USAID ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Note from the UAA Board: 

From the April 7, 2025, Newsletter

It may be tempting to think that the events concerning USAID over the past two months may be a part of an elaborate April Fools’ joke. It is not. On Friday March 28^th, the Administration notified Congress that it is basically dissolving USAID and moving its now much-reduced functions to the Department of State. As if to underscore that reality, the news of the earthquake in Myanmar (Burma) has been dominating the international news. Conspicuously so far without help from the American people although the Administration has said it will provide assistance. Many of our active-duty colleagues also received RIF notices.

Your association led by the Board, Executive Committees, and volunteers is busy working on ways to assist and to coordinate efforts with other organizations and the many other folks responding to the demise of USAID. The UAA has organized its efforts along the following lines: Communications and Media, Support to Colleagues (Repatriating Staff, FSNs, US based Staff), Keeper of the Flame (including Foreign Aid 2.0), and coordination with Allied Organizations and Groups.

On another front, several ideas, suggestions, proposals and recommendations have started to appear regarding the future of USAID after merger with State. Two main ones are the recommendations from Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) and a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Lastly, the State Department, in the context of the 2025 budget and the recently passed Continuing Resolution, has submitted a CN which includes the plan for the remainder of FY2025, and plans for absorbing USAID in 2026. This CN explicitly recognizes the need for legislation to implement their plans. The CN can be accessed here.

As always please let us know if you have questions or ideas. We are an all-volunteer association, so we need you to sign up for our various committees. In particular please consider declaring your interest in filling the upcoming Board vacancies. You will be getting more information on this later this month. Finally, do not neglect to read the final article in today’s Newsletter, an open letter to the American people from an FSO in Kampala.

Special Note from the UAA Board:

March 12, 2025
Colleagues,

From the Board of UAA, we are sending out a special note to keep alumni informed about recent events affecting USAID and foreign assistance.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

The U.S Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) is an umbrella organization formed by businesses and NGOs, national security and foreign policy experts, faith-based and community leaders from across the U.S. The USGLC THIS WEEK is sponsoring a letter-writing campaign in support of the “150 Account” which is the Congressional Budget account that funds a number of U.S. international activities, including foreign assistance. During this week USGLC would like USAID alumni to join in letter writing, especially to our Representatives in each of our states. You can get more details by going to the USGLC site: www.usglc.org and/or to www.saferstronger.org.  

ONGOING EFFORTS

1. Staff Repatriation. It now appears that all staff overseas must prepare their travel requests and submit them no later than March 20. Travel will begin shortly thereafter, picking up steam o/a May 30. Staff may request exceptions, and those deemed essential may stay on. At this point the destination of their travel is not clear, though the two likely choices (not necessarily made by staff) will be either Washington DC or Home Leave of Record.

2. Media and Hill Engagement. We have sent out messages to our regional points of contact to engage with alumni in their regions, and through them to their elected representatives. The Ad-Hoc Advocacy group OneAID would be interested in greater involvement by USAID alumni on Hill engagement, regardless of political party or preference. If you would like to participate, please communicate with Tony Prior or Ken Yamashita via office@usaidalumni.org.You can learn more about OneAID on their site: www.oneaidcommunity.org.Separately, there is a team looking for alumni to submit Letters to the Editor and Op-Eds in towns and communities across the U.S. outside of the DMV. They have a team that supports this effort by drafting the letters. If you are interested, please contact NancyFBlackett@gmail.com. The team will reply to you, usually within 24 – 48 hours, with a draft letter that you can submit.  It will even include the mailing address and word count.  Alumni are free to tweak the letters as they see fit but are asked to respect the papers’ word count limits. Also on a local level, there is interest in engaging with community radio interviews on the impact of USAID and foreign assistance. Local radio is an especially important media in small communities as the radio hosts are often trusted sources of news. If you are interested, please contact Hoosier.USA@proton.me

3. Staff Support. We have been looking into how we might financially support staff across all hiring categories. There are a couple of different components to staff support.  One is that UAA has a team looking at providing financial support to both GS and FS who are terminated/RIFed.  That support may be in the form of grants and/or loans, and if the latter we are looking to partner with Lafayette Federal Credit Union (LFCU).  We are continuing discussions about fundraising and about how decisions will be made for distributions from the fund that is created.  We are consulting with former administrators as part of this effort.  Another component is the provision of non-financial services, such as job search, counseling, housing, financial planning, relocation, etc., and that is being managed outside of UAA by other individuals and organizations.  We will report on that significant and active effort later.

