The legislated mandate of this program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United Stated and the people of other countries. This program yields long-lasting effects in terms of improving foreign participants’ perceptions of the U.S. and the American people and increase understanding of democracy.

These visiting emerging leaders are selected by the various U.S. Embassies around the world to come to the U.S. to exchange professional knowledge with their counterparts here.  We refer to them as our local resource. Please select this link to see a list of our local resources.

CDCSD brings over 600 of these professionals, from over 145 countries, to San Diego each year and designs their professional, cultural and social meetings while they are here. Our members (Citizen Diplomats) welcome these visitors into their homes for a meal and face-to-face diplomacy.

Independent Assessment of the International Visitor Leadership Program provided these results:

IVLP alumni reported that the program increased their understanding of the U.S. to a great extent:

88% U.S. in general
86% Americans in general
76% U.S. government institutions
74% Daily life in the U.S.
91% reported communicating more accurate information about the U.S. to other people in their home country based on the knowledge they gained during their visit here.

IVLP alumni strongly agreed with the statements on democratic values:

99% Citizens should have equal rights
99% Rule of law is fundamental to democracy
98% Free and fair elections are cornerstones of democracy
97% Individuals and organizations have the right to free speech