Home Is Where the Impact Is: The Importance of Local Advocacy

Global connections, local impact. If international exchange programs had a slogan, I’d say this phrase would be high on the list of contenders. 

Of course, international exchange programs are global in nature: it’s right there in the first word. But what’s often overlooked about exchanges is that local part, and just how important they are to American and American communities' safety, security, and prosperity. 90% of the Department of State exchange program budget is spent on Americans or in America, and every year, all 50 states host international students, scholars, and professionals, 15,000 Americans participate in Department of State exchanges, and 280,000 Americans study abroad. 

With such a strong American constituency, it is vital that our advocacy as exchange champions occurs not just online or in DC but across the country. This summer, the Alliance will be facilitating its second annual Summer of Action, a local advocacy campaign from Memorial Day through Labor Day to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of international exchange programs on Americans and their local communities. Last year, Alliance members and partners engaged with 51 Congressional offices in 26 states, and we’re only looking to grow and deepen that engagement as we enter this summer. 

Local advocacy matters deeply to our collective work. It’s an opportunity to foster new relationships with Congressional offices and staff, inform them about the importance of exchanges to their communities and constituencies, and reinforce the messaging and requests we’re circulating on the Hill in Washington, DC. 

This summer, we all can take action and make our voices heard on behalf of exchange programs. Below are a few ways to get started: 

• Write to Your Members of Congress: Tell Congress to reject President’s FY26 budget proposal threatening to eliminate ECA (read more about the proposed budget here) and support funding for international exchange programs through our advocacy campaign. 

• Visit Your Member of Congress’ state or district office: Reinforce our ask in person by meeting with Congressional staff based in your home state and district. Here you can find tips and tricks to get a meeting in the books. 

Member Reflections: Summer of Action

This summer, the Alliance led a local advocacy initiative from Memorial Day through Labor Day to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of international exchange programs on Americans and their communities. Summer of Action served as an opportunity for all Alliance member organizations and fellow exchange champions to show Members of Congress and their local offices the ways in which educational and cultural exchanges make their states and districts stronger. Nearly 20 Alliance members and partners engaged with 51 congressional offices in their states and districts, increasing awareness of international exchange programs throughout the U.S. 

Below are reflections from three Alliance members on their Summer of Action participation: 

Julie Ball, Director of Marketing and External Communications, AFS-USA
On July 8th, a dedicated group from AFS-USA including myself, my colleague Natalie Rehberger (YES program alum), and Chaitanya Dandekar (NSLI-Y program alum) met virtually with Maron Alemu, District Director at the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY08). Our mission was to spotlight the transformative power and profound community impact of exchange programs within New York. 

A great conversation ensued with Natalie and Chaitanya illustrating the lasting influence their exchange experiences have had on their lives and families. Natalie, who is now the Sponsored Programs Hosting Specialist at AFS-USA, described the lasting bonds she created with her host family in Indonesia and how her time abroad inspired the trajectory of her career. Chaitanya, who now volunteers for AFS-USA, hopes to inspire other students to go abroad and become global citizens. Maron engaged with thoughtful questions, demonstrating an interest in our programs and expressing a strong willingness to champion international exchange initiatives in the future. It is not every day that I get to express the passion I have for what I do at AFS-USA. I was proud to represent the international exchange community in this meeting and believe that through this type of advocacy, we are making the world a better place.

Kristin Friedman, Director of Program Services, AuPairCareThis summer, I had the opportunity to join three AuPairCare host families in engaging with several members of Congress during the Summer of Action in Maryland. On July 19, 2024, we met in person with Congressman John Sarbanes (MD) and his staff member, Hunter Craig, Casework and Field Representative. On July 30, 2024, we held a virtual meeting with Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD) and his staff member, Sarah Schenning, Legislative Director.The host families shared their cultural exchange experiences, describing how seamlessly their au pairs have integrated into their families, celebrated traditions, and become active community members. They discussed how these exchanges have enriched their family’s lives and provided them with the flexibility to pursue their careers and new ventures. They also noted the childcare shortage surge is hurting working families and stressed the importance of the au pair program in providing reliable childcare. The families also talked about how moving to a new country can be both challenging and exciting for au pairs, offering them opportunities to learn new languages and adapt to different cultural norms, which enhances personal growth and global awareness. It was heartwarming to hear the genuine appreciation these host families have for the au pair program. They highlighted the economic benefits, such as reliable childcare for working families, and noted how international participants contribute to the local economy through spending on attractions, retail, food, entertainment, education, and travel. The host families also valued how the program brings diverse cultures into their homes, allowing their children to learn about the world and exposure in a multilingual home. With over 20 years of combined experience hosting au pairs, the families have built lasting relationships with former au pairs and understand the diplomatic benefits of cultural exchange programs, which promote diplomacy and reduce conflicts. I believe their heartfelt stories made a strong impression on the Congressman and staff and also provided me with direct advocates for future advocacy efforts.

