Global Utah Weekly

On Thursday, August 20, the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy (UCCD) presented Senator Gene Davis and Martha Ball with the 2009 Citizen Diplomat Award.  The award is presented annually to individuals who have made a significant contribution to citizen diplomacy in the state of Utah.  The awards were presented at the 2009 Salute to Utah’s Citizen Diplomats held at the Jewett Center for the Performing Arts, Westminster College. Senator Gene Davis, Senate District 3, has been instrumental in promoting the State of Utah’s global engagement in U.S. public diplomacy and citizen diplomacy through the International Visitor Leadership Program.  Citizen diplomacy is the concept that the individual has the right – even the responsibility – to help shape U.S. foreign relations “one hand-shake at a time.”  Senator Davis’ leadership is essential to ensure Utah has the same degree of global engagement found in other Western states. Martha Ball, founder and former director of the Utah 3 R’s Project (Rights, Responsibilities, Respect), has been an educator for twenty-six years.  In 2000 she was honored as Outstanding Teacher of United States History by the Daughters of the American Revolution and in 2006 honored as a University of Utah Emeritus Alumni.  She was an exchange student to Poland and Fulbright Scholar to India.  Mrs. Ball has served as a Trustee for the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy, and as a Utah Citizen Diplomat, has welcomed over 50 international visitors from 30 countries into her home. The Salute for Utah’s Citizen Diplomats is an event like no other – honoring remarkable Utah leaders who promote global understanding and respect between the people of Utah and other nations. About the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy (UCCD) The Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy (UCCD) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation.  Since 1967, UCCD has served as an independent, nonpartisan, private sector partner with the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Each year, over 300 emerging leaders from around the world are invited to Utah as government guests. During their visit, UCCD arranges professional and cultural programs through Utah’s community leaders and professional resources, who volunteer their time and share their expertise. In addition, volunteer “home hosts” invite the international visitors to their homes for dinner and conversation. More information is available at www.utahdiplomacy.org.