ACYPL American alumni are invited to take part in the first U.S. Department of State Citizen Diplomacy Challenge! By showcasing your exchange experience, you could be named one of the nation’s top citizen diplomats.

“As alumni of international exchange programs, you have incredible stories to tell about how exchange programs have impacted you, your host country, and your home community. Now is the time to share those stories and inspire others to experience the benefits of exploring another culture.”

Alumni will earn points for sharing stories about the impact of their experience through various activities. At the end of the challenge, the alumni with the most points will receive recognition and awards including professional development trips to Washington, D.C. to share their ideas with State Department staff.

Activities: Challenge activities range from talking about your exchange at a local school, to tweeting a photo from your host country, to writing an op-ed. Check out the Tools and Resources section for toolkits, guides, customizable presentation templates, and other resources. All activities are assigned points, and participants with the most points at the end of the campaign are eligible to win prizes. You can read more about activities here.

Prizes:  Three grand prize winners will be invited to Washington, D.C. for customized professional development opportunities and a chance to share their exchange experience with senior State Department officials. Other prizes include gift bags, alumni story features on our website, and personal messages from State Department officials. Learn more about competition prizes here.

Are you ready to take the Challenge? 

The Citizen Diplomacy Challenge is open through June 9, 2015.

For questions about the challenge, please contact: alumni@state.gov The Citizen Diplomacy Challenge is hosted on the International Exchange Alumni (IEA) website. If you are not a registered member of IEA, or have forgotten your login credentials, please click here.

When registering for IEA, ACYPL is listed under: Professional Exchanges (TPPPs) – American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL)