Shaping U.S. Foreign Relations "One Handshake At A Time"

The National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) is a nonprofit membership association currently marking 50 years of leadership in citizen diplomacy. NCIV's membership includes individuals, program agencies, and more than 90 organizations in communities throughout the United States. NCIV members design and implement professional programs, provide cultural activities, and offer home hospitality opportunities for foreign leaders and specialists participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other exchange programs. With leadership and training provided by NCIV, member organizations are expert at matching the resources of their communities with the needs of international visitors. Each year the aggregate efforts of NCIV members involve more than 80,000 volunteers.

Citizen diplomacy is the idea that the individual citizen has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape United States foreign relations "one handshake at a time."  By opening their homes, offices and schools to foreign leaders participating in the U.S. Department of State's IVLP and other exchanges, NCIV member citizen diplomats foster international understanding and cooperation, constructive economic connections and peaceful interaction.

Contact NCIV for additional information at 202-842-1414.