Individuals: Get Involved

10 Things Americans Can Do To Support Public Diplomacy

1. Host a youth exchange student in your home. (www.exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/students)
2. Urge your local school board to include foreign languages from grade school through high school – and encourage your children to study a foreign language, world history and international news. (www.future.state.gov)
3. Encourage your children to correspond with an electronic pen pal overseas (such as www.epals.com) and to participate in study abroad programs. (www.exchanges.state.gov)
4. Get actively involved with organizations that have international programs, such as a local World Affairs Council (www.worldaffairscouncils.org), or non-profit service organizations with global outreach.
5. Welcome foreign visitors by supporting international visitor programs. (www.exchanges.state.gov/education/ivp)
6. Support international disaster relief programs and organizations that provide international medical assistance. (helpful sites include www.Interaction.org)
7. Encourage people-to-people dialogue with other faiths through personal outreach or through your own church, synagogue, mosque or other faith-based institution.
8. Volunteer to serve on short-term assignments overseas with the USA Freedom Corps’ Volunteers for Prosperity program (www.volunteersforprosperity.gov) or with the U.S. Peace Corps. (www.peacecorps.gov)
9. Support cultural exchanges for artists, musicians and writers through your local arts institutions and international cultural programs. (www.exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/culture; or others such as www.meridian.org)
10. Encourage your business or corporation to reach out in the countries where it has a presence, providing internships or supporting local schools and charities. (To learn more about private sector outreach around the world or discuss potential partnerships e-mail diplomacyupdate@state.gov)