4. Multiple organizations are interested in a variety of areas related to knowledge management and legacy, or, as we call it, “Keeping the Flame.” The interests range from preservation of key documents to continuing to highlight the importance of assistance, to discussions around how assistance might be delivered from a State platform. As there are many aspects to this area, UAA is taking part in several lines of action to better understand what interested parties are doing and what is the most useful role for UAA. Keep in mind that UAA has traditionally had a strong program with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST) and their Oral Histories program, along with the American Universities Archives program. We have also partnered with DACOR to host numerous events around topics of interest to the development community and the UAA membership. 

Marco Rubio is picking politics and Putin over decency and democracy | Opinion by Lynn Northcutt Vega, South Florida Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar 2025.  (NOTE:  Lynn Vega is a retired USAID Foreign Service Officer. She is a member of UAA, National Security Leaders for America, and the Society for International Development. She is also on the Board of Directors of DACOR, an association of diplomats and other foreign affairs professionals.)

News About USAID

Unless otherwise stated, the links below are for information purposes only and do not convey the endorsement of the UAA, its members, or its Board.  See: 

1) Bulletin Board, including Statements from UAA about Current Events

2) Articles

3) How Can I Help?  This is a shared Google Doc: please add your name and indicate the area(s) in which you would like to engage. Thank you!  From our conversations during last week’s ExCom and during WinterFest, we have several URGENT areas of activity: Communications and Media Outreach (internal and external, including calls, letters, and social media), Legislative and Judicial Issues and Processes (tracking, informing), Financial Assistance, Support to Repatriated Staff (including evacuees and returning FSOs/IPs/PSCs), and Displaced Domestic CS and FSN Staff. We identified leads for many areas – but we need volunteers to actually get work done. Other areas are important but have reduced urgency at this moment – the list will evolve over time.  

Please let us know if you have questions or ideas. We are eager to hear from you! A reminder that as an all-volunteer association, we need you to sign up for our various committees. Please see the UAA website committee’s page here to read more about what each committee has been up to. Also, a reminder to pay your annual dues for 2025. If you have already done so, thank you!

Calendar

NEW!  [Please note date change.]  On Monday, May 19, from 11:45 to 2:00, there will be a UAA/DACOR Development Dialogue (hybrid) luncheon at DACOR featuring George Ingram, retiring Senior Fellow at the Brookings’ Center for Sustainable Development.  “A Conversation with George Ingram – Where is Development Going?”– Learning from Experience.” Note that George would like this to be a conversation with active audience participation. Click here for more details and the registration link.  

New! Spring Reception – May 29, 2025, 3-5:30 at DACOR Bacon. We’re planning for a hybrid event, and we are seeking a few volunteers to facilitate the discussion. Please reach out to Karen Freeman at ugandakaren@hotmail.com if you can serve as moderator.  This is a free event for UAA members.  RSVP: Please send acceptances no later than May 20 so that we can place orders and plan accordingly.  Please click here to register if you plan to attend in person and indicate guests.  Please click here to register if you plan to join virtually.

New!  Save the date for the Annual “Development Wallahs” picnic.  The picnic will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Rochester, Vermont.  Everyone is welcome and we are looking for a great turnout!  For more information, please contact Ann Van Dusen (avandusen4@gmail.com), Anne Aarnes (ahaarnes@hotmail.com), or Connie Carrino (cacarrino@gmail.com).

