Consular Corps Brings Together Range of Key Diplomats by Heather Nalbone Rapid changes brought about by the formation of the Department of Homeland Securityóincreased visa regulations, laws regarding international travel, and heightened citizenship fees to offset security costsóhave affected no segment of the American population quite like they have affected the diplomatic community. And within the diplomatic ranks, no group has been hit quite as hard as embassy consulars, whose daily work entails everything from assisting in immigration matters to handling tax issues for people living away from their home countries. These career diplomats, who are at the core of every embassy in Washington, face increasing difficulties in a post-9/11 America. Thatís where the Consular Corps comes in. Noticing a need for networking opportunities and community-oriented support back in 1968, former Chilean consular Hernan Navarro began arranging regular meetings to bring together some of the diplomatic communityís most key players. An initial group of roughly 25 members met monthly to discuss issues and challenges of the day. Thirty-five years later, 90 diplomats and professionals from more than 30 countries still assemble on the third Wednesday of every month. "It is really like a big family," said Peter Lindgren, the corpsí current president and consular to the Embassy of Sweden. Lately, a sizable portion of the groupís regular luncheons has included security experts who discuss new visa restrictions, the Patriot Act and related issues. Peter LaPorte, director of the Washington Emergency Management Agency, spent two hours discussing the regionís preparedness plans during a recent Consular Corps meeting. In addition, an official from the State Departmentís visa section discussed the dangers of money laundering. The need for such seminars, Lindgren said, is evident by the high volume of questions that follow each presentation. "It is quite useful to get to meet with each other and share information in an informal way," Lindgren said. "This is the only diplomatic group in Washington trying to create a forum for sharing this type of information." Although there is a certain necessary focus on security issues, the organizationís main focus is still what it was 35 years ago: camaraderie and support. Members get together for happy hours as well as trips to the U.S. Supreme Court, holiday parties and meetings with representatives from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The corpsí also celebrated its 35th anniversary with a formal gala this past month. Membership is open to anyone whose work relates to the business of international travel and relocation. In addition to consulars, there are consuls and vice consuls as well as hotel managers, bankers, Justice Department officials and local government employees who participate as supporting and associate members according to their full-time professions. The roster has even included professionals as diverse as furniture rental store managers and a Budget Rent-a-Car employee. The idea is that with better, more expansive contacts comes improved work performance and service. "Itís excellent for networking," said Katherine Moss, a supporting member and president of Diplomatsí Washington, Inc. "Diplomatsí Washington Ö presents seminars for new diplomats as they hit the ground. Itís important for us to know about the latest challenges, so as a [Consular Corps] member, Iím right there to hear what those are. Itís a wonderful way to stay completely in touch with the most immediate needs and challenges." Although membership is limited to those who have some type of direct connection to the diplomatic community, the only requirement to attend luncheon seminars is an interest in the topic at hand. "Many times, consulars will invite others from their embassies when something pertains to their work," Moss noted. Her only grievance? Although the organization has "great representation" from several countries in Western Europe and elsewhere, the Consular Corps could always benefit from expanded membership. "We have very good participation by Indians, for instance, but wouldnít it be great to have some members from Sri Lanka?" Moss said. In the meantime, diversity comes in the form of featured luncheon speakers. An October presentation by Sherryl Hobbs-Newman, secretary of the District of Columbia, was followed by a planned November seminar led by Albert Eisele, editor of The Hill. Navarro, the founder and now president emeritus of the Consular Corps, described the group this way: "Itís been working pretty well for everybody, and it continues to work. Itís a hundred times more important today than it was in the beginning." Heather Nalbone is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.