Today's topic: USAID
...featuring Teresa Dunbar, who is an eyewitness to the effectiveness of the program
I’m delighted to introduce our Monday Zoom podcast participants to fellow Iowan Teresa Dunbar. Today, starting at noon central time, she will offer her perspective on an international nightmare unfolding worldwide: dismantling the USAID program.
Teresa has been involved in Food Security for over 15 years, most recently working for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for 8 years before she retired in 2022. CRS is the official international outreach agency for the US Catholic Church that works with local partners in over 100 countries worldwide. Teresa helped start and still serves on the Global Advocacy Team for the Diocese of Des Moines. She has seen first-hand USAID projects in Uganda, Kenya, and Haiti and witnessed the impact of poverty and the importance of humanitarian aid for those most in need. She worked in Agricultural Pharmaceutical and Animal Health Sales and Marketing before going on her own to do project work for various companies.
USAID stands for the United States Agency for International Development. It is the U.S. government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID's mission is to promote global development, reduce poverty, and advance U.S. foreign policy interests by fostering economic growth, improving health, and supporting democratic governance.
USAID focuses on a wide range of efforts around the world. It provides disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies. The agency plays a significant role in global health by improving access to healthcare and fighting diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. It also supports economic development by helping to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and promote trade in developing countries. Strengthening democratic institutions and promoting human rights are key components of its work and building transparent and accountable governments. USAID is also heavily involved in addressing climate change, focusing on sustainable energy and natural resource management.
Some of its most notable programs include Feed the Future, which works to improve food security and reduce global hunger; the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a major initiative to combat HIV/AIDS worldwide; and Power Africa, an effort to expand access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. USAID partners with NGOs, governments, and other organizations in over 100 countries. While it operates independently, it aligns closely with U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Do you know someone who has first-hand knowledge of how this program works? Please invite them to join our call today. Let’s get smarter together.
Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
Did you see the Roundup of columns from our members last week? If not, here you go. And be amazed. While you’re at it, please welcome
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Julie - it is worth noting that the seeds for USAID likely came from the Eisenhower administration also. Ike was a true believer in foreign assistance as a national security interest of the US. Kennedy consulted with Ike on numerous occasions during his short Presidency, on foreign relations, Vietnam, etc.