Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.Announcing new local advocacy initiative: Summer of Action
The Alliance is excited to announce a new local advocacy initiative for members, supporters, and exchange stakeholders: Summer of Action. #ExchangesStartHere #StrongerCommunities #GlobalConnections
Building Champions One Meeting at a Time: Advocacy Day 2024
By: Andrea Bodine Nearly a month ago now, Alliance members arrived in Washington DC to raise their voices in support of international exchange programs. This year’s event on March 7 brought an exciting, and somewhat hectic, energy to Capitol Hill with the looming...
Same Number, Different Story: Takeaways from the President’s FY25 Budget Request
The FY25 request includes a proposed 1% increase ($656 million) for the IA Budget from the FY23 adjusted enacted level, raising it to $64.4 billion. Within that funding, Educational and Cultural Exchange Program (ECE) funding has been allocated $777.5 million (DOS Budget Appendix, pg. 751-752), which is the same amount as the current FY23 enacted level.
Ensuring Programmatic Integrity: Commenting on the Au Pair Proposed Regulation
By Mark Overmann A critical area of the Alliance’s advocacy efforts is engaging in the Department of State’s regulatory processes. When the Department proposes changes to the function and implementation of a program, the Alliance engages impacted members, partners,...
Meeting Unfulfilled Demand: $808.6 million for exchange programs in FY25
The Appropriations Working Group recently decided on an ask of $808.6 million for DOS educational and cultural exchanges (ECE) in FY25. Here’s how we arrived at that number.
Au Pair Program Clarifying Regulation
Background: On October 30, 2023, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the Department of State (DOS) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) outlining significant regulatory changes to the federal au pair cultural exchange program. These...
Our 2024 Commitments to Alliance Members
The Alliance shares its 2024 vision and commitments to its membership.
Open Position: Assistant Director and Head of Advocacy and Government Relations
The Assistant Director and Head of Advocacy and Government Relations plays a critical role in the Alliance’s advocacy and government relations work on behalf of the U.S. international exchange community, as well as in the development and management of member services. The Assistant Director develops strategies for Congressional advocacy and maintains a wide range of Capitol Hill and federal agency contacts to encourage policies and legislation favorable to international education and exchange. The position further monitors, analyzes, and reports legislative and executive developments and plays a core role in the Alliance’s policy development. As the second-ranking member of a small staff, the Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in Alliance strategy, Board of Directors relations, member engagement, and the general management of the association.
Building Unity and Community: Reflections on 2023
Happy 30th anniversary to the Alliance! Three decades is no small feat. The Alliance’s longevity is a testament to the resilience of its ideals. As a diverse group of organizations united by a common purpose, we know that our collective efforts make us stronger. ...
Register for Advocacy Day 2024 today!
Registration for Advocacy Day 2024 is now live! Register by Monday, February 5 to make your voice heard.