Citizen Diplomacy in Iowa and the Legacy We Continue

Iowa has a long legacy of citizen diplomacy. Sometimes an unfamiliar term, it can be defined as the concept that every individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations, one handshake at a time. The notion that regular people can establish and build relationships promoting stronger foreign relations has long been a cornerstone of the United State and Iowa.

Iowa’s History of Diplomacy

In the past 75 years, Iowa has had significant moments of citizen diplomacy shaping our history and relations with foreign countries. One of Iowa’s most famous diplomats is Roswell Garst, a farmer and businessman from Coon Rapids. Garst is well-known for inviting Russian leaders to his farm to observe Iowa’s farming practices and become familiar with hybrid seed corn. Garst’s most notable visit to his farm includes a rare U.S. appearance from the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Garst’s diplomacy resulted in long and valuable relationships with Iowans and Russians for years.

After two typhoons greatly damaged Japan’s agriculture in 1960, Iowans stepped up to support those in need. Iowa farmers worked with the Iowa Corn Growers’ Association to deliver 36 hogs to Japan with help from the US Air Force. These hogs quickly multiplied to 500 by 1965 and supported Japanese farmers to reignite the hog industry.

Arguably the most notable example of citizen diplomacy included Iowans welcoming China’s Xi Jinping on multiple visits. Jinping’s first visit to Iowa came in 1985 as part of an agricultural delegation touring farmland in Muscatine. 27 years, later, JinPing and Chinese leaders came back to Iowa, visiting Des Moines and a local farm owned by the Kimberley family. JinPing was reunited with many friends he first met in 1985 and later invited a delegation from Iowa to visit China.

Being a Citizen Diplomat

It doesn’t take inviting world leaders to Iowa to be considered a citizen diplomat. Many opportunities exist in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to build relationships and grow an understanding of our global neighbors.

DSM has many globally focused festivals taking place each year. The Greater Des Moines Partnership hosts the World Food & Music Festival which celebrates different cultures through international cuisine, live performances, cultural activities and global beverages. Other free or low-cost festivals to watch out for in 2025 include CelebrAsian, Latino Heritage Festival and Cajun Fest.

The region is also home to many organizations which seek to build connections and promote understanding of other countries. Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is home to the World Food Prize which is focused on increasing the quantity, quality and availability of food for all. Through annual awards and regular programming, the organization seeks to carry out this mission in Iowa and across numerous countries abroad. Opportunities exist to volunteer in the World Food Prize’s programming and attend internationally recognized events in Des Moines including the World Food Prize Week.

Iowa International Center’s focus is to connect individuals, communities and organizations in Iowa and around the world. The organization regularly hosts delegations of international visitors from various countries to learn more about business, life and culture in Iowa. Opportunities exist for volunteers to host these visitors and participate in aspects of their trips.

Other organizations which promote citizen diplomacy in our region and welcome opportunities to volunteer and attend programming include Iowa Sister States, Greater Des Moines Sister Cities, Lutheran Services of Iowa, Self-Help International and The Greater Des Moines Committee on Foreign Relations.

Various other resources on citizen diplomacy in Iowa also exist. A comprehensive documentary recently published by IOWA PBS can be found here.

Benefits of Citizen Diplomacy

Individuals who lean into citizen diplomacy build strong relationships, learn about other cultures and become more informed on international issues. Consider ways in which you can participate in citizen diplomacy today by attending a local festival, volunteering for an organization or learning about past examples of citizen diplomacy in Iowa.

Through my participation in the DSM Fellowship Program, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a program that gives its Fellows access to community engagement opportunities and establish connections with our cohort, DSM leadership and more. The 2025-26 cohort began its programming this month and Fellows will continue to participate in the program through June 2026.

Interested in finding out more or becoming a Fellow yourself? Recruitment begins for the next cohort in the fall of 2026. Learn about the nomination process here.

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.