This video comes from Cross Cultural Solutions' Volunteer Abroad video contest and won Honorable Mention in 2011. Chris' story exemplifies the value of helping others through developing relationships and connecting with people. These are the values that make citizen diplomacy so powerful. 

Learn more about Cross Cultural Solutions, a US Center for Citizen Diplomacy member organization.

LanguageCorps, a US Center for Citizen Diplomacy member organization, will give you the opportunity to live in another country and gain professional, paid work experience. This organization offers a wide-variety of different programs that will guarantee an opportunity that fits your needs.

All of the LanguageCorps programs will include an "intensive, four- week TESOL training and certification program, pre-departure support, and job placement assistance."

According to their website, these are the goal that LanguageCorps tries to fulfill:

• Empower our teachers with training and support, focusing on streamlining the process so our teachers can focus on the experience of living as professionals abroad
• Challenge our teachers to learn and apply new skills, while making real contributions to the success and well being of others in the world
• Help mitigate the risk often associated with living and working in a new part ofthe world, far from home - allowing our teachers to enjoy a secure, rewarding adventure
• Work for our teachers, not for the schools which employ them
• Facilitate the development of culturally responsive "citizen diplomats," who appreciate different cultures, foster mutual respect, and encourage understanding among culturally diverse peoples

To get a better idea of which programs are offered in which countries, take a quick look at their "Programs" page on their website. It will help direct and guide you in the right direction.

Again, if you want more information of what you need to apply, don't hesitate to browse their website. This will help you know what you need to know about the application process.

If you are looking to teach English abroad, browse around LanguageCorps' website and find the program that interests you the most!

Photo credit: http://www.languagecorps.com

This will be a "unique and memorable" conference, according to the NCIV website. 

• The young artists and storytellers of "Poetic Portraits of a Revolution" will perform, sharing their reflections on the Arab Spring gathered during their trip to Tunisia and Egypt in the summer of 2011.
• Two pre-meeting workshops will be offered, designed to strengthen NCIV member organizations: the Capacity Building Workshop with Gail Perry will provide attendees with tips and guiadance on crafting an effective message about citizen diplomacy and theYouth Programming Workshop will provide NCIV members with a broad introduction to programming for young audiences.
• The NCIV Citizen Diplomacy Program for Emerging Leaders will bring ten young citizen diplomats from across the country to attend the 2012 National Meeting to gain training in citizen diplomacy.
• IVLP Gold Stars Alumni – 2 alumni of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program will be on hand to share their experiences on the program and to network with National Meeting participants.
• The Tech Center will again feature a variety of sessions, several of which will showcase the future web application for eCIV eNPA.

There will also be a variety of speakers and leaders in the field of citizen diplomacy. For example, the Opening Plenary on Thursday the 16th includes a welcome from Ann Stock, the State Department's Acting Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. 

There will be many chances to network, socialize and develop new and innovate ways to continue the successful practice of citizen diplomacy at home and abroad.

In the spirit of this year's theme "One Story at a Time", take a look at both the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy's Share Your Stories page and our I Believe... page. They both showcase the impact of citizen diplomacy and carry with them inspiring words from citizen diplomats. 

The Asia Society is an organization at the forefront of this global competence movement, acting as a leader in the mission to create a globally competent society.

How do we create a globally competent society? This video from Asia Society delves into what needs to be done in American education in order to accomplish this goal.

Enjoy this video from Asia Society.

Scholarships are available to youth (7-18) participating in one of the above mentioned immersion programs. The majority of these scholarships are awarded based on need. Also, depending on what language program you participate in, there may be additional instructions and requirements to the application. Visit the Concordia Language Villages website for more information on how to apply.

Last year, 552 villagers received Passport Fund Scholarships from Concordia. 60% of applicants receive scholarships.

Concordia Language Villages have been a leader in language and cultural immersion programs for over 50 years. It strives to bring peace and understanding to our world through the acquisition and knowledge of many of the world's most commonly spoken languages.

Part of engaging in citizen diplomacy is being able to communicate cross-culturally and possessing knowledge of the world around you.

