This

THIS (pronounced T-H-I-S) for Diplomats, The Hospitality and Information Service, was organized in 1961 at the request of the Chief of Protocol of the United States to help new diplomats and their families adapt to life in the United States. Today there are more than 180 foreign missions in the capital with more than 4,000 diplomatic families residing in the Washington DC metropolitan area. THIS greets newly arriving diplomats and their families to the Washington area with welcome receptions and information about the opportunities and resources in the local area. Diplomats are offered services and programs which are useful both personally and professionally and include cultural exchange groups in 8 languages, "insider tours" to democratic institutions and historical landmarks, cultural events and the opportunity to freely exchange ideas and information with distinguished speakers on topics of worldwide concern. All the endeavors of THIS are designed to fulfill our Mission: "To promote international understanding and friendship through educational, informational and cultural exchanges with members of the diplomatic community in Washington, DC." This mission springs from our core belief in the power of Citizen Diplomacy - that is the building of understanding and personal relationships between ordinary individuals from different countries. We believe that these warm exchanges between individuals can grow into positive relationships between countries. In President Dwight D. Eisenhower's words, "If only people will get together, then so eventually will nations." Learn more about THIS in this video!