JULY 26, 2015 PROGRAM TO FOCUS ON DIGITAL DIPLOMACY

A new and important topic for AMHS members, friends and guests will be highlighted at the July 26 luncheon meeting on digital diplomacy. The keynote presentation will be delivered by Andreas Sandre, Press and Public Affairs Officer, Embassy of Italy, and author of “Digital Diplomacy: Conversations on Innovation in Foreign Policy.” Claudio Bisogniero, Ambassador of Italy to the United States, provided the foreword to this groundbreaking book on the use of the Internet to shape and communicate policies, programs and practices affecting education, the economy, health care, transportation and other areas that affect our lives.

The presentation by Mr. Sandre will provide a valuable introduction on what digital diplomacy is, why it's important and how governments such as the United States, Italy and others have launched eDiplomacy functions to both communicate and help shape public policies. These policies "cross" national and international borders. They affect how nations relate to each other and how they address public issues.

These are important questions for all of us. Some matters that are considered in eDiplomacy include: What difference does the Internet and social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr) have on how governmental and policy leaders connect with people in diverse communities? How does the Internet's very fast and broad dissemination of information affect how government and policy makers both communicate and receive information about the public's views?

Come join us on July 26 for this discussion on eDiplomacy in communities around the world. Before the program begins, we will have a delicious lunch catered by Three Brothers Italian Restaurant, MD. Following the program, there will be a book signing of “Digital Diplomacy: Conversations on Innovation in Foreign Policy.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. Please invite your family and friends and make your reservations early.

FERRAGOSTO PICNIC

Be sure to save the date for the Society’s annual Ferragosto Picnic – Sunday, August 16, 2015 on the grounds of the Villa Rosa Nursing Home in Mitchellville, MD. This event is for AMHS members, family, and friends. It is a rain or shine event, from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. See flyer in this issue of the Notiziario for additional details.