The Legends of China Foundation (LOC), a U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy member organization, offers you the opportunity to be a citizen diplomat and visit China this summer. The trip will consist of the following (from their website):

• Daily classroom setting Chinese Language Lesson
• Meeting and practice your Chinese with your Chinese Peers from China
• Silk Road to the Future Celebration Performance
• Silk Banner Contest and win exciting awards
• Voice of the Future Leader Forum, 2010: China and US Peace Efforts
• Visit to leading Chinese Universities
• Climbing the Great Wall and famous historical sites, and, exploring the other 5,000-year-old artifacts of civilization!

It is highly encouraged that you attend one of the four information sessions before the application deadline of March 31, 2012.

The four information sessions are as follows:

Tuesday, January 31: CCC Ring Room (12:00pm - 1:00pm)
Wednesday, February 7: CCC Ring Room(12:00pm - 1:00pm)
Friday, February 17: CCC Ring Room (12:00pm – 1:00pm)
Tuesday, February 21: CCC Ring Room (5:00pm – 6:00pm)

There are five different trip options, so make sure to go through all of them and decide which trip you are interested in.

Prices for the trips include: round trip international airline ticket, domestic airline ticket(s), ground transportations, hotels, three Chinese meals/day, travel insurance, educational exchange programs/events, historical site tours on the itinerary except "optional activities" guides.

If you have any more questions contact Kevin Huie at khuiei@uci.edu. Huie is the LOC UCI Campus Coordinator.

All students can apply for this great experience. All you have to do is go through the registration steps and make sure you are eligible to participate. You might want to check with the International Center at your respective university to find out more about this program.

Contact LOC at legendsofchina@yahoo.com

When thinking about the role celebrities in the arts and athletics play in helping shape foreign relations, you can't help but recall images of the renowned Jazz Ambassadors during the Cold War, playing purely American jazz in countries across the globe. The great Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, or Duke Ellington played to audiences abroad served as a goodwill agent, bringing a message that America was a place of diversity and freedom. It united many people from across cultures under the banner of jazz music and the arts.

This is the standard by which today's Cultural Ambassadors are measured. We are excited to see how influential they will be in helping to shape foreign relations and acting as citizen diplomats through their travels and good work.

Attention all 11th and 12th grade American students learning Japanese language! If two weeks in Japan studying Japanese language and culture, as well as meeting Japanese students sounds like an exciting opportunity, then don't hesitate to apply for this Japan Foundation program. 32 students will be selected to spend July 8-26 traveling (15 days in Japan, predeparture orientation and post trip wrap-up in Los Angeles) and participating in a wide range of educational exchange opportunities, including a homestay in Osaka.

Here are the requirements necessary for applying:

• Intend to continue Japanese-language education in future
• Be a member of the Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) or have equivalent academic scores (Japanese GPA: 3.5 or higher; overall GPA: 3.0 or higher)
• Have not visited Japan for more than seven consecutive days in the past three years
• Be able to take part in the entire itinerary, including the pre-visit orientation, the post-visit wrap-up in Los Angeles, the group airplane trips, and the group hotel visits.
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have taken the National Japanese Exam

Also, within one month of returning from Japan, each student will need to write and submit an essay in Japanese about their experience.

Learn more about this opportunity and view the application on the Japan Foundation website.

Opportunity #2

The J-LEAP (Japanese Language Education Assistants Program) is calling for host organization applicants to secure Japanese language teaching assistants. Through the Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institute, Japanese language assistants are brought to U.S. K-12 education institutions to help strengthen their Japanese programs and develop deeper connections to Japan.

For more info, visit the Japan Foundation website.

For more information about other opportunities regarding Japan and citizen diplomacy activities, visit the USCCD J-Center page. 

Check out this video put out by InterExchange. Participants themselves are quoted and interviewed about their experiences.

This webinar will explain through training and provide insight into how the process will work. Recertification is a must for schools who have international students on campus. 

During the webinar, participants will:

• Gain a clear understanding of the timeline and steps required for recertification
• Build their knowledge of instructional sites and other required reporting areas
• Learn how to troubleshoot recertification issues and utilize resources

Visit the NAFSA website to learn more about this important process and register to attend the webinar.

In this video from EducationUSA, MIUSA speaks about the opportunities that are available to people with disabilities.

Thank you to all who took a moment to submit their "I believe" statements and photos to our website over the past week, and in the process provide the USCCD staff and the world with some fresh inspiration as we look toward the promise of a new year. 

Can you donate $10 or more today to help grow this movement in 2012?

Financial contributions to the USCCD fund our efforts to spread the word about the importance and impact of citizen diplomacy via our website and outreach, continue to update and add more opportunities to our online program search (this year we increased from 1000 to 1400+!), continue to conduct national awards and recognition programs, and convene inspirational and educational forums and summits.

As 2011 draws to a close, we ask that those of you who are in a position to make a year-end donation consider a contribution of $10 or more to the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy to continue to grow and strengthen this movement. Citizen diplomacy is an important cause, it's also an easy one to believe in. So help us grow this movement by making a year end contribution that will help us grow and expand the influence of citizen diplomacy organizations across this country.

Take a moment. Grow this movement.

Music and the arts are play an imperative role in citizen diplomacy because they serve as an attractive method of connecting people from across different cultures and nations. Music is a phenomenal way to foster greater understanding between peoples. 

The American Music Abroad program will select ensembles from a variety of genres (Hip Hop, Rock & Roll, Jazz, Country, and other American roots music including but not limited to Native American, Latin, Afro-Caribbean, Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Gospel and Zydeco) who will perform in countries not often visited by Americans. This is an excellent opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding through music.

As we continue to collect these inspiring stories, we'd like to share a few compelling statements from some contributors:

"I believe that humanity is closer than we think."

-Read more from Janna Gullery 

"We not only believe but know from experience that the mission of USCCD is essential for guaranteeing peace and security in the world."

-Read more from Service for Peace

"I believe there are people all around the world waiting to meet you. I believe these people will change your life in ways you can't imagine."

-Read more from Matt Clark

"I believe that culture is the food of the soul."

-Read more from Eduardo Tamez Zamarripa

"I believe in the power of people to positively impact their world! Let them meet each other. Let them share their stories."

-Read more from Abby Flottemesch

Now that you have seen and read what these citizen diplomats believe, what do you believe? Does it involve volunteering internationally? Does it involve teaching ESL in another country? Does involve hosting an exchange student in your home for a school year? Let us know by submitting your personal "I believe..." statement and join in the conversation.

What do you believe? 

What is most laudable is the global mindset these students acquire that begins to shape how they view issues and life around them. This mindset, once transformed, can never return to its previous state.

A global perspective today is imperative in today's job market, so students who can draw from the experiences they had while working in a community in Ecuador to solve problems is extremely marketable, especially if that experience is gained at such a young age.

This is something Abby Falik, Founder and CEO, is passionate about. Don't take our word for it, check out this video and see how Global Citizen Year will create more global citizen diplomats through its programs.

The first, Youth Service America will be awarding 100 Sodexo Youth Grants of $500 each to youth-led service projects across the United States that deal with the issue of childhood hunger. This is intended to encourage 5-25 year olds to step up and help to combat this growing global problem. Come up with a creative project that will engage your friends, family, peers and submit it by January 17 for the possibility of being awarded a $500 Sodexo Youth Grant.

The second award is for Youth Service America's 25 Most Powerful and Influential Youth People award. This is a part of the YSA 25th Anniversary celebration. Nominate a young person who you believe has made significant and large scale change in the world in one of these five categories--Health, Human Rights, Environment, Education, and Human Service. The 25 winners will receive a $1,000 grant to put towards their continued effort in those 5 areas. The deadline is January 31st.

Nominate an influential young person today! They will be announced during Global Youth Service Day, April 20-22, 2012.

YSA is a USCCD member organization. For more info on how to become a member organization, visit our membership page.

This past year, the USCCD has successfully taken hold of its opportunities and been able to grow the mission and movement of citizen diplomacy.

As we look towards the future, we see a multitude of opportunities and successes. We believe that because of you, the individuals who give this movement power, citizen diplomacy will continue to be an influential force in making this world a more peaceful and just place.

Tell us what you believe.

