The End of an Era

Posted on by CD Alliance

The end of an era makes for new opportunities and exciting growth.  After 2 years as a programer in Des Moines, Iowa, and then 16 years as the Executive Director for Citizen Diplomacy Alliance in Tucson, Pat Watson is officially retired as of December 31,2025.

Through the time with the IVLP program there have been struggles, successes and friendships that will last a lifetime.  The joy of watching the perception of those from other countries change when they had the chance to meet the “real people” of Southern Arizona.  To meet with professionals that shared their time to enhance not only the visitors knowledge but also those they met with and shared experiences and understanding.

While the world is still spit as to their idea of the USA, those that have come, met the people and gotten to know them have come away thinking that we, in the USA, are fortunate to live here, even with it’s challenges and issues.  Remaining strong, freedom of speech, of what type of career the people want to choose, educational opportunities which may not exist in their home counties and more.

One example that stand out in my mind is of the visitor that wore her Abaya for the visit.  The first night, after returning to the hotel, Pat met her and asked how her day went.  She looked at Pat and said “No one looked at me”.  Pat asked why would they?  She said because of her Abaya.  Pat laughed and said “oh honey, come on, I’ll take you to Grant Ave and you will see many dressed just like you, you are not unique here, Tucson has a large immigrant population from around the world.”  She said “and they held the door for me and said please and thank you!”  Pat said. “They better!” and then the visitor, in all seriousness said “but that would never happen at home.”  Thank you to those that showed what really matters, kindness!

The thousands of visitors that have come to Southern Arizona through the work of Citizen Diplomacy Alliance has been an amazing journey.

The program was designed for people to meet people, not tied to government intervention.  To share hopes, dreams, vision, ideas and knowledge.

The International Visitor Leadership Program was initiated in 1940 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, with Nelson Rockefeller playing a key role, to counter rising global fascism and strengthen U.S. influence by bringing emerging foreign leaders to America for professional exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and democratic values Its original goal was to build relationships and promote a positive view of the U.S. by connecting leaders with everyday Americans, supporting long-term foreign policy goals through person-to-person diplomacy.  Not government to government, people to people.
Ambassadors that met with citizens through the World Watch series all agree that the IVLP is a critical part of the Department of State effort for diplomacy.
Tucson became involved in the program in 1976 and has run continuously until now.  The name has changed the vision has grown, the connections has increased and the memories sealed in the minds of those that have been involved forever.  Now Citizen Diplomacy Alliance will cease to receive visitors through the IVLP program.  Due to decisions made by Washington the funding for CDA has been eliminated.  It’s been a joy to be  a part of the program but with the decision made, it ends the 31st.
There may be opportunities for those that want to stay connected in the future but it won’t be through Citizen Diplomacy Alliance.  If opportunities arise we will be happy to share the updates on how you can remain involved with the IVLP in the coming weeks.
Continue to be Southern Arizona, kind, wise, involved and aware of the world.  Stay in contact with those you got to know.  Let them realize you didn’t forget them the minute they left.
Good bye for now.