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Coalition for American Public Diplomacy and Leadership (CAPDL) Relaunches

The Coalition for American Public Diplomacy and Leadership (CAPDL) has recently undergone a significant relaunch, setting its sights on amplifying the effectiveness and reach of the BridgeUSA exchange programs. These initiatives are pivotal for enhancing U.S. public diplomacy, ensuring national security, and boosting economic prosperity.

CAPDL's Mission and Objectives

Founded in 2020, CAPDL is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to fortifying and expanding the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA programs. Through education, best practice sharing, and engagement, the coalition seeks to demonstrate the positive impacts of cultural exchanges, helping American interests thrive on a global scale.

Focus Areas

CAPDL aims to accomplish its mission through two main objectives:
1. Educational Outreach: CAPDL engages with key stakeholders to raise awareness about the history and significance of BridgeUSA. This educational effort underscores how these programs can effectively enhance U.S. diplomacy and influence.
2. Global Networking: The coalition seeks to cultivate a broad global network of supporters who champion best practices in the delivery and administration of BridgeUSA programs.

The Importance of BridgeUSA Programs

The BridgeUSA initiative consists of thirteen distinct programs that allow international participants to obtain a J-1 visa. This visa offers an opportunity for cultural exchange by allowing individuals to work or study in the U.S. These programs are notably funded by the participants themselves or their home governments, meaning they do not burden U.S. taxpayers.

Rick Ruth, a Board Member of CAPDL, emphasizes the importance of the BridgeUSA programs. He notes, "All BridgeUSA programs are about learning which leads to understanding, the most valuable commodity in the world." This sentiment reflects CAPDL's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to mutual learning and collaboration across borders.

Financial Overview and Initiatives

One of the notable aspects of CAPDL's relaunch is that, with the support from its incubating host, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), there will be no membership dues assessed during the initial year of operation. Instead, all raised support will contribute to a new Scholarship Fund for BridgeUSA. This fund is designed to help individuals participate in any of the exchange programs, significantly enhancing their experience and opportunities.

New Board of Directors

As part of the relaunch initiative, CAPDL has introduced a new Board of Directors comprising leaders from various sectors:

• - Jon Baselice (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• - Denise Beckson (Morey's Piers)
• - Carye Duffin (CIEE)
• - Russ Hedge (Hostelling International USA)
• - Rick Ruth (Former U.S. State Department)
• - Bastian Weinberger (HanoverCRM)
• - Bettina Wiedmann (Experiment in International Living)

These individuals bring a wealth of experience and perspectives, essential for enriching the coalition’s mission.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Best Practices

Carye Duffin, the newly appointed CAPDL Board Chair, articulates that the strength of the BridgeUSA community lies in engaging all stakeholders. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere that emphasizes best practices, CAPDL endeavors to create an enriching culture of accountability and knowledge-sharing, which is pivotal in maintaining the highest standards and expanding impactful programs.

In addition to its educational and networking efforts, CAPDL is dedicated to storytelling as a means to illustrate the transformative effects of BridgeUSA initiatives. This narrative approach helps underscore the programs' importance, especially in local U.S. communities that may not be fully aware of their positive contributions.

For more information about CAPDL's renewed initiatives, resources, and to participate in upcoming events, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.capdl.org.

The revitalization of CAPDL is both timely and crucial, marking a new chapter in fostering strong educational exchanges that bolster U.S. interests while connecting cultures around the world.