The Public Diplomacy Council Of America

What The Public Diplomacy Council Of America does

The Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional membership association formed on January 1, 2022 through the merger of the Public Diplomacy Association of America (PDAA) and the Public Diplomacy Council (PDC). Headquartered in Washington, DC with 1–10 staff, PDCA advances the practice, academic study, and advocacy of U.S. public diplomacy for approximately 500 members drawn primarily from U.S. Foreign Service Officers, public diplomacy scholars, rising professionals, and retired Foreign Service and Civil Service officials. The organization is volunteer-led and runs on a lean budget dependent on membership dues and tax-deductible donations.

PDCA's core products are programmatic rather than technological. The portfolio includes First Monday Forums (monthly hybrid speaker programs co-sponsored with USC Annenberg and GWU Institute for Public Diplomacy), the Awards for Achievement in Public Diplomacy (continuous since 1993) and the newer Award for Public Diplomacy Leadership by a Senior Officer (since 2024), the Hans 'Tom' Tuch Graduate Fellowship (renamed 2021), a mentoring program launched in 2022, the Public Diplomacy Today newsletter (now electronic), advocacy resources, academic study materials, and the PDCA Blog. Operations run on MemberLeap membership management software, Zoom, email, and a website powered by MemberLeap; there are no proprietary technology products.

PDCA's revenue model is a hybrid of subscription-style annual membership dues and donations. Dues are tiered: Full Members pay $100/year (within 50 miles of Washington DC), Associate Members pay $60/year (beyond 50 miles), and Rising Professionals pay $25/year (under age 35, graduate students, interns, research fellows). Additional revenue comes from tax-deductible contributions supporting the general fund, the Hans 'Tom' Tuch Fellowship endowment, the Communication Scholarship matching grant, and the awards program, as well as honoraria from the Council of American Ambassadors. Distribution is direct via an online membership portal at members.publicdiplomacy.org, with in-person programming held at GWU's Lindner Family Commons at the Elliott School of International Affairs and hybrid Zoom participation. The organization maintains 13 active partner organizations spanning academic, diplomatic, and exchange-focused institutions.

Name

The Public Diplomacy Council Of America

Legal name

Public Diplomacy Council of America

Website

https://publicdiplomacy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership association advancing the practice, study, and advocacy of U.S. public diplomacy for approximately 500 Foreign Service officers, scholars, rising professionals, and retired officials through forums, awards, fellowships, and mentoring programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAIAIAE

Public Diplomacy, Cultural Diplomacy & Strategic Communications

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Foreign Affairs & Diplomatic Services

SECONDARYBPAFADAB

Public Affairs, Government Relations & Lobbying

Business & Public Services/Marketing, Advertising & PR Services/Public Relations & Communications

SECONDARYMPABAEAK

International Public Diplomacy/External Service Broadcasters

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Broadcasting (TV & Radio)/International Broadcasters (State/Public/Commercial)

Keywords

• Public diplomacy association
• Professional membership services
• Diplomatic training programs
• International affairs advocacy
• Foreign service networking

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from Full Members ($100), Associate Members ($60), and Rising Professionals ($25). Membership is the primary recurring revenue stream supporting core operations.
2. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations supporting general operations, the Hans 'Tom' Tuch Graduate Fellowship endowment, Communication Scholarship matching grant, and Awards program. The organization runs on a lean budget dependent on member fees and contributions.
3. Awards Program Support: Private donations specifically support the awards program which includes a cash component recognizing excellence in public diplomacy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Public Diplomacy Council of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association that delivers member services to advance the practice, study, and advocacy of U.S. public diplomacy. Its core offerings include monthly First Monday Forums speaker programs, annual Awards for Achievement in Public Diplomacy, an annual Hans 'Tom' Tuch Graduate Fellowship, a Mentoring Program, training workshops, and publications (Public Diplomacy Today newsletter and the PDCA Blog). Membership is the central commercial offering, structured in three tiers (Full Members, Associate Members, Rising Professionals), supported by tax-deductible donations and a lean volunteer-led operating model.

Product overview

The Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional membership organization that serves as a unified platform connecting practitioners and scholars promoting excellence in public diplomacy. The organization offers an integrated portfolio of member services including First Monday Forums (monthly speaker programs), awards programs recognizing achievement and leadership in public diplomacy, Rising Professionals membership for young practitioners, the Hans 'Tom' Tuch Graduate Fellowship for graduate students, a mentoring program, the Public Diplomacy Today newsletter, training programs, advocacy resources, academic study resources, and a members-only blog. PDCA operates primarily as a professional association rather than a technology product company, with activities focused on professional development, networking, recognition, and advocacy rather than commercial software or platform offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• First Monday Forums Monthly and mid-month lunchtime speaker programs featuring experts on public diplomacy and international broadcasting, delivered in partnership with USC Annenberg Center and George Washington University's Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication, available in-person and via Zoom.
• Awards for Achievement in Public Diplomacy Annual awards program presented since 1993 that recognizes outstanding work conducted by members of the Foreign Service, Civil Service, Locally Employed Staff, employees of binational centers and American Corners, and EducationUSA advisers.
• Award for Public Diplomacy Leadership by a Senior Officer Award presented since 2024 recognizing Chiefs of Mission, Principal Officers, Assistant Secretaries, and Deputy Assistant Secretaries who provide broad leadership in public diplomacy and lead whole-of-government efforts.
• Hans 'Tom' Tuch Graduate Fellowship Annual fellowship (established 2013, renamed 2021 to honor Hans 'Tom' Tuch) providing outstanding graduate students in communication or foreign affairs with direct experience in public diplomacy through work with PDCA members.
• Mentoring Program Signature initiative launched in spring 2022 that matches early-career mentees with seasoned mentors to help rising professionals explore professional growth, develop practical knowledge, and hone networking skills.
• Training Programs Professional training workshops offered in partnership with American Councils for International Education and other organizations, including training workshops on strategic planning for public diplomacy and tailored training for foreign diplomats such as the Pacific Islands (PADL) cohort.
• Public Diplomacy Today Newsletter Quarterly newsletter (founded 2005, last printed issue May 2024) featuring news about the organization, practitioner profiles, and public diplomacy topics; now delivered electronically through Weekly Updates and other digital channels.
• PDCA Blog (Member Views) Online publication where PDCA members share diverse, nonpartisan views on diplomacy in the public sphere, accepting submissions from members via [email protected].

