The Time Has Come for Citizen Diplomats by Cath Kachur
Who are we?
We are the citizens among us who don’t leave diplomacy to the professionals.
Say the word ‘diplomacy’ and most think of government professionals.
The ones who do diplomacy for a living. The ones who work all around
the world in our embassies doing what diplomats do.
The ‘citizens’ version of diplomats are everyday citizens.
Plumbers, lawyers, managers, social workers, carpenters, designers, engineers, detectives, doctors, judges, teenagers, scientists, street sweepers, environmentalists, poker players, quarterbacks, printers, waiters, horticulturists, electricians, teachers.
You get the idea.
Can you be one?
Yes.
Anyone with an ounce of heart can be a citizen diplomat.
It’s a new way of thinking for most people. Me? A diplomat?
Yes, you a diplomat.
Why would you want to?
- It feels good.
- It helps the world.
- It’s the right thing to do.
TRY THIS! |
SEPTEMBER 2006 ACT OF CITIZEN DIPLOMACY
Write a short note to the current leaders of Iraq and wish them well. Couldn’t hurt. Might help.
Send it to:
Chief of Mission: Ambassador Zalmay KHALILZAD
Deputy Chief of Mission: David M. SATTERFIELD
Embassy: Baghdad
Mailing address: APO AE 09316
On ENVELOPE:
Please Forward to: President Jalal TALABAN, Chief of State, Iraqi Transitional Government (ITG)
Please forward to: Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki |
At Citizen Diplomacy Council of San Diego, citizen diplomacy is what we do and it takes many forms. A few are:
- We invite our world visitors into our homes for dinner. Pakistan. Japan. Saudi Arabia.
- Drive someone from China to their professional appointments in San Diego.
- Greet a delegation from Bangledesh at Lindbergh Airport and welcome them to our city.
- Share expertise.
You are cordially invited to join us in this fun, important, enlivening work.
Thanks for reading this far,

Cath Kachur (KaHOOer)
Executive Director |