On Thursday, May 20th, Gulf Coast Diplomacy hosted its 2021 Annual Meeting via Zoom for members and guests. Though not in a traditional space, the participants engaged in a networking activity through small breakout rooms. Here, they shared their stories on how citizen diplomacy has impacted their lives. Members and guests shared memories of past in-person international exchanges and discussed how the programs affect both youth and adult professionals in Northwest Florida.
In my group, I enjoyed meeting the event’s guest speaker, C.B. Toney. Toney is currently the Diplomat in Residence for the U.S. Department of State in Tallahassee, Florida. We had the pleasure of listening to him share his experiences as a diplomat and learning about the impact of citizen diplomacy and international exchange in the U.S.
Back in the group room, Toney described the success of exchange programs that involve passionate citizens who are willing to support groups such as Gulf Coast Diplomacy. Their engagement and participation in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) are what helps the program thrive, “It is members and supporters who make exchanges come to life. Without them, none of our work would be possible.”
Toney described the importance of supporting international exchange programs, which help advance U.S. national security goals by building bonds between Americans and international visitors. He spoke of how the IVLP communicates a more accurate image of the U.S. to foreign visitors and how it impacts their perception of Americans.
As citizen diplomats, we know this bond works both ways and can increase cultural awareness and respect in our local area as visitors interact with residents. Additionally, Toney described how “IVLP alumni include 500+ current or former heads of state and government, 10 Nobel Laureates, and thousands of private and nonprofit leaders,” leading to the possibility of positive diplomatic relations between the U.S. and participating countries in the future.
While exchanges matter globally, we can also measure their local economic impact. Gulf Coast Diplomacy is a member of Global Ties U.S., and Toney states, “In fiscal year 2018, the Global Ties Network turned $5.4M in federal funding into $59.1M – resources that stay in the U.S. and support local businesses and communities.” Because international visitors spend time in our region, international exchanges sponsored by the U.S. Department of State circulate funds back into the American communities. In other words, not only do international visitors meet with their local professional counterparts and form connections, but they also spend funds in restaurants, hotels, and shops and pay for transportation.
Overall, Toney’s message seemed to articulate one thing: we all can benefit from international exchange. Exchanges create culturally aware U.S. citizens. They also impact local economies, contribute to national security, and help make our community more vibrant as we form global friendships and professional ties.
After Toney’s remarks, the meeting continued with the election of new board members, and it continued with an overview of the annual report.
Thank you to everyone who attended and joined us to mark another year of dedication to international exchange in Northwest Florida.
Eden Davenport, Intern
