USAID ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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Update on the New UAA Strategic Framework

Since the dismantling of USAID in 2025, UAA has undertaken a strategic planning process, informed by member input, to redefine its role going forward.

The new framework focuses on three priorities: building a stronger UAA through membership growth, organizational capacity, communications, partnerships, and sustainable resources; preserving and applying the knowledge and experience of development and humanitarian professionals to help shape the future of U.S. foreign assistance; and strengthening member value and support through professional and social connections, career assistance, information, and advocacy.

The strategy represents an evolution in UAA’s role—from primarily supporting its members to also preserving the legacy of U.S. development and humanitarian assistance and helping shape its future. Click here for more details on the new vision, mission, and strategic pillars—and how you can help UAA meet this moment and build for the future.   August 18, 2026

Note from the UAA Board, September 8, 2026

We hope you have had a fantastic summer and are looking forward to an engaging fall with the UAA as we roll out our new strategy.

We had a terrific turnout of around 300 members for the End of Summer Picnic. These events are an important part of what makes UAA special: the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy the community we built together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Social Committee and to everyone who came early to set up and stayed late to help clean up.

As we look ahead, please join us for two important September events.

• On September 9, we will host a member-only discussion of the report, “What Does America Want from Its Foreign Assistance Program? Strategic Options and Policy-Leader Priorities in a Time of Peer Competition and Partisan Discord,” by our own Jim Kunder, Laura Pavlovic, and Ramsey Day.

• On September 15 at noon, please join us to meet the 10 candidates for the UAA Board. Candidates will address two key questions: Why do you want to serve on the UAA Board, and how would you use your position to better serve members—including those outside the DMV, former GS and FSN employees, and former Institutional Support Contractors?

We hope you had a chance to read our recent email about UAA’s new strategic framework. The new strategic framework was shaped by your input and centers on three priorities: building a stronger UAA; preserving and applying our professional knowledge; and strengthening member value. It represents an important evolution in UAA’s role—from primarily supporting our members to also preserving the legacy of U.S. development and humanitarian assistance and helping shape its future.

We need your experience, ideas, and engagement to help UAA meet this moment and build for the future. Please visit the UAA website for more details and help us put the new strategy into action.

And please don’t forget to nominate a colleague or friend for the UAA Alumni of the Year Award. Think about the alumni you know who continue to make a difference through their professional work, volunteer service, community leadership, advocacy, scholarship, mentoring, entrepreneurship, or other contributions. Please submit nominations electronically to office@usaidalumni.org by September 30, 2026.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Annual General Meeting at the end of October!

Calendar

Resource Directory for Involuntarily Separated USAID Staff (click here)

UAA Alumni of the Year Awards
Call for Nominations

The USAID Alumni Association’s Alumni of the Year Awards recognize outstanding UAA members whose contributions since leaving USAID have made a meaningful difference to their communities and to others at home and/or abroad.

Established in 2014, the Alumni of the Year Awards have honored 19 exceptional alumni whose accomplishments and service exemplify the values, commitment, and spirit of the USAID community. Many other alumni also deserve recognition, and the UAA Board Awards Committee needs your help identifying them.

Nominees may be based in the United States or abroad. Past recipients have included former Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). We continue to encourage you to consider all UAA members whether former FSNs, political appointees, institutional service contractors, direct hires, USPSCs, and others. To receive the award, nominees must be, or become, members of UAA.

How and When to Submit

Please submit nominations electronically to office@usaidalumni.org by September 30, 2026.  Nominations received after the deadline cannot be considered. The 2026 award recipient(s) will be notified in advance and recognized at the UAA Annual General Meeting in October 2026.

Further details are available here.

USAID Knowledge Rescue – Donation Request, and How to Participate

The USAID Knowledge Rescue initiative has rescued hundreds of thousands of public-facing documents, photo libraries and websites, and interviewed hundreds of former USAID staff, since February 2025.   Under UAA and AID Transition Alliance the initiative is now evolving into a broader development knowledge effort, with the launch of the Development Knowledge Commons website at the Global Knowledge Summit – Dublin at the end of June, on this Platform. These efforts are vital to preserve a significant portion of development knowledge and enable expansion over time beyond USAID knowledge. The new Development Commons platform is expected to provide for document rescue, search and access with an initial 112,000 documents. Over the coming weeks, additional documents will be added, totaling well over 275,000 individual files.  In addition, an AI-assisted tool is being developed to assess and learn from some 500 interviews and oral histories of former USAID staff.  Integrating knowledge from the interviews and documents may bring to light a wide array of lessons learned and enable further analysis. This knowledge will help practitioners, researchers, foundations, governments and aid agencies worldwide, and help ensure that future development and humanitarian assistance efforts are based on lessons learned from the past and present.

