The Coalition for American Public Diplomacy and Leadership (CAPDL) , is an independent non-profit whose mission today is to strengthen and expand BridgeUSA programs by:

• Educating key constituents on the history and power of BridgeUSA to advance US public diplomacy, economic prosperity, and national security and
• Cultivating a global network of supporters who promote best practices in BridgeUSA program delivery.

What inspires CAPDL’s current mission, and how does collaboration across the BridgeUSA community strengthen your efforts?

Today, CAPDL is inspired by the fact that we are strongest when we come together – the worldwide BridgeUSA community working together to advance education, best practices, and storytelling.

Having so many voices involved – all locations, all sizes, and all roles within BridgeUSA – lets us amplify the tremendous impact of these programs. By striving to always improve our work, we ensure that these programs can continue to deliver life-changing opportunities for participants and Americans.

What is the core mission of your organisation, and why is public diplomacy so important today?

CAPDL works to strengthen and expand BridgeUSA by educating key constituents on the history and power of BridgeUSA and cultivating a global network of supporters who promote best practices in BridgeUSA program delivery.

Public diplomacy is rooted in relationships. As former Under Secretary of State Tara Sonenshine noted on a recent CAPDL webinar, building bridges and building connections is more important than ever right now. They shape how we think about ourselves, about each other, and about the opportunities we have when we work together.

We appreciate how BridgeUSA offers an opportunity for everyday people to access cultural exchange and build relationships. Americans and international participants interact and exchange ideas, growing in ways that might otherwise not be possible.

What role does CAPDL play in supporting BridgeUSA programs if it doesn’t engage in direct advocacy or lobbying?

CAPDL is not an advocacy organisation, so it doesn’t lobby policymakers. We share stories about what these programs mean for US interests and US communities. We help members learn to make the case for BridgeUSA and keep them informed if we learn about something that might impact the programs.