http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2012-02-11T15:54:03+00:00 DipNote Blogger Bonnie Gutman in Israel writes:

@ Ed J. -- Thank you -- it was my pleasure -- and my very first blog!

@ Wendy in California -- Yes, we do have a translator. In this case, she was sitting in another room, watching us by closed circuit tv. The technology was amazing, but the skills of the translators who translate instantaneously is phenomenal. Thank you for writing!

@ Tommye Jean in Texas -- the Foreign Service is a wonderful career! And it is open to everyone. Check out http://www.careers.state. gov for more info.

@ Terry in Connecticut -- thank you for your thoughts, and support.

@ Rosemary in Virginia -- thank you! Maybe we'll meet again in cyberspace.

@ Jennifer in West Virginia -- Secretary Clinton did address the 1997 Microcredit Summit Campaign in Washington, DC. Hageet Rubinstein who answered the questions on microfinance responded in English. You can find the transcript at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/03/119974.htm. Thank you for your thoughtful questions.

@ Susan in Rhode Island -- I agree whole heartedly.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Mon Mar 09, 2009
Thank you to Secretary Clinton for all her hard work. It is appreciated. And thank you to the State Department for the great job increasing their online tools and options. Most of all, thank you to Ms. Gutman for blogging about the above.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Thu Mar 05, 2009
Dear Ms. Gutman,

Very cool indeed.

Just out of curiosity where in physical fact is the translator in such an event? I see the headphones.

I think these "public diplomacy" programs are the absolute hub of the dynamic to change America's image and fact in the world.

These women sure sound like Margaret Mead's "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. It's the only thing that ever has."

Thank you, Sec State Hillary, & all the State Team for your unflagging commitment to a more luminous EarthVuravuraJeegoo.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Thu Mar 05, 2009
I love when Madame Secretary visits with real people in the countries that she visits. She is personalizing our country and the countries she visits. Such a difference!

I know she is doing an outstanding job, opening doors and dialogue. I envy and appreciate your career in Foreign Service.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Wed Mar 04, 2009
As a man i respect Secretary Hillary Clinton support for women's rights and issues around the world. Thanks for posting.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Wed Mar 04, 2009
Lucky you, Bonnie! Hillary is awesome, isn't she?

I love to hear stories like yours about her meeting people outside officialdom. How well-received she is! Thanks for posting this story and for being her moderator at this event. I envy you that half hour, but I'm happy you had this chance and shared it with all of us.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Wed Mar 04, 2009
That is cool, Bonnie! I remember that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was keenly interested in micro-loans for women when she was first lady. In fact, didn't she give the keynote address at the first-ever Microcredit Summit in 1997?

Can you share what you told her about the role of microfinance as a method to empower women in Israel? Who provides the financing? What sorts of businesses and projects have grown from these micro-credit programs? How can others get involved -- perhaps those who might like to contribute to a microfinance project?

Thank you for your post! It's fascinating to hear about diplomacy from a different point of view -- not just from the media.

Best wishes.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Wed Mar 04, 2009
I am so proud to have Hillary Clinton as our Secretary of State. Keeping women's issues front and center is good for the world.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/supportive_community/ Wed Mar 04, 2009