in various cities across the United States that arrange programs for international visitors in that particular city.

To continue to promote citizen diplomacy, NCIV believes in face-to-face communication and international exchange programs. They stress that their programs incorporate traits such as quality and excellence, commitment, enthusiasm, and volunteerism.

The National Council for International Visitors also participates in many advocacy programs to educate the U.S. Congress and other public officials of the value of citizen diplomacy. NCIV works with the following organizations to further their advocacy goals:

[edit] Leadership

Al Durtka, Jr., Chair

[edit] Articles

New York Times (2006) Anti-Americanism Prompts Push for “Citizen Diplomacy”

[edit] Public Diplomacy Speeches and Publications

U.S. Citizen Diplomacy and the International Visitor Program, by Jerrold Keilson - written for the National Council for International Visitors, March 2004.