| As in previous years, Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA-4) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) are circulating bipartisan sign-on letters in support of FY2026 funding for educational and cultural exchange programs. You can help ensure that these letters receive strong backing from as many Representatives and Senators as possible. Here’s how you can take action: 1. Visit the directories for the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to find your elected officials. 2. Look up your Representatives and Senators, click on their names, and follow the instructions provided to contact them. Please note that the process for submitting messages varies by office, so be patient and follow their specific guidelines. If you’d prefer, the House and Senate directories also provide options for calling and leaving your message by phone. 3. When prompted to enter your message, consider using one of the sample messages below—tailored separately for the House and Senate—to make your voice heard. House Members Representative Hank Johnson is currently circulating a letter to garner support for FY2026 funding for educational and cultural exchange programs. I respectfully urge you to sign this letter and affirm your commitment to the vital role these programs play in advancing American diplomacy and strengthening global understanding. As your constituent and a strong advocate for citizen diplomacy, I believe these initiatives are essential to fostering goodwill, both at home and abroad. You can view Representative Johnson’s letter here: bit.ly/FY26-HOUSE. Senate Members Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is currently circulating a letter to garner support for FY2026 funding for educational and cultural exchange programs. I respectfully urge you to sign this letter and affirm your commitment to the vital role these programs play in advancing American diplomacy and strengthening global understanding. As your constituent and a strong advocate for citizen diplomacy, I believe these initiatives are essential to fostering goodwill, both at home and abroad. You can view Senator Booker’s letter here: bit.ly/FY26-SENATE. Thank you for taking a few minutes to speak up in support of international exchange. America’s educational and cultural exchange programs promote people to people ties between communities throughout the United States and all around the world – contributing to U.S. security, strength, and prosperity. Your voice truly makes a difference. By encouraging your elected officials to sign these letters, you’re helping to ensure that young people from around the world can continue to connect, learn, and grow through life-changing cultural experiences. We’re so grateful for your ongoing commitment to AFS-USA and to building a more peaceful world. Warmly,  Tara Hofmann CEO and President AFS-USA |