The USAID Knowledge Rescue initiative is sponsored by the Aid Transition Alliance (AidTA) with fiscal oversight by Forward Global.  The Initiative is implemented by the USAID Knowledge Rescue Initiative through the close operational collaboration of the USAID Alumni Association (UAA), the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST), and a Paris-based development archive, Coherent Digital.

We need funding and volunteers to expand the collection, improve features, and stand up a peer community of practitioners.  We also want to interview you!   We will soon be reaching out to UAA members who expressed interest in getting involved in these efforts through the 2026 UAA Survey.  If you would like to get involved, but didn’t note your interest through the survey, you can sign up to volunteer at volunteer-coordinator@development-commons.org.

And if you are interested in being interviewed on your experiences in USAID that you feel may be valuable for ‘development 2.0”, let us know here. If you want to organize a group interview on a specific USAID topic, country or problem area contact atwooddavida@gmail.com.

Tony Pryor, USAID Knowledge Rescue Co-Chair and UAA Board Member Stacey Young, USAID Knowledge Rescue Co-Chair and former Chief Knowledge Officer of USAID

And take a look at the list of other UAA committees to see how you could get involved in any other aspect of our Association; the UAA belongs to all of us and can use your involvement!

Elections to UAA Board 2026: 

Updated Information on Board Elections

We have a rich field of strong and talented candidates for the upcoming election for new Board members. Since there are nine candidates, (see below) running for two positions, we plan to hold a virtual candidates forum at 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (GMT – 4) on September 15. This will allow UAA members to have more information about candidates to inform their choices. Each candidate will be given approximately five minutes for self-introduction and to respond to prepared questions.

UAA Board Candidates (2026) [link to candidate statements]
Alexious Butler
Margaret Ennis Spears
Lela Kerashvili
Cheryl “Cherie” Klein
Nitin Madhav
Andrew Plitt
Jeanne Pryor
William (Bill) Schaedla
Curt Wolters

Elections will take place by on-line ballot from September 14 through October 16. Results will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on October 30.

Please register for the September 15 session by September 11 by clicking here.
Questions and comments may be directed to Nominating Committee Members Jeanne Briggs, Christine Sheckler and Stephen Haykin.

Calling All Members – Seeking new Committee Co-Chairs & Members

During this time of change in and reinvention of international cooperation, the USAID Alumni Association (UAA) is more active than ever. UAA’s responsiveness, accomplishments, and productivity rely on the active participation of our members on the committees. The UAA Board is actively seeking new co-chairs and members for our UAA committees (see descriptions below):

• Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• Awards
• Development Issues
• Finance and Administration
• Membership
• Peer Support
• Public Outreach
• Regional Activities
• Social Events
• USAID History/ADST

We hope you will consider joining and working on one or more of these committees. Please let us know of your interest by sending an email to office@usaidalumni.org.  Click here to see committee descriptions.

GAO Seeks Former USAID Officers for Closeout Assessment

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has contacted the USAID Alumni Association for assistance with their review of foreign assistance pauses and award terminations. Congress has tasked the GAO with assessing the resulting costs or savings to the U.S. government, as well as the impact on workforce reductions at State and USAID.

The GAO is specifically looking to identify grants officers and former USAID employees—including AORs/CORs, certifying officers, and procurement officers—who can speak about the award termination process and how it may have changed after January 2025. Additionally, they are seeking HCTM-related officers to discuss workforce reductions.

A background paper with further details can be found HERE.

If you are willing to share your expertise, please contact J.P. Avila-Tournut (AvilaTournutJ@gao.gov) and Amanda Jones Bartine (BartineA@gao.gov).

Announcing UAA Speakers Bureau

The new UAA Speakers Bureau hosted a kickoff training session on March 27, 2026, focused on effective presentation techniques for engaging the American public about foreign assistance. Three experts presented their approaches: Paul Bolton (Aid On The Hill) shared his methodology for conducting local community meetings to build support for foreign assistance, Rachel Peniston (Aid On The Hill) explained how local conversations connect to policy-making in Washington, and Martha Van Lieshout (USGLC) provided communications tips and USGLC resources for community outreach. The session addressed challenges around messaging terminology, with participants discussing the effectiveness of using “international assistance” versus “foreign aid” and exploring ways to connect kitchen table issues to international engagement. The presenters emphasized the importance of personal storytelling, avoiding jargon, and building relationships with local community leaders as key strategies for successful outreach.  A second training session has been scheduled for April 6.  Outreach materials will be available on the UAA website.

