On March 7-8, over 100 Alliance members met in Washington, D.C. to advocate for U.S. State Department Exchange Programs.

The annual 2-day event featured training and educational sessions, congressional meetings, and a Congressional Reception.

The Congressional Reception at the U.S. Capitol hosted 177 attendees, including guests from the Hill and State. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and State/ECA Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer Galt provided remarks at the event; both spoke passionately about exchange programs.

In total, 96 congressional offices were visited (48 House, 48 Senate), with at least 5 Members of Congress attending the meetings. Cenet met with the offices of Senator Blunt, Senator McCaskill, Representative Long, and Representative Smith.

As the voice of international exchange, the Alliance promotes the growth and impact of exchange programs and the effectiveness of its members by engaging in advocacy, providing member development opportunities, and building public awareness of the power of exchange.