The Coca-Cola Foundation believes in the mission and vision of the USCCD and the ability of individual citizens to create the world they want through people-to-people programs, the power of a friendly smile and open heart to dispel fear and stereotypes and to heal the world. That is why they supported their belief with a $100K grant to the USCCD to launch a campaign and grow this movement.

And that is why today the USCCD and The Coca-Cola Foundation are asking you to join us in growing a nation of citizen diplomats. Coca-Cola provided a jump start, but ultimately this is a citizen movement, and we can't do it without each of you.

Share your story, photo, or video about what you believe and be among the first to do so!

If you believe in the power of citizen diplomacy; if you have experienced first-hand how it can change the world; if you have a story, video, or photo to prove it, then share it with us!

The Chicago Tribune released an article that shows how public universities in Iowa have seen drastic increases in Chinese student enrollment over the past few years. Aside from the financial benefits of foreign Chinese students who can pay full tuition, it enriches campuses with many cultural and global elements, which ultimately makes them more competitive in attracting domestic students looking for a college that can provide a global presence on campus.

Looking at Iowa specifically, both the University of Iowa and Iowa State University have seen exponential growth in the number of students from China. ISU numbers since 2007 have grown 657 percent. At Iowa's third largest public university, the University of Northern Iowa, Chinese student growth was at 192 percent. There are already 1,700 more Chinese students on the U of I campus now than there were in 2007.*

This growth in Chinese students should signal an opportunity for colleges and universities that goes beyond economics; one that allows for greater cooperation at the citizen to citizen level between two of the world's most prominent global actors. Students are realizing the importance of spending time and developing close friendships with foreign students. This cultivates the next generation of leaders to embrace international partnerships and citizen diplomacy activities because they themselves have engaged in it.

The higher education arena has always been one that has provided an avenue to increase citizen diplomacy through educational exchanges, cultural dialogue and language acquisition. Through Confucius and Goethe Institutes scattered around the country on college campuses, the emergence of the Peace Corps from students at the University of Michigan, and many other exchanges and partnerships cultivated, higher education has brought many opportunities for citizens to engage in people to people diplomacy right here in the US.

*Information taken from http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-chinesestudentenr,0,3332290.story

For those who donate $55 or more, we have a customized USCCD USB 1GB flashdrive, complete with the USCCD's tagline "Every Citizen a Diplomat". This is perfect for students or for those of you who work in an office. Save all your homework files or take-home work from the office on this convenient flashdrive. No more having to email documents to yourself!

'Tis the season for giving, so why not honor those who have given their time and effort to being a citizen diplomat. Perhaps they have volunteered; hosted an international student; or spent a gap year before college to help citizens in another country. Regardless of whatever capacity they have served, they deserve to be honored.

Send a donation of $30 or more and award that special citizen diplomat with a personalized certificate that honors their contribution.

Send $55 or more and receive a USCCD flashdrive.

Below are the opportunities for employment with Global Citizen Year:

FULLTIME

Vice President of Programs: Oversees global program design, implementation, and expansion.

Vice President of Marketing & Communications: Drives student marketing, media, and PR. Media Specialist: Implements online marketing, social/multi-media, and web campaigns.

Curriculum & Training Manager: Designs curriculum and training for Fellows, and leadership development for staff.

Brazil Team Leader: Supports, coaches and mentors 10 Fellows in Salvador, Brazil.

PART TIME

Bookkeeper (Part-time): Provides accounting services and financial analysis.

Salesforce Consultant (Part-time): Streamline customization (fundraising, Fellow and staff recruiting) and staff training.

INTERNS

Program Intern: Supports admissions and on-boarding of new Fellows.

Business Development Intern: Supports fundraising and board relations.

Global Citizen Year is a nonprofit organization specializing in providing opportunities for youth to participate in a "Gap Year". This one year experience allows students to be citizen diplomats and engage with locals in the country where they are serving.

Describe how important travel is to citizen diplomacy. Travel combined with engagement with the population of the country where you are traveling is the very essence of citizen diplomacy, ultimately causing stereotypes and barriers to be torn down.

Tell your story and enter to win an iPad 2 through GoAbroad.