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) Podcasts & Recorded Media

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!

Development Dialogues

The UAA/DACOR Development Dialogues and the UAA Development Issues Committee Dialogues provide interactive conversations on a broad range of topics relevant to the interests of international development professionals.

Below are summaries of the most recent events. Each includes a link either to an audio or video of the event. Being able to listen or watch an event should be of particular interest to Association members who live outside the DC area.

For a full archive of all events that have audio or video availability, please click here.

Notice:
DACOR has decided that virtual attendance at its programs – including the UAA/DACOR Development Dialogues – will now cost $10 per program, plus a 3% charge for credit card payments. This fee had been voluntary, and many had paid the fee, but in view of the base cost to host virtual or hybrid events, the DACOR Board concluded that all participants should share the expense. The cost of DACOR lunches will remain at $35.

UAA-DACOR Discussion Panel

Congress’ Role in Fostering a U.S. Foreign Assistance Program that Serves the National Interest

On Wednesday, July 29, Virginia Congressman James Walkinshaw (D) spoke to a full DACOR/Bacon House UAA/DACOR lunch (and virtual) session. He made clear the importance of Congressional oversight of the Executive Branch’s execution of and accountability for U.S. foreign policy, national security, diplomacy, and foreign assistance. He strongly asserted that U.S. foreign assistance is vital for our national security, that many more experienced aid professionals need to be restored into the USG, and that grievances of the thousands of foreign aid personnel RIF’d last year need to be corrected and adjudicated. He left UAA Members feeling honored, respected, and encouraged. To watch his presentation and the Q&A, please click here.

UAA Development Issues Committee Discussion

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Development Issues Committee hosted a discussion with Sarah Rose, Director of Policy with the Share Trust on “Government Partnerships in Global Health Cooperation.” Ms. Rose addressed the opportunities and challenges with current modalities of foreign assistance in the health sector. She then engaged in open discussion with participants on experiences with and prospects for Government-to-Government cooperation in international development. Participants highlighted Congressional resistance to G2G programming in the past, and the need for sufficient institutional capacity in the host countries.  Click here to see the video.

UAA-DACOR Discussion Panel

Nicholas Enrich, author of the best selling book Into the Wood Chipper – A Whistleblower’s Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, the UAA/DACOR lunch program at DACOR featured a conversation with Nicholas Enrich, author of the best selling book Into the Wood Chipper – A Whistleblower’s Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID.  This talk with Chris Milligan, UAA Board Co-Chair and former USAID Counselor, before a full house at DACOR and a large group on-line, provided a vivid first-hand account of what Nick and his USAID colleagues went through trying to save vital health programs from seemingly uncaring administration officials. To see the video click here.

Adventures in Transitioning – Policy in Six Administrations

Aid Policy in Six Administrations 1977-2016

By Mike Crosswell

On May 26th, Mike Crosswell provided a fascinating perspective on development policy at USAID across six administrations up to 2016. He shared that the past forty years of USAID development practice can be categorized into four distinct stages:
– Economic Transformation and Social Progress: The initial focus on seeking economic growth and poverty reduction in poor countries.
– Poverty Reduction: A period characterized by a narrower focus on reducing poverty.
– Expansive Stage: A stage focusing on any worthy use of foreign aid within a developing country.
– Global Progress: The fourth stage, which focuses on progress in all countries as characterized by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To learn more about these stages or to catch up if you missed the session, you can view the recording [here] and find the accompanying PowerPoint presentation [here]. Mike is also willing to respond to questions if you contact him.

UAA-DACOR Discussion Panel

Former USAID Administrator Brian Atwood spoke on “State and AID – Building Back Better

On May 12 former USAID Administrator Brian Atwood spoke to a full house luncheon crowd at DACOR (and another hundred or so were on-line).  He reflected the experience gained from his successful effort in the 1990s to keep AID as an independent agency in focusing most of his very thoughtful talk on the future – “State and AID – Building Back Better”.  See his full text here and the audio here.  