Kali A. Wright, Program Coordinator, InterExchange - Camp USA
On July 26th Nicole Leonard, Field Director for NY-19 Rep. Marc Molinaro, visited Lions Camp Badger (LCB) to learn about Bridge USA participants and their impact on local communities. I am personally affiliated with NY-19 due to my 8-year history of working at Lions Camp Badger, a summer camp for people of all ages with disabilities. The congressional visit process began as a hallway meeting during the Alliance’s Advocacy Day with one of the Congressman’s DC staffers. As part of my pre-meeting research, I learned that Rep. Molinaro has an autistic daughter and is very active in disability services and advocacy. Based on my experience in special needs camping, I knew this was my foot in the door to introduce him to Bridge USA’s Camp Counselor program. I used this brief meeting to invite him to visit LCB and meet some InterExchange participants. Ms. Leonard met participants from Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Bolivia, and more, and asked them valuable questions about their experiences. Similarly, she spoke with the camp director who stressed that LCB could not function without the international counselor program. This was surprising to Nicole, and she expressed genuine curiosity to learn about the impact our programs have on local businesses. I truly believe Ms. Leonard left with significantly increased understanding and interest in our work, as well as the personal impact it has on communities. In our follow-up conversations she stressed how grateful she was to experience camp and learn about our programs that allow camp to flourish. Just like Advocacy Day, this was an inspirational reminder that not only is it a privilege to advocate for our programs and host communities, but also that it is our duty as experts in the field.We are grateful to all those who participated in this year’s Summer of Action. This initiative would not have been possible without your efforts and engagement. 

Summer of Action 2024: Midpoint Highlights and Reflections

It’s hard to believe that August is nearly here, and with it, the last push for Summer of Action! As we enter the final month of this new initiative, I find it helpful to take stock of the work we have done so far to drive us forward in the coming weeks.

Thanks to Alliance members and their network partners, we have commitments for engagement with 48 Members of Congress in their states or districts around the country. These efforts spearheaded by 16 community lead organizations in more than 20 states showcase the breadth and depth of the international exchange community, while also building awareness and fostering connections with policymakers whose constituencies directly benefit from these programs and their impact.

Please see below three fantastic examples of recent Summer of Action activities:

• Staff from Sen. Susan Collins (D-ME) joined 55 Work and Travel participants for a Cultural Homestay International J-1 Welcome Orientation in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

• The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire hosted Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for a moderated conversation on the outcomes of the 2024 NATO summit.

• AuPairCare staff and three Maryland au pair host families met with staff from Rep. John Sarbanes' (D-MD, 3) office in Columbia.

Local advocacy is a critical component of the Alliance's work. This is especially true as threats to exchange programs continue to emerge, most recently with last month’s House amendments. Building relationships with local communities and congressional staff through efforts like Summer of Action helps to reinforce the our work in DC and ensures these threats are handily defeated with bipartisan support.

If you are interested in participating in Summer of Action and have not already committed, there is still time to get involved! Check out our list of key communities to see if there are areas where your organization would like to lead a Summer of Action effort ahead of Labor Day. Members of Congress in communities where we don’t yet have a lead organization include Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA, 14), among others. For more general information on Summer of Action, please visit our website page or reach out to me at abodine@alliance-exchange.org.

Bringing Life to Foreign Policy: Summer Work Travel and Camp Counselor Program Impact Webinar

What do a water park in Wildwood, New Jersey and a summer camp in Wilmot, New Hampshire have in common? They both engage with and benefit from educational and cultural exchange programs!

On April 17, the Alliance hosted a webinar for the Summer Work Travel and Camp Counselor network focused on actionable strategies to enhance awareness and understanding of the benefits of these programs in local communities nationwide.

We are grateful to all those who were able to join the webinar. A recording of the conversation can be accessed here.

Special thanks to:

• Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Rebecca Pasini for her featured remarks

• Jonas Arjes, Executive Vice President/Chief Economic Development Officer for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce; Denise Beckson, Vice President and Officer at Morey's Piers; Scott Brody, Owner and Director, Camps Kenwood and Evergreen and Board Member, American Camp Association; Mike Snider, Mayor of the City of Port Clinton, Ohio for participating in the panel discussion

• Tanya Burovtseva, Director, External Engagement at InterExchange and Tracy Taylor, Government Relations Counsel at Alignment Government Strategies for their partnership in planning the webinar

Announcing new local advocacy initiative: Summer of Action

In the lead up to the November presidential and congressional elections, it is critical for the international exchange community and its partners to engage in advocacy at the local level in communities across the U.S. Exchange programs make significant economic and social contributions to states, cities, and towns across the country, and communicating these contributions to elected officials is critical to ensuring program sustainability and longevity.

Summer of Action is an Alliance-led initiative from Memorial Day through Labor Day to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of international exchange programs on Americans and their local communities.

Throughout the summer, Alliance members, supporters, and partners will be responsible for spreading #ExchangesImpact organizing a meeting with a Member of Congress' district office or inviting them to attend an event with exchange participants and stakeholders.

We encourage all advocates for exchange programs to join us in sharing the impact of these programs on Americans and the communities they live in by taking to social media and sharing participant stories and impact data using the hashtags #ExchangesStartHere #StrongerCommunties #GlobalConnections.

Please contact Senior Manager for Policy and Government Relations Andrea Bodine at abodine@alliance-exchange.org with any Summer of Action questions.