6.1: Vision
Offer A Positive Vision. Other Information:
We will offer a positive vision of hope and opportunity. Our vision is rooted in the most basic values of the United States:
our deep belief in freedom, including freedom of expression and religion, and our belief in the dignity and equality of every
person. We believe that a free people, well-informed, will make the best choices for the common good. Factual information
is the antidote to ignorance, misunderstanding, and violent extremism. We will link programs and policies with America’s values.
Public diplomacy and assistance programs are values in action. We will advocate and create the conditions for religious freedom,
freedom of expression, and political participation because we believe those are the rights of all people. We will oppose violent
extremism and oppression in all its forms. The Department and USAID will sponsor educational programs at all levels, advocate
for the rights of people, and partner with countries across the world to fight terrorism, which threatens the right of all
people everywhere to live in security and peace. We will highlight the diplomacy of deeds—America’s development and humanitarian
assistance. Across the world, America feeds the poor; educates the illiterate; cares for the sick; and assists refugees, internally
displaced persons, and victims of conflict and other disasters. Yet often, the good work of the American people is not recognized.
The Department and USAID will address the needs of other peoples for improved health and education; for skills and training;
and for food, water, and shelter. We will continue to support the aspirations of other peoples for a better life, and to respond
readily and generously when catastrophes strike around the world. We will facilitate the contributions of the private sector
and individuals and seek ways to inform others of the generosity of the American people. We will broaden participation in
public diplomacy and foreign assistance. The challenges facing our Nation are great, and it is essential that all of our talents
and skills be brought to bear on their resolution. Building on transformational diplomacy, we will seek to focus the U.S.
Government on key priorities by establishing public diplomacy centers in Europe and the Middle East to tell, in real time,
America’s story in the local language, media, format, and style that conveys a clear and compelling message. We will also
enhance our outreach to key communities in the private sector. America’s business, academic, philanthropic, scientific, engineering,
and medical sectors, its NGOs, labor unions, and faith-based and community organizations play a vital and ongoing role in
America’s interaction with all nations of the world. We will increasingly partner with the private sector and draw upon its
tremendous resources of experience and expertise. We will encourage Americans to be citizen diplomats, and encourage young
Americans to learn critical languages and study world geography, history, and culture. The message of volunteerism, community
action, and individual empowerment is a powerful one which can be conveyed best by America’s private sector. The individual
American citizen is one of our greatest public diplomacy assets.
Indicator(s):
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