Experiencing America: Public Diplomacy at its Best September 10, 2008

Host: The Heritage Foundation. Public diplomacy is the art of explaining America to the world—no small challenge given the immense diversity of its people, preferences, and geography! American leadership requires diplomacy programs to better explain American values and policies to the world. But, as Alexis de Tocqueville demonstrated in the early 1800s, the best way for foreigners to understand America is to visit her and to travel outside the busy streets of Washington, New York, and San Francisco and to meet her people and to see how they live their lives. We are pleased to offer the first public presentation of a new State Department initiative that is doing just that. The Office of the Chief of Protocol, under the leadership of Ambassador Nancy Brinker, is taking groups of foreign diplomats far away from the Washington Beltway to “Experience America.” The trips are designed to highlight the spirit and vitality of America’s communities, the innovative drive of its businesses, the dedication of its non-profits, the vitality of academia, and the variety of ways that state and local governments are tackling the challenges of modern life. Join us Ambassador Brinker shares highlights of these trips as well as other public diplomacy initiatives she manages. As Chief of Protocol for the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Brinker advises the President, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State on official matters of diplomatic procedure. She accompanies the President on his official visits abroad, such as his recent stop at the Beijing Olympics, and acts as his personal representative and liaison to the Washington diplomatic corps. Her office also hosts the ceremonial events for visiting Chiefs of State and Heads of Government. Previously, she served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary. Ambassador Brinker is also the founder of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Official Website: http://www.heritage.org/Press/Events/ev091008c.cfm