New!  Save the date for the annual picnic that will take place on Sept 7 at Ft Hunt Park.  This year we will open the event to UAA members as well as USAID former FSNs here in the U.S. 

Informal Gatherings.  Several concerts this summer at Wolf Trap caught our interest – Chicago will be playing on July 23.  Pink Martini plays on July 29 and Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash on July 31.  Please reach out to Karen Freeman (ugandakaren123@gmail.com) or Margot Ellis (ellismargot@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining us for any of the events. 

USAID ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (UAA) – CALIFORNIA CHAPTER INAUGURAL ZOOM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: FORMER USAID DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR JIM KUNDER, “THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.:  THE CURRENT SITUATION AND FUTURE OF FOREIGN ASSISTANCE”

WEDNESDAY, 23 APRIL 2025

The USAID Alumni Association California Chapter hosted the first “all-California” USAID Zoom from San Diego. The keynote speaker, former USAID Deputy Administrator Jim Kunder, visited San Diego and briefed the online participants about the current situation and future of foreign assistance from a Washington, D.C., perspective. The hour-and-a-half online event included a Question & Answer session. The participants included many USAID retirees already living in California and some USAID personnel planning to move to California within the next few months in response to their Reduction in Force notices. UAA Outreach Committee Co-Chair Christine Sheckler (San Diego) and UAA member Jim Stein (Sacramento) co-hosted the event. UAA Jim Bever and Miles Toder also substantively briefed the participants.

100 USAID Californians are listed – those already living in California and those planning to move here in the next few months from overseas assignments and Washington, D.C. The list is rapidly growing. Approximately 40 of the 100 already reside in California. The UAA California Chapter plans to meet, greet, and support each of our returning USAID colleagues and friends from the field (and D.C.). [N.B. For those USAIDers already residing in California or planning to move here in the next few months who would like to join this initiative, please email Christine Sheckler [cmtsheckler@gmail.com]

Photo: Former USAID Deputy Administrator Jim Kunder discussing US foreign assistance with the UAA California Chapter from San Diego, California. 23 April 2025

After devastating earthquake in Myanmar, China filling vacuum left by USAID’s absence

The true impact of the massive earthquake in Myanmar is starting to reveal itself. The military government says the official death toll is more than 2,000 people and hundreds are still missing. Thousands more are injured and homeless. Nick Schifrin reports on the latest and talks with Chris Milligan, a former USAID mission director to Myanmar on March 31, 2025.  Click here to watch the interview.  

A Somber Winterfest.

On February 23rd, the UAA held its 12th annual Winterfest. Though usually a time for camaraderie, this year’s event was urgent and somber. Several speakers addressed efforts by newly formed advocacy groups focusing on media outreach, mobilization, and engagement, along with actions taken by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA). Members voiced pressing concerns about the status of current officers serving overseas, the treatment of returning families, and the well-being of the foreign service nationals who have dedicated their lives and careers to the U.S. government. Initially set for 3:00 – 5:00 pm, the event extended well beyond its scheduled time as members participated in intense and passionate discussions. Despite the heartbreak, Winterfest strengthened our shared commitment to one another, our mission, and those USAID has served for nearly 64 years.  Click here to see photos of this event. 

UAA/DACOR Development Dialogue: 

Prof. Danny Leipziger spoke on Industrial Policy

On Friday, April 4, 2025, GWU Professor and long-time World Bank economist Danny Leipziger spoke at a UAA/DACOR Development Dialogue (hybrid) luncheon session at DACOR.  His engaging and thought-provoking topic was “Is Industrial Policy Still a Dirty Word?”  He provided a great synthesis of evolving views on industrial policy, with useful references to history and to contributions of eminent researchers and to World Bank thinking and policy as well.  To access the full session video click here.  

