Following the historic election of the United States to the U.N Human Rights Council, a round table was held at the Department of State to engage experts from the NGO field in a dialogue on strategy as Ambassador Rice prepares to move forward as a representative within the international body.  Representatives of Vital Voices attended the discussion, in which advocates echoed one another in urging that the United States “be bold” in its defense of human rights around the world.  Among specific issue areas mentioned for a role that will be assumed formally in September, women’s rights and violence against women were cited among the highest priorities.  The implementation of collaborative efforts and authentically bi-lateral and multi-lateral diplomacy were agreed to be essential methods of advocacy and activism on the part of the United States as the nation advances issues of human rights to the forefront of international political agendas.