On August 7, 2024, as part of the American Red Cross 2024 International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign, a select group of talented youth advocates and interns were given the opportunity to attend a tour of the Department of State’s National Museum of American Diplomacy, followed by a session with Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of Nuclear Affairs Alexandra Bell and Director of the Office of Policy Coordination Charles Mahaffey.

The exhibit on American diplomacy was informative and valuable for the representatives, highlighting the importance and challenges of diplomacy for national security, prosperity, and democracy. The conversation with State Department officials centered around the ideas of security, prosperity, democracy, and development regarding the complex issue of nuclear weapons and armed conflict. During the discussion of each topic, they provided ample information and examples of how American diplomacy has been used in various areas to achieve important policy goals.

The discussion and subsequent question and answer session with DAS Alexandra Bell and Director Charles Mahffey were very enlightening and impactful for all involved. The youth representatives learned valuable information ranging from the speaker’s important work to how the youth advocates could get involved. Many advocates demonstrated their proactiveness, asking about the speaker’s backgrounds, how they came to be in their current roles, and how youth could get involved now to eventually lead such important work. In addition, there were several profound questions about policies regarding nuclear weapons and energy. One advocate revealed her thorough research by citing a specific section of Article III of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in her question. The speakers were impressed by the advocates' enthusiasm and knowledge during the discussion.

After the discussion, advocates were in awe and amazed at the speakers’ perseverance, with many expressing their desire to be like them someday. DAS Alexandra Bell notably expressed her pride in female advocates and encouraged them to push through adversity in such a male-dominated field. She hoped to see the advocates join the State Department one day. Additionally, several advocates demonstrated their strong networking skills, receiving business cards of DAS Bell and Director Mahffey. One advocate even received the business card of another diplomat working at the State Department. To conclude, the speakers and advocates took a group picture and Summit participants said their goodbyes to the inspiring speakers, capping off an incredible experience for all the youth advocates and American Red Cross staff involved.

SUMMARY: On August 7, 2024, as part of the American Red Cross 2024 International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign, a group of talented youth advocates and interns toured the Department of State’s National Museum of American Diplomacy, followed by a session with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Affairs Alexandra Bell and Director of the Office of Policy Coordination Charles Mahaffey. The exhibit and following discussion were very impactful and inspiring for everyone involved. The American Red Cross expresses its appreciation to the State Department for working with us to make this enlightening experience take place!