We’re excited to invite you to join AFS-USA and the Alliance for International Exchange in the Summer of Action—a nationwide advocacy campaign running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This initiative raises awareness of the impact that exchange programs have on communities across the United States and helps ensure that policymakers understand what is at stake.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this is an important moment to highlight that international exchange is both a foreign policy priority and a deeply American tradition that strengthens communities, schools, and families.

This summer, there are a few simple ways to get involved:

• Advocate locally: Use the Alliance’s letter tool to contact your Senators and Representative and encourage support for the bipartisan Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. Personal examples from your AFS experience make your message especially powerful.
  
  
• Share your story: Use #ExchangesAreAmerica and #ExchangesImpact on social media to highlight your connection to AFS and help amplify our message. Tag AFS-USA (@afs_usa – Instagram, @AFSUSA – Facebook, AFS Intercultural Programs USA – LinkedIn) for a chance to receive AFS merchandise!
  
  
• Lead locally: If you are interested in leading advocacy efforts in your community, please fill out this interest form. An AFS-USA staff member will follow up with you to explore opportunities to collaborate.

Local voices like yours make a real difference. When volunteers engage in their communities, they help strengthen the visibility and future of exchange programs nationwide.

Thank you for everything you do to support international exchange—this summer and always.