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In honor of Benjamin Franklin In 2002, the Public Affairs Office changed its name from the United States Information Service (USIS) to Franklin Center, to honor Benjamin Franklin, who is considered one of the first international American celebrities and one of the most intriguing men of the 18th Century. He is also considered to be the first American diplomat who influenced scientific investigation, inventions, education, political journalism, while at the same time playing a very important role in the struggle for American independence from Great Britain. |
The main goals of the Public Diplomacy Offices of the Department of State are to strengthen U.S. relations with other countries, to support the development of democratic principles and to promote greater understanding abroad of the thought, feelings, history and culture of the American people.
These goals are achieved through a wide range of information and cultural programs managed by the Franklin Center in Santo Domingo by three foreign service officers: a Public Affairs Officer, a Cultural Attaché and a Press Attaché. There are over 200 Public Diplomacy Offices in more than 140 countries. In the Dominican Republic this office is called the Franklin Center, and includes a Press and Information Section and a Cultural Section.
The Cultural Section manages various educational, cultural and information exchange programs focused on issues of bilateral interest in support of American foreign policy objectives, as well as local development goals.
The Information Section distributes many publications and electronic information on political, economic, social and cultural issues. Through a unique virtual library developed in 2004, the Information Resource Center at the Franklin Center reaches out to Dominicans throughout the country who have access to the Internet. World-wide there are also more than 100 Information Resource Centers with state of the art technology that offer information services to government officials, journalists, researchers and academics.
The State Department maintains a website that provides both time-sensitive and in-depth information in five languages. The site includes full transcripts of speeches, congressional testimony, articles by Administration officials, and materials providing analysis of key issues. Other materials include on-line publications dealing with democratic development, trade, security, and other issues. Visit the International Information Programs site at http://www.america.gov/.
Officers
Gary Keith
Franklin Center Director and Counselor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy
Robin Busse
Cultural Attaché
David Searby
Press Attaché
Address:
José Andrés Aybar Castellanos #71, El Vergel
E-Mail: pas@usemb.gov.do
Telephone: (809) 566-3131
Fax: (809) 381-0066
Information Resource Center
(809) 549-3739
Our offices remain closed during Dominican and American holidays
All our services are free of charge.