But the story that mainstream media usually doesn't tell is that these Iranian people are the outliers, not the norm. The majority of Iranians are not marching with anti-American slogans. In fact, my experiences throughout Iran show that they are surprisingly positive about America and want engagement with the rest of the world.

There is nothing like travel and first hand experiences to turn stereotypes and assumptions upside down.

During the three weeks that my husband and I (both American citizens) spent in Iran - from small mountain villages to big city Tehran - we found a very different Iranian storyline. We were warmly welcomed everywhere, to the point of receiving hugs, gifts and sometimes invitations to homes.

Iranians know that their image around the world is not very positive; this pains them as they want interaction with the rest of the world, especially the United States.

On the train from Iran to Turkey, I met Simin. She asked me to share the story of the "real" Iran and Iranians when I return home to the United States. To do this, I share her story and a note she wrote me with her favorite poem that she thought described Iranian people. You can find the full story here: Iran: A Poem to the People

During the month of December 2011, we are also sharing the story of ordinary Iranians through a photo series called Iranian Faces. Check out the Uncornered Market Facebook page for a new photo and story from Iran every day.

I hope that by sharing these stories of ordinary Iranians I can help fulfill Simin's wishes and share an alternative view of Iran and Iranians.

About the author: Audrey Scott is one half of the husband-and-wife storytelling and photography team behind the around-the-world travel blog, Uncornered Market. For the last five years, they have been traveling the world, taking on the role of citizen diplomats. Not only do they share their home country with the ordinary people they meet abroad, but they bring the story of the people and places they visit back home through their blog, photography and presentations.

Photos:

Audrey with university students in Isfahan, Iran

Audrey with Iranian women around a cooking stove

Audrey with Simin (also the blog post image)

The World Artists Experience will host the "Silk Road Dance-Music –Drama from China" event on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.

On Dec. 12, the event will take place in Holloway Hall at Salisbury University at 7 p.m. The very next night, the event will take place on South River High School, 201 Central Ave. East, Edgewater, MD, also at 7 p.m.

For more information on the event, you can call 410-647-4482 or email the WAE at wae@comcast.net.

WAE, a USCCD member organization, was founded in 2002 with the mission of "providing opportunities from the grassroots level." Several different programs from the WAE have sponsored musicians and artists from all over the world, including artists from Asia, Africa, Europe, Central and South America.

Their mission statement offers a better understanding of how they believe the arts play a huge role in citizen diplomacy:

World Artists Experiences bridges international understanding using the universal language of the arts. We encourage international interacting by providing channels for communications and exchange. We do this through programs providing cultural training for teachers and students; empowering students to be world leaders; developing ambassador teams in communities; opportunities for direct public interaction with people from around the world; and hosting in communities and homes.

The WAE provides cultural enriching opportunities through the arts. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get involved and experience the arts. Also, be sure to check out some of their upcoming events in their calendar.

IVD was established back in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly as a way to connect governments, organizations associated with the UN, and other nongovernmental organizations in a unified volunteer effort across the globe. It is now celebrated by volunteer organizations globally.

The USCCD has several member organizations that specialize in international volunteerism and are committed to this act 365 days of the year. They truly deserve our thanks and recognition!

Take a few minutes and enjoy this video by one of many volunteer organizations, Cross Cultural Solutions.

Organizational Background:
The National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) is a nonprofit membership association whose mission is to promote excellence in citizen diplomacy. NCIV’s membership includes individuals, national program agencies, and more than 90 organizations in communities throughout the United States. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NCIV marked its 50th anniversary in 2011.

NCIV provides leadership, training, and support services to members who design and implement professional programs and offer home hospitality for more than 4,500 foreign leaders and specialists who visit the United States each year for short-term professional development and consultation under the aegis of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program, and for participants in other exchange programs. Each year the aggregate efforts of NCIV members involve more than 80,000 volunteers in 45 states.

NCIV has two overarching goals:

• to develop the leadership capabilities of its members, including their ability to manage nonprofit organizations effectively and efficiently; and
• to build the capacity of its members to produce high quality programs for participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchange programs.

NCIV is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors, and supported by an Advisory Council comprised of prominent leaders in the fields of business, media, and international relations.