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1986, ADST is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has conducted over 2,600 oral history interviews of former American diplomats. Provides reciprocal ex-officio board membership, coordinates advocacy activities, and shares PDCA Career Chats with ADST interns. Liaison: Susan R. Johnson, President, US Foreign Service (ret.).
• Alliance for International ExchangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Alliance represents organizations and companies comprising the educational and cultural exchange community in the United States. Coordinates advocacy activities with PDCA. Liaisons: Mark Overmann, Executive Director, and Gabrielle Casco, External Affairs Manager.
• American Councils for International Education (ACIE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Councils strengthens international ties through excellence in academic, professional and cultural exchange, language acquisition, and research. PDCA provides public diplomacy training to foreign diplomats representing the Pacific Islands (PADL). Liaison: Lisa Choate, President and CEO.
• American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished in 1924, AFSA is both a professional association and exclusive representative for the U.S. Foreign Service. Collaborates on advocacy and outreach activities, provides space for select PDCA in-person events in D.C., and PDCA highlights AFSA's efforts on behalf of FS/CS employees. Liaison: Vivian Walker, Ph.D., Co-President, PDCA.
• Council of American AmbassadorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1983, the Council comprises more than 200 former non-career ambassadors. PDCA provides members of the selection committee for CAA Davis Fellows and mentors for monthly sessions. CAA provides honoraria to PDCA and funds the first year of PDCA membership for Davis Fellows. Liaisons: Ambassador Philip Hughes, President; John Paul Johnson, Executive Director.
• Fulbright AssociationsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished February 27, 1977, the Fulbright Association is the U.S. alumni organization of the Fulbright Program, representing 140,000 U.S. alumni. Coordinates advocacy activities with PDCA. Liaison: Tammy Hettinger, Executive Director.
• George Washington University Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication (IPDGC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2001, IPDGC's mission is to inform thinking about challenges of communication between countries. Partners with PDCA to co-sponsor First Monday Forums, provides space for in-person/hybrid events, tech hosts and a representative to serve on PDCA Program Committee. Liaison: Professor Babak Bahador, Ph.D., Director.
• International Student House of Washington DC (ISHDC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1936, ISHDC provides an exceptional residential experience to approximately 100 graduate students, interns, and visiting scholars. Provides space and support for selected PDCA in-person events. Liaisons: Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director, and Claire Arnett, Senior Associate.
• Learning LifesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerLearning Life is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit developing innovative learning communities. Partners with PDCA and provides PDCA members access to Citizen Diplomacy International program. Liaison: Paul Lachelier, Ph.D., Founder and Director.
• Lois Roth Endowment for Cross-Cultural DialoguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1987, the Foundation promotes dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries. Collaborates on administration of Awards Programs including The Richard T. Arndt Award and Lois Roth Foundation Awards for Excellence in Cultural Diplomacy given in partnership with State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Liaison: Anne Barbaro, LRF Vice Chair and Board Secretary.
• USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy (CCLP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2007, CCLP unites visionary ideals with impactful scholarship. Partners with PDCA to co-sponsor First Monday Forums, provides conference space for board meetings and off-the-record luncheons, provides tech hosts and a representative to serve on PDCA Program Committee. Liaisons: Geoffrey Cowan, Ph.D., Director; Adam Clayton Powell III, Director Washington Programs; Professor Nicholas Cull, Ph.D., PDCA Board Member.
• USC Center on Public Diplomacy (CPD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished in 2003 and housed in the USC Annenberg School, CPD is dedicated to enriching the study and practice of public diplomacy. CPD invites PDCA members to share expertise by writing for the CPD Blog. Liaison: Renee Almassizadeh, Training & Programming Facilitator.
• World Affairs Councils of America (WACA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerWACA supports a national network of more than 90 nonpartisan organizations working to deepen communities' global perspective. Lists PDCA members in WACA speakers directory, offers PDCA career chats to WACA interns, and provides discounted registration at WACA National Conference. Liaison: Aiyaz Husain, Director of Partnerships.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• World Affairs Councils of America (WACA): WACA supports a national network of more than 90 nonpartisan civic organizations that deepen community global perspective. It targets overlapping audiences (civic-minded globally engaged professionals) and engages in joint programming, speaker exchanges, and reciprocal promotion with PDCA.
• Council of American Ambassadors: Council of American Ambassadors is a network of more than 200 former non-career ambassadors with overlapping membership and direct programming partnerships with PDCA, including the Davis Fellows program and shared mentors. It serves the same elite diplomatic community and is a co-marketer and co-programmer.
• American Foreign Service Association (AFSA): AFSA is the professional association and exclusive labor representative for U.S. Foreign Service employees, making it the closest direct peer to PDCA in serving the same Foreign Service and Civil Service audience with advocacy, networking, and member programming. AFSA is so comparable that PDCA highlights its work and shares board-level liaison.
• Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST): ADST is a nonprofit that preserves U.S. diplomatic oral history and runs training aligned with the same Foreign Service and PDCA audience. The two organizations share reciprocal board seats and coordinate advocacy, making ADST a near-direct peer in mission and membership.
• USC Center on Public Diplomacy (CPD): USC CPD is a leading academic research and training center dedicated to public diplomacy. PDCA co-sponsors First Monday Forums with CPD's parent USC Annenberg and shares content, making CPD the most direct peer in the academic-practice intersection that defines PDCA's audience.
• Fulbright Association: The Fulbright Association is the U.S. alumni association of the Fulbright Program with 140,000 alumni. It is a member-driven organization focused on international exchange and cultural diplomacy, mirroring PDCA's mission to support the public dimension of U.S. statecraft, with overlapping membership and shared advocacy.
• Alliance for International Exchange: The Alliance represents the educational and cultural exchange community, coordinating advocacy with PDCA on behalf of international exchange programs. Its membership base, mission to advance public engagement, and DC advocacy posture make it a directly comparable peer association.

Broad incumbents

• International Communication Association (ICA): ICA is an international academic association for scholars in communication research, including public diplomacy and intercultural communication. It serves the academic counterpart of PDCA's scholar community and is a comparable professional society for the academic audience.
• National Communication Association (NCA): NCA is a much larger academic and professional association serving scholars and practitioners in communication, including public diplomacy and international communication subfields. It is a broad incumbent in the same communications discipline that PDCA's academic study resources support.
• American Councils for International Education (ACIE): American Councils is a larger, established international exchange organization that partners with PDCA on training and programming. As a broader incumbent in international education and exchange, it overlaps with PDCA's mission and membership base but operates at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PublicDiplomacyCouncil
• Xx.com/PDCouncil
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/publicdiplomacycouncilofamerica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Public Diplomacy Council Of America