http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2009-11-07T00:24:20+00:00 About the Author: Schere Walker serves as the Department’s Hometown Diplomat Coordinator in the Bureau of Public Affairs.

America’s diplomatic corps is drawn from small towns and big cities across the United States. Union County, New Jersey. St. Louis, Missouri. San Rafael, California. Just a few of the communities that America’s diplomats call their hometowns.

Through the Hometown Diplomat Program, State Department employees volunteer their time on personally scheduled trips back to their communities to explain to the American people what the State Department does and why it matters. Employees speak to elementary and high schools and often return to their college alma maters. They talk to local organizations, such as Rotary Clubs or Chambers of Commerce. They meet with state and local officials and participate in media interviews.

As I make telephone calls to arrange these programs, I am regularly greeted by the voices of teachers and others who are proud to hear of the local boy or girl who has made good. They are eager to have their current students or organization’s members hear about the positive difference someone from their community is now making in the broader world. I’m often impressed, too, with the commitment of Department employees to the program. I’ll always remember the young diplomat who participated in the program the week she was home for her wedding!

America’s diplomats never forget that they represent you, the American people, to the world. The Hometown Diplomat Program helps them establish and maintain important relationships with individuals and local communities in the United States. If you are interested in finding out whether a Hometown Diplomat might be visiting your community, please contact us at paregionalprograms@state.gov]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/hometown_diplomat_program/ 2009-01-20T16:05:01+00:00