Major Function
The President of NCIV is responsible for the overall day-to-day management and leadership of the organization and the conduct of NCIV’s affairs. The President provides vision and leadership, and in concert with the Board of Directors, develops plans and goals for the future of NCIV. The President represents NCIV and its member interests to the public and government, advocates on behalf of the International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchanges, and promotes the professional development of those within the NCIV network.

Reports to:
NCIV Board of Directors

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Management

•  Manages administrative and financial systems

•  Prepares and recommends budgets, and works with the Board to ensure the organization's financial growth and stability

•  Hires, supervises, and evaluates personnel (Currently 7 staff, 3 interns, and 3 consultants)

•  Coordinates training and professional development of staff, supports a positive and productive work environment

•  Prepares and recommends personnel policies to the Board of Directors

•  Ensures adherence to NCIV’s national policies on diversification

•  Prepares annual partnership proposal to the U.S. Department of State for program funding

•  Ensures adherence to all U.S. Department of State required reporting and grant management procedures

Organizational Governance

•  Works closely with the Chair of the NCIV Board of Directors to provide leadership for the organization

•  Works with the Chair of the NCIV Board to plan agendas and develop background materials for meetings of the Board of Directors (currently held three times annually) and the Executive Committee (currently held monthly)

•  Coordinates with appropriate NCIV staff to provide support to Board Committees

•  Works with Nominating Committee to identify potential new Board members

•  Liaises with the NCIV Advisory Council, working closely with the Chair to identify new members, convene meetings as necessary and cultivate relationships as appropriate

Member Services

•  Supervises the delivery of programs and other services to member organizations

•  Provides oversight of the planning and implementation of national and regional meetings, and other training events

• Monitors administration of grant programs

•  Travels to member organizations within the United States.

Government Relations

•  Maintains working relationships with U.S. Department of State officials, in particular with those in the Office of International Visitors

•  Coordinates advocacy efforts vis-à-vis members of the U.S. Congress and their staffs

• Communications, Marketing, and Development

•  Serves as the organization’s chief spokesperson, representing NCIV to the media and general public

•  Works with the NCIV Board of Directors to prepare and implement a development plan incorporating government and private sector funding

•  Develops a communications strategy for the organization, targeting both members and external audiences, incorporating use of new media

Minimum Requirements

•  At least ten (10) years of management experience with an international organization or nonprofit membership organization

•  Ability to grow and engage the network, striving for mutigenerational leadership to assure future success

•  Strong time management and supervisory skills – Ability to set organizational priorities and delegate responsibilities

•  Ability to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new relationships with organizations that have compatible missions

•  Strong understanding of the reporting and grant oversight requirements for working with government funds

•  Experience managing an organization’s annual budget

•  Demonstrated experience in the international arena

•  Ability to develop and implement a grassroots advocacy strategy

•  Experience as a spokesperson, working with print, broadcast and new media outlets

•  Excellent written communication and public speaking skills

Additional Desired Qualifications

•  Advanced degree

•  Professional credentials/certifications

•  Demonstrated understanding of or experience working on public policy issues, Federal budgeting and Congressional appropriations process

•  Existing relationships or ability to build relationships with Members of Congress and their legislative staff

• Personal experience in international relations arena (for example, as a participant in an international exchange program or leading other internationally-focused programs)

Compensation and Classification

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. NCIV provides a generous benefits package including paid vacation, health care, and 401(K). This position is classified as exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

TO APPLY:
Interested parties should submit a letter of application along with curriculum vitae (c.v.) and three references. Letter of application should address the following question: What do you believe are the three greatest challenges and the three most important opportunities that NCIV faces? Explain your rationale for those choices.

Submit via email (preferred) to: transitionteam@nciv.org, Subject line: Credentials– NCIV President or via regular mail to: NCIV Transition Team, 4201 Cathedral Avenue NW, Suite 720-East, Washington, DC, 20016

Only applications submitted per the above procedure will be accepted for review. No calls please.

NCIV is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

The ERDT has several programs to offer throughout the year. There is the SHARE! High School Exchange Program, Volunteer Ventures, Farmstays and Ranchstays and the ERDT Work & Travel Program. The SHARE! High School Exchange Program allows families to host high school students from one of over 30 different countries. Each year the ERDT Work & Travel Program brings over 700 students from five continents to and provides a job during their university vacations.

The goal of ERDT/SHARE! is to create opportunities for greater appreciation and understanding between Americans and peoples of the world.

There are several different ways to get involved with the ERDT. Their programs offer an opportunity to learn about different cultures and to understand different perspectives. So make sure to check out their website and check out our newest member.

Learn more about the benefits of being a USCCD member organization.

It has been a busy year at the USCCD preparing for and focusing on sustainable funding for the ten year U.S. Initiative for Global Citizen Diplomacy. One year ago (can you believe it?!) we had just returned from the national Summit with an abundance of fresh ideas and new contacts for follow up. If you have been following our Diplomacy Blog you already know about the most important news and happenings at the USCCD, but in case you missed it we will recap a few highlights:

We are grateful to The Coca-Cola Foundation for their award of a $100K grant to the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy to launch the ten-year Initiative for Global Citizen Diplomacy! This gives us a great start to our Summit goal to significantly increase the number of U.S. citizen diplomats by 2020. We will continue to update you as events unfold.

Read the full press release on our website.

The Japan Foundation CGP awarded $75K, the first year of a three year grant, to the USCCD to create a J-Center to house a specialized online program search, as well as highlight and promote opportunities for Americans specifically in the Midwest region of the U.S. to be engaged in U.S.-Japan relations, programs and activities.

Check out the new J-Center on our website!

The USCCD Membership Program for organizations launched earlier this year is growing steadily. We are now providing expanded services and promotion to 42 Member organizations via our blog and social media networks, as well as development of opportunities to partner and engage NFL players in 2012. Every time we highlight a member organization, we are able to expand their own outreach by 10,000! If your organization has not yet joined, this is a great time to take that step - any new memberships will be good through 2012.

Join today!

Thank you for your continued partnership, support and feedback as we continue to move forward together. There is still much to be done, but because of our fantastic community of supporters like you who recognize the importance of expanding U.S. global citizen diplomacy and the mission of the USCCD, we are on our way.

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving holiday!

With gratitude,

The USCCD Staff
Ann | Diane | Matt | Tom | Tracy | Joel | Katarzyna | Eduardo

Throughout the year, NCIV presents a variety of training meetings and special events throughout the year to provide opportunities for learning, networking, and to share best practices among the network in support of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other exchange programs.

Registration is open to the public, members and non-members as well. For more information on the event, visit the NCIV website and check out the info provided on the workshop.

NCIV is a 50-year old non-profit organization that strives to make a difference with their leadership in citizen diplomacy.

Check out a list of their upcoming events.

This is a great opportunity to get involved with an organization focused on promoting citizen diplomacy and in providing professional development programs. If you are in Washington, DC, make sure to stop by and see what the NCIV can offer and check out the 2011 NCIV National Programmers Workshop.

The Levermore Global Scholars Program is offered to students that attend Adelphi University and seeks to develop active and involved global citizens that want to enact civic and global change. Here are some of the benefits from joining the program according to their website:

Global learning in the LGS seminars, participation in the United Nations conferences and workshops, attending events with foreign leaders and policymakers, LGS guest speakers' series; Community action projects integrated into the LGS seminars, independently pursued community internships, group volunteer activities and scholars' initiatives; Engagement in community service abroad and opportunities for study abroad in more than 120 countries; Participation in the cultural excursions and artistic events in and around New York City.

Each year 40 freshmen are selected to be part of the program, so if you are interested in being one of the few, be sure to look at the application. 

Over the course of the four-year program, students will be asked to complete 22 credits in the LGS Core Curriculum requirements, engage in community service projects and internships relevant to the program, and maintain a 3.0 GPA in all LGS courses. Check out the details of the program requirements here.

Be sure to check out their website if you are interested in the opportunity or check out their upcoming news and events if you want to get involved. Don't miss out on the chance of becoming a member of a prestigious program.

For more information on how your organization can benefit from a USCCD membership, view the membership page on our site.