UAA-DACOR Career Panel:  Transition to Teaching

On Tuesday, April 21, UAA partnered with DACOR Bacon House to host a Career Panel on Transition to Teaching. The panel featured five representatives, including officials from Fairfax County Public Schools — the largest school system in Virginia and the ninth largest in the nation, with 160,000 students and 13,000 teachers — as well as representatives from the colleges of education at George Mason University and the University of the District of Columbia. The hybrid event drew 12 in-person attendees at DACOR and 45 virtual participants.

The panelists discussed the requirements for becoming a teacher and the various ways to obtain a teaching certificate while working in the classroom. Fairfax County Public Schools hires about 1,500 teachers each year, and the district is eager to recruit candidates with international experience. Fairfax students speak nearly 200 languages and come from many countries, making international experience an asset for understanding student needs.

The panelists included (left to right in photo):

Tyler Bagi, Social Studies Teacher, Fairfax County Schools
Josh Price, MS, Recruitment Outreach Specialist, College of Education, George Mason University
Anika Spratley Burtin, Ph.D., Interim Dean, School of Education and Learning Services., University of the District of Columbia
Dr. Ann Bonitatibus, Ed.D., Executive Director, Talent Acquisition and Management. Fairfax County Public Schools
William Solomon, Chief Human Resources Officer, Fairfax County Public Schools

The panelists left a lasting impression with their genuine enthusiasm for transitioning into teaching careers. Their willingness to share personal experiences and insights made the discussion engaging and informative, and their candid discussion of the challenges and rewards of such a shift offered valuable perspectives for anyone considering a similar path. They also offered a wealth of practical advice for navigating this significant career change.

 Annual Picnic

SEE YOU AT THE PARK!  On Sunday, August 30, the USAID family came together on a beautiful hot late summer day for the Annual Picnic at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria Virginia. Over 300 former employees (civil service, foreign service, FSNs and contractors) enjoyed an afternoon of camaraderie, delicious food from around the world, and friendship.

Our community continues to connect and support each other.

Pam Foster, Alicia Musah, Ghytana Butler, Susan Foster  Rear:  Diane Ray and Kerry Pelzman

Interest was high on the next phase of international development and retaining our legacy.

Stephen Butler and Ryan Washburn

In welcoming remarks, Chris Milligan outlined the UAA’s ongoing effort to redefine its mission and priorities, encouraging members to help shape the organization’s future and join the conversation

We are grateful to all who attended and to the expanded Social Committee

Irene Koek, Margot Ellis, Carol Dabbs

for creating a festive environment, organizing food and drinks, and returning the shelter to order – which has earned us an invitation to return from the Park Rangers!

Upcoming UAA activities in September, November and December are listed in the Newsletter. We hope you will join us!  Click here to see more photographs of this event

Incidentally, someone left behind 2 lovely red Coleman camp chairs, one pictured below.  To claim them please contact Karen Freeman at  ugandakaren@hotmail.com.

Picnic in Rochester, Vermont, 5 Aug 2026

On a warm summer day on August 5, 2026, more than 40 USAID alumni and friends gathered for the 20th annual “Development Wallah” picnic in Rochester, Vermont. This gathering drew USAID alums from Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as Vermont, and several from the Washington, DC area (Carol Peasley, Scott and Gwyneth Radloff, Kelly and Nancy Kammerer) who were visiting New England at the time.  In addition to plenty of time to catch up with friends, a highlight of the day was an update from Scott Radloff on ongoing efforts to keep USAID in the news and revive US foreign assistance. One participant, David Hess, stayed over to address a Rochester gathering about the work of USAID and about its disastrous destruction.  His address was highlighted on the front page of the local White River Valley Herald newspaper.  If you would like to be on a mailing list to be informed of next year’s gathering, please be in touch with Ann Van Dusen (avandusen4@gmail.com).

USAID Alumni Association 2026 Spring Reception: A Celebration of Community and Purpose

On a beautiful late-spring afternoon, May 28, the USAID Alumni Association (UAA) welcomed members, colleagues, and friends to its 2026 Spring Reception at the DACOR Bacon House in Washington, DC. With 101 attendees in person and 25 joining virtually, the event reflected both the enduring strength of the UAA community and its commitment to staying connected across distances.

Set in the elegant DACOR garden on a near-perfect spring day, the reception offered an ideal backdrop for reconnecting with former colleagues, building new relationships, and reflecting on the evolving future of international development. Guests enjoyed delicious food and engaging conversation, with seamless logistics and hybrid participation made possible by the expert staff of DACOR Bacon House.

