Advocacy Resources

This section includes all the latest advocacy resources to support the Global Ties Network in speaking up for international exchange and public diplomacy programs. These resources emphasize how the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other exchange programs serve as effective tools that strengthen our national security and boost our economy here at home. 

Local Economic Impact Reports (FY 2024)
Produced annually based on data provided by our members, these reports detail the local economic impact for each of our organizations in their local communities. 

• Methodology Statement
  Impact Reports are produced from data self-reported by over 70 Community-Based Member (CBM) organizations across the United States. Learn more about the methodology HERE. 

Findings from the Global Ties U.S. Community Impact Study
The Global Ties U.S. Community Impact Study is the only study of its kind to focus on the benefits that local people and communities derive from participating in exchange programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) — benefits that include U.S. workforce development. 

Working with Congress
Every Member of Congress plays an important role, including final funding decisions on Capitol Hill. However, some committees have a more direct influence over international exchange funding and implementation: 

• Appropriations Committees: Funding Decisions
  The House and Senate Appropriations Committees decide funding levels each year. Within them, the relevant subcommittees oversee international affairs accounts, including funding for exchange programs. Their recommendations heavily influence the final federal budget. 

• Authorizing Committees: Oversight and Implementation
  The House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee oversee the U.S. Department of State and its programs, helping ensure that appropriated funds are implemented as Congress intended. 
• Identifying Key Committee Members 
  • Review key Committees in the Senate and the House to familiarize yourself with their leaders and members (HERE – login required) 
  • Cross-reference these Committees with our nationwide Network (HERE – login required) 

Templates for Outreach & Advocacy to Congress
The following templates are intended to be customized for use in reaching out to your congressional offices 

• Requesting a Meeting
  Use or adapt this template to reach out to your congressional office to request a meeting.  

• Congressional Call Scripts
  Use or adapt this script to contact your congressional office to express support for funding international exchange programs in FY 2027. 

• Template for Local Stakeholders (login required) 
  This template for a letter of support for exchange program funding is intended to be adapted and customized depending on the local stakeholder or business and their relationship with your CBM(s) 

• Appropriations Request Form Guidance (login required) 
  Use this guide as a reference while filling out FY 2027 appropriations request forms, as it contains key program details, suggested language for common questions, and context on recent funding trends. 

Factsheets and Leave Behinds for the Global Ties Network
Updated for the Global Ties Network Advocacy Day each year, this set of resources supports the “ask” for funding to support educational and cultural exchange programs.  

Talking Points (login required) 
These talking points support Global Ties Network members in their meetings with congressional staff, to effectively communicate the impact of exchange and the need for sustained bipartisan support for these programs. 

Congressional Resources for Reference 

• Two charts are provided for reference: the first outlines exchange program funding levels for the FY 2026 appropriations cycle, and the second presents funding trends since FY 2021 for the International Affairs Budget, the Educational and Cultural Exchange (ECE) account, and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). (HERE) 

• In April 2026, Global Ties U.S. in collaboration with the leaders of 8 Community-Based Member (CBM) organizations representing the relevant districts submitted Outside Witness Testimony to the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs in support of international exchange program funding in FY 2027. Read the testimony HERE (login required).

Global Ties U.S. Media Resources for Advocacy 

• Media Engagement 101 (login required) 
  View the one-pager for guidelines and tips to elevate your organization’s visibility and help you plan media activity and establish or deepen relationships with local media. 

• Op-Ed Template (login required) 
  This template provides a starting point for an op-ed or commentary piece, which can be adapted for your own organization and local context.
  • Local media lists for your city / state are available upon request.
  • As a reminder, talking points and other resources are linked above.