Citizen Diplomacy
Each one of us has the power to change the way people view U.S. citizens by our interactions with international visitors.
Programs such as the IVLP promote this concept. The image below was created by Connie McLennan to capture her vision of citizen diplomacy.

"U.S. Exchange Visitors:
In Their Own Words"

A collection of messages from international visitors and citizen diplomats, all sharing their experiences participating in exchange programs funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

In addition to serving as a source for a number of other international and cultural programs, Tulsa Global Alliance is a Council for International Visitors. Nationally, there are 102 of these centers. The U.S. Department of State utilizes these councils to administer the International Visitors Program.

The program works like this: The U.S. Department of State identifies individuals internationally who are current experts or upcoming leaders in their professions. They are usually individuals who are between 25-50 years of age. Through the U.S. Embassies (posts) abroad, the individuals are nominated and interviewed. After a thorough background and recommendation process, they are invited to the U.S. to participate in a 21-day program. Former participants include British Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Hamid Karzqi of Afghanistan. More than 150 current and former heads of government and thousands of other dignitaries have participated in this program.

Their visits usually begin in Washington, D.C. with an overview of national or government programs in their area of interest. Their Washington stay is followed by a tour of three to five other cities that provide a more focused "local" look at the issues. For visitors with little or no English skills, State Department appointed professional escort interpreters are provided.

Our role at Tulsa Global Alliance is to promote Tulsa as a community rich in professional and cultural resources. We are proud to say that this is the easiest part. Once we "sell" Tulsa to national programming agencies for a particular program, we arrange all of the visitors' professional meetings, social/cultural outings, hospitality and hotel/transportation. The visitors are usually here for 3-5 days. Most of our escorts and all of the hospitality are provided by volunteers. All of our professional resources provide their time as a community service. This is very much a volunteer-driven program.

For more information contact Bob Lieser, Program Director for Tulsa Global Alliance, at (918) 591-4750 or blieser@tulsaglobalalliance.org