Distinguished Guests and Thought Leadership

This year’s reception was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Peter McPherson, former USAID Administrator, along with representatives from leading organizations such as DEVEX, the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN), AID Transition Alliance, Alliance for American Leadership, AID on the Hill, and One AID Community.

The highlight of the afternoon was keynote remarks delivered by Enoh T. Ebong, President of the Global Development Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and former Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

She highlighted the importance of community, suggesting robust engagement with the private sector, assessing what capabilities and tools we have now and how to best use them and in doing so the need to break down silos.  She noted the need to tell our collective story better both qualitatively and quantitatively.  Ms. Ebong highlighted the importance of youth and the need to harness technology.  Finally, she noted the on-going role of partners, like CSIS, to play a convening role for all parties to build conversation and trust.

Connecting Across Communities

A key feature of the event was its hybrid format, which enabled both in-person and remote participants to engage during a dedicated interactive session. This approach reflects UAA’s continued commitment to inclusivity and ensuring members across the country remain active participants in the organization’s work and community.

Looking Ahead

As conversations flowed, actions, ideas and news were shared, and the spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose was unmistakable.

The 2026 Spring Reception was not only a celebration of past service but also a renewed commitment to the values and mission that unite the USAID alumni community.

The UAA extends its gratitude to all who participated, both in person and virtually, and looks forward to future opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the global development dialogue.  The UAA also acknowledged and appreciated the participation of it’s expanding membership in the process for determining the evolving role of UAA in contributing to the dialogue and addressing member interests. Next up?  The Annual Picnic will be held at Ft Hunt Park on August 30^th.  More to come on possible “meet up” events.

See our Rogue’s Gallery on line!

Sunshine and Blue Skies for Winterfest 2026! 

Under clear blue skies on March 21, 2026, seventy-five members (and one beloved support dog!) gathered in Alexandria to joyfully bid farewell to winter and welcome the promise of spring—officially kicking off the UAA social year in style.

The afternoon buzzed with

conversation and laughter as friends old and new reconnected. We were delighted to hear from UAA leadership, Chris and Tony, who shared

updates on how UAA and partners are giving voice and

support to the future of foreign assistance. Be sure to visit our website and watch for the newly launched survey helping shape UAA’s path forward.    We were also thrilled to welcome Lily Kak, who spoke about the inspiring Global Rhythms project, highlighting USAID through the arts. “Global Rhythms: Remembering USAID through the Arts” is a vibrant multimedia exhibition celebrating Americans who have promoted peace, saved lives, improved living conditions, and upheld democratic values with passion and compassion (lilykak.com).

The lovely venue set the perfect backdrop, with plentiful food and drink keeping spirits high. It was

a pleasure to welcome new members, reunite with familiar faces, and enjoy the sense of community that

makes these gatherings so special.

Many thanks to the Social Committee, Lily Kak, and our dedicated UAA Board members who helped bring the day together. We look forward to seeing everyone again at our next celebration—the Annual Spring Social in the garden of DACOR Bacon House on May 28! Until then, enjoy photos from the day in our album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VNHxDs4rrU1WqU2s9

From UAA’s Regional Chapter in Florida: An Afternoon of Collegiality and Inspiration  

On March 13, 2026, James Kunder, former Acting Deputy Administrator of USAID and Assistant Administrator for Asia and the Near East, delivered a talk to a packed meeting room of the Foreign Service Alumni Association of Florida. Former Foreign Service Officers from State, USAID and the other foreign affairs agencies. The group had assembled at the Marsh Creek Country Club in St Augustine, Florida for one of its five annual luncheons that take place at various locations across the state. The audience included retired Ambassadors, senior and mid-career officers, many who left the service years ago as well as several younger USAID and State officers who were RIF’d over the past year and returned to their homes in Florida.

Jim Kunder traveled from the DC area with his travel expenses covered by UAA, to deliver a candid, unscripted assessment of the state of U.S. foreign assistance, the dismantling of USAID, and the political dynamics shaping development, diplomacy, and defense. His talk blended historical perspective, policy analysis, and personal experience, while repeatedly inviting tough questions from the audience.   Click here for a summary outline of and a video link to his speech.

Navigating Anniversary Stress

On January 21, the Aid Transition Alliance together with partner The KonTerra Group hosted a webinar for the international development and humanitarian community on navigating anniversary stress. The session, “When a Difficult Year Echoes: Navigating Anniversary Stress Related to the Foreign Aid Freeze,” created a space for everyone impacted by last year’s events to connect, share, and access resources for support.

