American Voices in American Spaces

In additional to physical exchange programs, virtual connections are a powerful force for citizen diplomacy interactions that create shared understanding.

Creating a worldwide citizen diplomacy program through virtual meetings

The Center for Citizen Diplomacy, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of American Spaces, and with initial financial support from the National Endowment of the Humanities, has developed a series of online speaker programs delivered via Skype technology at American Spaces around the world.

American Voices in American Spaces programming focuses on live presentations and discussions of American life and culture by U.S. citizens who are experts in topics of interest to audiences in particular countries. The use of real-time Skype technology allows for direct interaction between the American presenter and global participants

  • American Spaces are locations designed by the U.S. State Department to provide foreign citizens with a window into American culture and values. For nearly a century, they have been a staple of American public diplomacy efforts abroad. The programs that take place at these spaces can take many forms, from small libraries to high-tech cultural centers. Their presence should represent an enduring symbol of U.S. commitment to a long-term relationship with a host country, and to the American ideal of freedom of information. There are more than 800 American Spaces in 169 countries around the world. In 2012, these center, corners, and libraries received a total of 16,425,481 visits. The number of spaces in a particular country can vary based on embassy operations, local partnerships and the Department’s ability to support the properties.

    To learn more about the U.S. State Department’s American Spaces Programs, visit: http://americansecurityproject.org/ASP%20Reports/Ref%200117%20-%20The%20US%20State%20Department’s%20American%20Spaces%20Programs.pdf

  • In cooperation with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Ukraine Foundation, a series of 19 pilot AVAS Skype programs were conducted in cities in Ukraine and Tunisia. These programs included a wide variety of topics about America, including several that focused on the humanities. The pilot sessions received enthusiastic responses from over 350 participants in four cities. In addition, 23 U.S. embassies expressed interest in having similar programs when they can be arranged.

    With support from the National Endowment of the Humanities and in cooperation with the Federation of State Humanities Councils and participating State Humanities Councils, a roster of some 50 program offerings has been compiled. These programs are available to U.S. embassies to be presented at American Spaces around the world. This rich source of knowledge and information about America is now available to be shared with an ever-expanding international audience.

  • Session Date: August 15, 2011
    Speaker: Randa Fahmy Hudome
    Topic: American Life and Culture Program
    Language: English
    Live Attendees: 25

     

    Randa Fahmy Hudome | Biography

    Randa Fahmy Hudome is a recognized expert in both the energy sector and Middle East affairs. Her international career spans service in both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government, as well as in the private sector. She is President of Fahmy Hudome International (FHI), a strategic consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. Prior to founding FHI, Hudome served as the Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy in the Administration of President George W. Bush, Foreign Policy Counselor to Senator Spencer Abraham, and congressional liaison for the National Association of Arab Americans (NAAA), the premier lobbying organization of the Arab American community, devoted to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. Her credentials include a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

American Spaces
Scope of Pilot
Example Video