#GWElliott – Page 3 – The Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication

October 4, 2023April 23, 2024

Connecting cultures

A workshop on building cultural diplomacy programs

By Yvonne Oh, IPDGC Program Coordinator

In mid-September, IPDGC kicked off its workshop on cultural diplomacy programming “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop”, collaborating with the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. The workshop was conceived with the two-pronged purpose of broadening awareness about cultural diplomacy, and encouraging GW students to consider how their fields of study can be part of U.S. global engagement.

Highly experienced trainers with nonprofit, American Voices, John Ferguson and Amr Selim – both acclaimed musicians – will be conducting this free, hybrid workshop. American Voices is the implementing partner for the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program and the Arts Envoy Program.

On Friday, September 29, the in-person session was held at a beautiful at the Flagg Building, home to the Corcoran School (originally the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1869). John and Amr led discussions with GW student participants about navigating foreign environments, the importance of sustainable programming, and exploring different avenues for funding.

In different sessions of the workshop, participants met with cultural specialists who Zoomed in to share their expertise in cultural programming – dancers, singers, filmmakers, and other creative talents from all over the globe. They also met with former U.S. diplomats who encouraged their efforts as part of U.S. engagement and shared tips on funding and building networks.

At the end of the workshop. participants will present their proposals for a cultural program using the ideas and guidance from the sessions.

Dean Alyssa Ayres, dean of the Elliott School, dropped in for a quick visit and expressed her enthusiasm for the workshop; sharing how cultural diplomacy programs dovetail well with international development work.

The Walter Roberts Endowment has provided support to the “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop”.

For more about cultural programming and American Voices, listen to John Ferguson on Public Diplomacy Examined (PDx). IPDGC summer intern Adeniyi Funsho interviewed John in 2021 – PDX podcast: Connecting Cultures through Performance

With reporting from Alexis Posel, IPDGC communications assistant.

September 18, 2023April 23, 2024

Looking to the future

USAGM CEO shares the latest developments and challenges to international broadcasting

By Yvonne Oh, IPDGC Program Coordinator

The first in-person First Monday Forum for Fall 2023 featured Amanda Bennett, CEO of the US Agency for Global Media and she shared new developments at the agency that oversees VOA, RFE/RL, Radio-TV Martí, the Middle East Broadcasting Network, Radio Free Asia, and the Open Technology Fund. Bennett talked about efforts to reach new Russian and Mandarin-speaking audiences, efforts against disinformation and censorship, and the challenges of AI.

https://youtu.be/7cTA2RiacRg?si=bq7TebL9V8U4TJ4a

Amanda Bennett, CEO of the US Agency for Global Media

CSPAN also provided coverage of the event.

IPDGC is especially proud to note that Gabrielle Stalls, the Hans “Tom” Tuch Fellow who organizes the FMF events, is a new graduate student in the Global Communications program. Get to know more about Gabby, who is new to DC as well, in our Student Spotlight.

September 15, 2023April 23, 2024

Considering opportunities at the State Department

IPDGC Career talk with senior U.S. diplomats

By Alexis Posel, IPDGC communications assistant.

At the recent career talk held on September 13th, GW students had many questions to ask: “Does having a graduate degree improve employment prospects at the Department of State?”

“What are your recommendations for making yourself a good candidate for an FSO position in undergrad?”

“How did you end up specializing in economics?”

“What is it like working for different presidential administrations?”

Senior Foreign Service Officers Chris Teal (left) and Michael Newbill spoke to over 50 undergraduate and graduate students about a variety of career opportunities available to them at the US Department of State.

The two senior diplomats are currently on detail at the George Washington University. Chris is the Public Diplomacy Fellow at IPDGC and teaches public diplomacy, and Michael teaches classes in communication and global strategies.

Apart from giving information about programs available for students wanting short-term involvement with the State Department – internships, fellowships, study abroad – both also shared their experiences in overseas postings and how they prepared for the professional and personal challenges. Michael and Chris spoke about having the mindset to advance national interests abroad and handling the challenge of being questioned about everything that happens in the U.S.

“When you are representing the US, you have to be ‘on’ 24-7. This is not a 9-5 job,” Chris added.

Some takeaways from yesterday were: State jobs don’t always require a graduate degree; YES to studying languages; and explore both the diplomatic and civil service positions to better understand what works for you. The Department publishes information on paid internships and fellowships, and those students who want to get on the career path to a State Department role, they can learn more about the Pickering, Rangel, and Clarke fellowships.

May 8, 2023May 9, 2023

Championing indigenous rights: Doris Rios (Costa Rica)

Recap of IPDGC activities: hosting the 2023 IWOC awardees

On March 10, 2023, IPDGC had the opportunity to host the recipients of the 2023 International Women of Courage Award at the GW Elliott School of International Affairs. Earlier that week, the U.S. Department of State announced the awards which recognize global women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others.

At this event, IPDGC was able to speak with two recipients of the IWOC Award, Doris Rio (Costa Rica) and Yuliia Paievska (Ukraine).

IPDGC’s Nicholas Aguirre Zafiro spoke to Doris Rio for an exclusive interview. Doris is a recognized Cabécarindigenous leader and well-respected member of the China Kichá indigenous community in her country. She is involved in multiple influential initiatives to improve indigenous lives.

Doris Rio with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the White House
(epaimages)

In the interview, Doris talks about what can be done at domestic and international levels to protect women. As a member of the National Women’s Indigenous Forum, Doris advocated for the participation of women in issues of security, sustainable development, peaceful defense of human rights, and the recovery of indigenous land.

Her work includes advising government institutions, international organizations, and civil society about development and land use choices that are harmonious with the environment and affect the lives of indigenous communities.

Watch the full interview:

This interview is by GW undergraduate student Nicholas Aguirre Zafiro, who is majoring in Political Communication at the School of Media and Public Affairs.

May 5, 2023December 16, 2024

U.S. Senator Risch Receives Award for Congressional Leadership In Public Diplomacy

IPDGC honors Idaho senator for his support of American global engagement

IPDGC Director Dr. William Youmans presents Sen. James Risch with the 2023 Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy. Mrs. Vicki Risch is on the left. (Official U.S. Senate photo by Joy Holder)

WASHINGTON (April 19, 2023) – The Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication at the George Washington University, together with the Walter Roberts Endowment, has given U.S. Senator James Risch

(R-Idaho) the 2023 Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy. The award was given in recognition for Sen. Risch’s role in protecting the security and interests of the American people and continuing to advance U.S. prosperity and leadership around the world. Sen. Risch is the ranking member and lead Republican of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Sen. Risch in his remarks notes, “As ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I understand the impact that diplomacy can have on the many challenges that exist around the globe. The United States is looked to for leadership on the world stage, and in many cases, our diplomatic tools are the best way to ensure an outcome that benefits the U.S. I am honored to receive this recognition.”

The 2023 Walter Roberts Award recognizes Risch’s efforts to promote U.S. public diplomacy, namely by holding hearings on the role of public diplomacy in countering authoritarianism and helping get language to support public diplomacy in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“This award celebrates the Senator’s leadership in advancing ideals shared by Walter Roberts, who dedicated his career to the promotion of public diplomacy and international broadcasting,” says Dr. William Youmans, Director of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication.

Speaking on behalf of the Endowment, Dr. William Roberts – eldest son of Walter Roberts – thanked Risch for his service and encouraged him to keep up the work on “current and future public diplomacy initiatives as you seek novel and innovative ways to connect with a diversity of people both locally and around the world”.

Sen. Risch ensured the passage of the State Authorization Act, which makes significant investments key to advancing U.S. national security and foreign affairs, including modernizing the State Department’s diplomatic corps and strengthening diverse recruitment and retention efforts. Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden nominated Sen.

Risch for Congressional Representative of the United States to the 77th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, a testament to his commitment to diplomacy.

The Institute also announced a grant of $5,000 from the Walter Roberts Endowment to the non-profit organization Global Ties Idaho for a public diplomacy program that serves its community.

From Boise, Global Ties Idaho Executive Director Carol Schroeder sent along congratulatory remarks, “Global Ties Idaho is appreciative of Sen. Risch’s long and distinguished political career in Idaho. Many of us consider him a close friend… (and) are delighted that he has been recognized. We extend our hearty congratulations to our good Senator.”

The Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy was created for recognizing congressional leaders for their work to support the important work of public diplomacy as well as to shed light on something that is invisible to many Americans, but crucial to U.S. interests.

The Institute of Public Diplomacy and Global Communication is generously supported by the Walter Roberts Endowment. Established in 2005 by Dr. Walter R. Roberts, former associate director of the U.S. Information Agency and distinguished figure in U.S. public diplomacy, the endowment supports activities, programming, and scholarship for the study of public diplomacy at the George Washington University.

April 30, 2023April 23, 2024

Congratulations to Brandon Bell and Sherilyn Harrington!

Graduate students receive the 2023 Walter Roberts Public Diplomacy Studies award

By Yvonne Oh, IPDGC Program Coordinator

This year, the Walter Roberts Endowment and the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication (IPDGC) are proud to announce that the annual student award for excellence in Public Diplomacy studies goes to graduate students Brandon Bell and Sherilyn Harrington.

Each year, the Walter Roberts Endowment recognizes a GW graduate student who shows exemplary performance in public diplomacy studies and has aspirations for a future career in this field.

Our two students this year, Brandon Bell and Sherilyn Harrington, are both in the MA program in Global Communication at the Elliott School of International Affairs. Their interviews with fellow grad student Mohamad Fayaz Yourish are coming soon – they both share their passion for careers in international affairs and being part of American engagement with the world.

Congratulations and Raise High!