If you weren’t able to attend the webinar, please take a moment to review the resources that KonTerra has compiled for us.
Resources for Coping with the USG Foreign Assistance Freeze
Guide to Coping with Anniversary Reactions
Helping Children Coping with Traumatic Events

Additionally, AidTA and KonTerra are developing a career and wellness program for humanitarian and development professionals who have been unemployed or underemployed for six months or more. If this describes you, we invite you to share your perspective through a short survey. Your input will help guide how this program is designed, including what kinds of support feel most useful and feasible.

If you’re not already signed up for the AidTA listserv and would like to receive information about future events and resources, please fill out this brief form.

What’s New with UAA outside the DMV?

To increase UAA’s relevance, expand its reach, boost membership, and address the impact of the unplanned dismantling of USAID, UAA is strongly supporting and encouraging the gatherings of USAID Alumni nationwide and abroad. Currently, Florida and California are the most active and have met with several groups. New England and Pennsylvania groups are active, and Oregon and Washington State are growing.

Minnesota: 

A UAA group in Minnesota met with Nick Enrich on July 7, 2026, during his book tour.

California: There are five active local groups. San Diego-Orange County, Los Angeles-Desert, Central Coast (Santa Barbara), San Francisco-Oakland, Sacramento-Sierra. Each group meets in person and provides networking and job search support, as well as builds a USAID-community of friendship and general support. For further information contact Christine Sheckler at cmtsheckler@gmail.com

Attention Alumni in Minnesota and Surrounding States!

Steve Silcox in Northfield, MN is interested in forming a USAID Alumni group in the Midwest with Zoom or other program meetings and possible in-person meetings at a central location for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota for former USAID Alumni in those states.  Please contact him at scsilcox@gmail.com if you are interested in joining the group

Western States Regional Activities Updates  

California

Highlight from the road – Sacramento: UAA Board Secretary Christine Sheckler met with former USAIDers and implementing partners at the USAID Sacramento-Sierra Alumni meetup in Sacramento on August 18, 2026. This gathering is part of her statewide trip to listen to alumni perspectives, discuss the new draft UAA Strategic Plan, and connect with the broader community.

 [front row: Jon Clark & son, Rene’s spouse, Jose. Back row: Rene Van Slate, Allyson Z, Cindy Rogers, Christine Sheckler, David, Tamara Sartania, Zachary B, Jim Stein, Tom Rogers]

USAID Sacramento-Sierra Alumni breakfast meetup in Auburn, CA.  One-on-one discussions regarding the impact of “2025” on individuals who lost their USAID jobs and careers last year, and whether UAA and the new draft Strategic Plan address their unique needs. [L to R: Rasa Kent, Christine Sheckler, Cindy Rogers, host]

Orange County, California (midway between San Diego and L.A.)

On April 25, 2026 a small but mighty group of USAID alums gathered for the first USAID Orange County Alumni meeting. Thanks to tandem couple Leslie Reed and husband Martin Fischer for hosting this meetup at the beautiful Mozambique Rooftop in breathtaking Laguna Beach. Conversations included initial ideas for the “Regional Activities/Chapters, Hubs, etc.” substantive role in the October UAA Annual General Meeting. Those UAA members across the country who have ideas of how we can be represent our regional priorities and activities “outside the Beltway,” please contact: cmtsheckler@gmail.com.

(left to right: Jeffrey Cohen, Leslie Reed, Martin Fischer, Christine Sheckler, Claudia Chang (CARE), Cristina Olive, Steve Olive)

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.

50 Years of Global Health

50 Years of Global Health, Saving Lives and Building Futures was written in 2013 to capture the rich and diverse experience of USAID in the field of Global Health.  The main audience is current and future USAID professionals who would benefit from learning from the past to build stronger global health programs in the future. The document content was overseen by a 13-member Health History Project Advisory Committee that had members throughout USAID. It involved a desk review of over 350 documents (all listed in the annex), 26 key informant interviews and four online surveys with current and former global health professionals.

The book contains a decade-by-decade review of global health programs since 1960, provides a timeline for each decade of events, includes informative graphs, charts and key data, presents lessons learned over this time and thoughts for the future of global health.  It was intended to be a living document with the content online so that additional years of experience could be added.  The book has been disseminated since 2015 and has also been used by the broader development community to get a better understanding of USAID’s essential contribution in this important field. It is an essential and valuable tool for those looking to capture 50 years of experience and lessons in past USAID global health programs. Please click here to see a copy of the full report.

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/)