Citizen Diplomacy Efforts in Iowa: Foreign Relations Begin at Home, Del Christensen

This program will cover the role various Iowa organizations and individuals play in shaping the minds of Americans as well as the citizens of other countries. It will cover the concept and history of face-to-face "citizen diplomacy" with special focus on the impact it has had in Iowa. Examples will range from high school exchange programs, to welcoming and engaging with international students in our colleges and universities, to global volunteer efforts by individuals, nonprofits, and faith-based groups around the world. One Iowa based exchange organization, Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) will be presented in great detail as an example of multi-level citizen diplomacy efforts within the state.