Warden Messages

Consulate Recruits U.S. Citizen Wardens

November 9, 2005

With the almost universal usage of cell phones and e-mail, the need for the Consular Section to distribute “warden messages” of important information through a volunteer telephone tree network has virtually disappeared so long as e-mail works. We now contact all registered Americans directly.

Nevertheless, there are still many occasions where the Consular Section may seek to call upon individual American citizens to help provide informal assistance to other American citizens in distress. The Consular Section therefore keeps a roster of such American resident wardens throughout the consular district (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui.) The position is voluntary, unofficial, not registered with the Chinese government nor publicized in any way. There is no compensation other than the sincere appreciation of the U.S. government and, hopefully, the appreciation of any American in distress who receives assistance.

What do wardens do? They transmit emergency messages to Americans that cannot be contacted by any other means. They might visit Americans in the hospital who are otherwise impossible to reach. They might arrange an informal meeting with other local Americans and an official visitor to the area from the Consulate or Embassy. They might agree to help in other ways in situations that we have never faced before.

What don’t wardens do? They don’t loan money to people in distress. They don’t issue passports or visas. They don’t identify bodies. They don’t visit people in jail or represent people in court.

What are the qualifications to be a warden?

You must be an American citizen of at least 18 years of age, legally resident in China and registered with the Consular Section.

A cell phone number and an email address

While it is helpful, a warden does not need to be able to speak Chinese. Having a family member or a close friend who could provide translation assistance is a big plus.

The Consular Section will not release the names or contact information of any warden to anyone outside the U.S. government without the warden’s permission. In general it would be the Consular Section that would contact the warden first with a request to help another American in distress. It is possible that if a warden becomes well known in his or her area, that others may refer an American in distress directly to the warden. In those situations the warden is always welcome to insist that the American contact the Consular Section directly.

If you would like to serve as a warden, please contact the Consular Section by fax at 21-6217-2072 or by email to ShanghaiACS@state.gov We will then send you a “Warden Agreement” which you need to complete, sign, and return to the Consular Section.

The Consular Section encourages all Americans (residents and visitors) to register here.