A Brief History of Two Years of Advocacy
As the exchange community fans out across the country to advocate during Exchange Week in the District, it’s worth taking a look back at all that’s happened over the past two years. Since the initial threat to the Department of State Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) reared its head, supporters of international exchange programs have done an incredible amount of work and made a huge impact.
Scroll through to see a brief history of two years of advocacy. And check this out to make your own plan to support exchanges in 2019. While all Exchange Visitor Programs remain unchanged and are operating full steam ahead, we have to remain active and vigilant in our advocacy efforts!
A Threat Materializes
Image courtesy of Unsplash
A Threat Materializes
In January 2017, the Administration signed the "Buy American Hire American" (BAHA) Executive Order. Inside sources indicated to us that this EO might be used to harm the Summer Work Travel and other Exchange Visitor Programs.
In August 2017, this Wall Street Journal article confirmed that the Administration was seeking to eliminate five Exchange Visitor Programs – Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern, Summer Work Travel, and Trainee.
The Exchange Community Responds
Image courtesy of Vladimir K.
The Exchange Community Responds
Following the publication of the WSJ article, we partnered with our colleagues in the exchange community to engage in unprecedented advocacy in the fall and winter of 2017, including:
- 100,000+ letters and calls to Congress
- 26,000+ au pair host families join a Change.org petition
- Hundreds of positive news stories
American Businesses Show Support
Image courtesy of Yang S.
American Businesses Show Support
More than 600 American businesses signed letters in support of the programs, starting in the fall of 2017 and most recently in March 2019.
Congress Steps Up
Image courtesy of Twitter
Congress Steps Up
Dozens of Members of Congress, as well as Governors and Business Associations, signed multiple letter and resolutions in 2017 in support of the Exchange Visitor Program.
Congress Steps Up Even More
Image courtesy of Twitter
Congress Steps Up Even More
The Congressional Appropriations Committees approved a directive specifically protecting the Exchange Visitor Program in both their FY 2018 and 2019 bills to fund the U.S. government.
Reports Confirm Benefits of Exchanges
Image courtesy of Yuting Y.
Reports Confirm Benefits of Exchanges
Reports released in 2017 and 2018 on Summer Work Travel and Intern/Trainee illustrated that these exchange programs deliver significant diplomatic, economic, and national security benefits to the U.S.
Americans for Cultural Exchange Raise Their Voices
Image courtesy of Americans for Cultural Exchange
Americans for Cultural Exchange Raise Their Voices
An organizing initiative of American businesses, chambers of commerce, associations, and community leaders, Americans for Cultural Exchange now boasts more than 1,000 signers who embrace and support the Exchange Visitor Program.
By Mark OvermannAfter studying in France and teaching in China, Mark was hooked on cultural exchange. He's worked in the field of international education and exchange for 15 years, and is InterExchange's Vice President of External Affairs.
Learn about life abroad
Read about the adventures others have had and get excited for yours.
