The Community Summit on Citizen Diplomacy is set for Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 4-5 at the University of New Mexico. The Latin American & Iberian Institute, and several other campus departments, is sponsoring the event, which is organized by the Albuquerque Council for International Visitors. Registration for the summit closes on Friday, Sept. 30.

The goal of the summit is to facilitate a better understanding of the critical importance of citizen diplomacy and to enhance skills for personal and cultural diplomacy. The summit will promote an understanding of diverse values and cultures, educate participants about global perspectives and further mutual understanding. Harriet Fulbright, widow of Senator William Fulbright, serves as honorary chair of the summit.

Karen Schafer, ACIV board member said, "Citizen Diplomacy is diplomacy one handshake at a time. All citizens have that responsibility." She added that they are bringing the summit to campus to explain what Citizen Diplomacy is and why it's important. "We want to involve young people," she added.

Through a grant of Dante DiGregorio, associate professor, Anderson School of Management, ACIV is offering a limited number of scholarships to offset the registration fee for students. The scholarships are on a first come, first served basis.

The scholarships reduce students' registration from $25 to $10 for all events, which include a reception, breakfast, luncheon and sessions.

Media Contact:Carolyn Gonzales (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu