The Public Diplomacy Council’s mission statement commits PDC to promoting excellence in professional practice, academic study, and advocacy for public diplomacy.
Advocacy — effectively making the case for public diplomacy in legislative, policy, and public circles — is central to our work.
In Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High Impact Nonprofits Heather Grant and Leslie Crutchfield argue that advocacy is one of six functions essential to a successful nonprofit. Delivering services is not enough; to be truly effective, an organization must shape the public policy arena in which those services are delivered. Whether the goal is to influence budgets, regulations, or the views of decision-makers, advocacy is a fundamental tool of successful organizations.
PDC members constitute a unique advocacy resource: skilled communicators with deep experience in the study and/or practice of public diplomacy. Without exception, our members can make what former Librarian of Congress James Billington described as “the hard case for the soft stuff” with depth and authority.
Ilir Zherka, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange speaking at a First Monday Forum: Advocacy in an Age of Uncertainty. February 3, 2020. Photo by Bruce Guthrie.
Civilians are the first line of defense for America’s interests abroad. Diplomats and private citizens play vital roles in advancing U.S. policies and building relationships with foreign counterparts.
The Council advocates for adequately funded and professionally conducted public diplomacy through the actions of its individual members, and together as an organization. Here are some examples of PDC’s advocacy.
Individual Advocacy: PDC members advocate with their representatives in Congress and by speaking and writing. If you want to become an advocate, see our Tool Kit page for tips and info.
The Council Blog: PDC members work behind the scenes to stay informed. Associate members are active professionals. Read what they’re thinking here.
First Monday Forum: The first Monday of every month PDC co-hosts a lunchtime speaker program featuring experts on public diplomacy or international broadcasting. First Monday is a partnership with the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership, and with PDAA, the Public Diplomacy Association of America. The Forum is held at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E. Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Forums now take place via Zoom teleconferencing. Find upcoming Forums on our Events page.
Council Books: Each book features chapters on its topic by Council members and speakers at the PDC Forum. Books are available on Amazon. See our offerings.
Members as a Resource: Many PDC members are available to speak or to be interviewed on topics of interest. If you write to PDC at publicdiplomacycouncil@gmail.com, we will put you in contact.