The Home Stretch:
2008 NCIV National Meeting in Sight

Citizen Diplomacy - Democracy in Action
February 13-16, 2008

by Jason Yarashes, NCIV Staff

Imagine yourself in a sprawling, elegant conference room. As you eagerly await the arrival of several noteworthy speakers, you cannot help but overhear some of the interesting anecdotes that are being shared by the folks seated throughout the room. Behind you, a businessman from Milwaukee and a stay at home mom from Los Angeles cannot stop chuckling as they share a most entertaining set of stories about a group of visitors from Indonesia. Directly ahead, a group of farmers representing two different states in the Midwest discuss the varying experiences they shared this year with agricultural economists from locations in rural Africa. And to your immediate right, a teacher from Portland, Maine and a budget analyst from Austin, Texas debate the practices that must be observed and respected when Muslims have visited their homes. Such a group of unique, dedicated, and down-to-earth citizen diplomats can only be found in one place at the same time: the NCIV National Meeting.

Members of the NCIV network from across the United States will come together in Washington, DC for the NCIV 2008 National Meeting on February 13 – 16, 2008. This series of events, to be held at Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, is a professional development program sponsored and funded largely by the Office of International Visitors, Bureau of Educational Affairs, U.S. Department of State.

The admirable efforts of the National Meeting Planning Committee, chaired by Ambassador Kenton Keith, senior vice president, Meridian International Center, have been instrumental in creating this year’s stimulating program. From the signature events such as Global Connections and the Breakfast on the Hill to a host of engaging concurrent sessions and panel discussions to more personalized chats with a longtime colleague, the NCIV 2008 National Meeting promises to showcase the vital importance of promoting citizen diplomacy.

Highlights of the 2008 National Meeting include:

• Global Connections Event, February 13, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. This year’s event will feature a presentation by Mr. Garth Fagan, the internationally acclaimed choreographer of the Broadway musical The Lion King and founder and artistic director of Garth Fagan Dance. Mr. Fagan will receive the NCIV Citizen Diplomat Award. This exciting kick-off to the National Meeting is an excellent opportunity to catch up with old colleagues and meet new ones from around the country. The Xerox Corporation is a major sponsor of this special evening.

• NCIV Luncheon with the Ambassadors, February 14, 12:00 noon – 1:45 p.m. This signature event of the NCIV National Meeting provides a unique opportunity for citizen diplomats to meet and interact with the diplomatic community of Washington, DC. As several ambassadors have already confirmed their attendance, this event offers participants direct exposure to the DC ambassadorial community.

• NCIV Breakfast on the Hill, February 15, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. The Breakfast on the Hill allows members of the NCIV network a chance to gather with Capitol Hill staff in an effort to promote citizen diplomacy and stress the continued importance of international exchanges. So far Representatives Russ Carnahan of Missouri (D-3rd) and Pete Sessions of Texas (R-32nd) are scheduled to speak at the Breakfast. The Breakfast on the Hill is sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers.

• Citizen Diplomacy Luncheon, February 15, 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Award Presentations.

• Embassy Receptions, February 15, evening. Ten countries will be hosting embassy receptions, allowing NCIV National Meeting participants an opportunity to further mutual understanding by making the connections between their work as citizen diplomats and that of the official diplomatic community.

• Breakfast with the Board and Town Meeting, February 16, 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. Early Saturday morning the NCIV board of directors will be in attendance for the annual Breakfast with the Board and Town Meeting. Participants can speak face-to-face with board members and hear about current network developments.

• IVLP Alumni Leadership Luncheon, February 16, 12:45 – 2:45 p.m. This year’s IVLP Alumni Leadership Luncheon features two accomplished and engaging speakers. As former IVLP participants, the perspectives of Dr. Jemilah Mahmood and Ms. Nadwa Al-Dawsari promise to display the positive impact of the IVLP and bring the 2008 National Meeting to a memorable close.

• Various concurrent sessions, strategic planning sessions, and other briefings and trade shows. In addition, registration gifts will be provided courtesy of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.