UAA/DACOR Development Dialogue: 

Dr. Charles Pannenborg and Richard Seifman on The Severe Impact of a Plastics Pandemic

“The Severe Impact of a Plastics Pandemic” was the topic of the UAA/DACOR Development Dialogue on Friday, February 7, 2025. Dr. Charles “Ok” Pannenborg and Richard Seifman led attendees (both in-person and on-line) through the very serious health concerns– including fertility ramifications — caused by the already widespread and increasingly dangerous presence of plastic in everyone’s lives. If you missed it, please click here to see the video.  

UAA Development Issues Committee Dialogue:  

Karen Mathiasen on the World Bank “Livable Planet” Vision

Karen Mathiasen, Director of the Project on Multilateral Development Banks at the Center for Global Development was the featured speaker at a Development Issues Discussion on January 23, 2025. Ms. Mathiasen shared insights into the World Bank’s “Livable Planet” vision under its President Ajay Banga. This vision places emphasis on adapting to climate change, reducing poverty, addressing pandemic threats and digitization. The discussion also turned to the challenges of securing and targeting financial resources to lower income countries to fight climate change. The opening remarks and later discussion touched on the growing uncertainty about the United States’ role in international development and support for multilateral development banks in light of recent actions by the new administration.  Click here to watch a video of this discussion.  

UAA/DACOR Development Dialogue: 

Prof. Shanta Devarajan on Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

On January 22, 2025, Georgetown Professor Shanta Devarajan spoke at a UAA/DACOR lunch session at DACOR (and to an on-line crowd, too) about what has been learned from the recent economic and political upheaval of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – what he describes as the “cost of denial”.  Click here to watch a video of the program.

“The Enduring Struggle:  The History of the U.S. Agency for International Development and America’s Uneasy Transformation of the World “

by John Norris

John Norris‘ book, The Enduring Struggle – The History of the Agency for International Development and America’s Uneasy Transformation of the World, was published in July 2021. In a short review, Foreign Affairs wrote:  “This comprehensive history of the U.S. Agency for International Development…deserves to be read by all students of U.S. foreign policy.”  A very positive review of The Enduring Struggle by Mary Jane Maxwell has recently been published in the Journal of World History.  (Read it here.)  Copies may be purchased from the publisher at a 30 percent discount by using the form at this link.  Alumni with suggestions for events that will popularize the book or to generate reviews should send their suggestions to Alex Shakow at ashakow@comcast.net. 

Additions to the Bibliography of USAID Authors

Supporting Our Mission Israel LE Staff Colleagues Via the FSN Emergency Relief Fund

Our colleagues, especially the Locally Employed Staff at Mission Israel and those residing in Gaza, are directly affected by the war between Israel and Hamas.  This includes those working for USAID. 

AFSA would like to draw attention to the opportunity for all of us to meaningfully support our colleagues by giving to the FSN Emergency Relief Fund. We urge you to continue reading here to learn more about this Fund and to explore how you can lend your support.  

Emergency Relief Funds for Ukraine:  for FSNs and for Ukrainian Citizens

For information about contributing to relief of the Ukraine emergency, including the FSN Emergency Relief Fund and ways to support the people of Ukraine compiled by DACOR Bacon House Foundation’s Development Office, click here.

UAA Partnership with American University Library Archives

Since 2019 the American University Library Archives have welcomed donations of AID alumni personal memorabilia of their USAID service. The UAA has now established a partnership with the Archives to support the preparation, processing, and making available to researchers of these papers, including those donated by the UAA and by individual alumni and others.  We envision the program will continue for five or more years; after two years the Archivist and UAA will assess the program’s effectiveness before committing for the additional years.  The UAA has pledged an initial sum of $10,000 over two years ($5,000 each year) to finance student interns to help prepare and organize these papers and make them more easily available. The funding for this program is drawn entirely from contributions made to the AID history project, which included the clear hope that the book would stimulate further study and understanding of AID’s more than 60 years of development history. AID alumni are strongly urged to consider donating their memorabilia to this collection. (See https://usaidalumni.org/uaa-and-american-university-archives-opportunity-for-usaid-alumni/)