Outreach Director (Volunteer)

Who we are

The Alliance for American Leadership (https://A4AL.org/) is a bipartisan political action committee dedicated to revitalizing U.S. global leadership through strategic investments in international development. We believe effective assistance abroad fights global poverty, strengthens U.S. national security, prevents pandemics, and boosts the U.S. economy. You can view our team and current Board members at: https://a4al.org/leadership.

What we do

We do not fund aid programs directly. Instead, we draft policy, lobby Congress, and give campaign contributions to Members of Congress. Restoring US foreign aid (worth $40 billion last year) will do much more to fight poverty, hunger, and disease than individual philanthropy. And lobbying works - there's a reason that corporations spend money on it. Our team spans all 50 states and over 80 college campuses - allowing us to match campaign contributions with canvassing and other grassroots support.

Why we do it

We're motivated by the fact that 14 million people may die over the next four years unless foreign aid is restored, according to a study in the Lancet. This is a fight worth fighting. And it's a fight we will win. We also recognize that USAID had flaws and seek to reform our foreign aid system to make it more strategic and effective. 

You can view one of our frameworks for reform, drafted by Major General Bo Mahaney, here: https://a4al.org/think-tank/rebuilding-americas-strategic-edge

Demonstrated Impact

The data underscores A4AL’s success: 650 meetings with key congressional staffers, 800 advocates recruited across all 50 states, and $400 million in global healthcare funding protected from severe cuts. This is lobbying that works. See more at: https://a4al.org/articles/alliance-4-american-leadership-rallies-against-senate-rescissions-vote-protects-400-million-in-pepfar-funding

Youth-driven leadership

While the Alliance harnesses policy leadership from Congress, the Pentagon, USAID, State, the IMF, the World Bank, the UN, and the private sector, the driving force is a new generation of young advocates spanning over 80 college campuses nationwide. Their passion and dedication are stark reminders that we must do more to foster a culture of understanding and engagement on foreign policy. After all, those navigating international policy on college campuses today will shape America’s future.

News Coverage

New group supporting resumption of foreign aid makes endorsement in VA-11 race: https://wjla.com/news/political/foreign-aid-endorsement-va-11-race-gerry-connolly-alliance-for-american-leadership-cato-institute-asher-moss-stewart-whitson-james-walkinshaw

Former USAID employee turns to advocacy after being laid off: https://wjla.com/news/local/washington-usaid-dc-advocacy-layoffs-agency-international-development-foreign-aid-midterms-congress-funding-america-world-stage-leadership-community

Our Advisory Board

As a Board member, your role is twofold.

One, provide strategic direction. We need people who have expertise in policy, communications, government affairs, fundraising, and organizational management. As a Board member, we invite you to provide insights in any of these areas. You will also have the chance to vote on critical decisions for our organization. Some of our Board members work on the day to day operations of our group and even take on a quasi-staff role whereas others just attend quarterly board meetings - both approaches are welcomed.

Two, fundraise. Each Board Member is responsible for raising $1,000 or more a quarter for the organization. Board Members will not be officially inducted until they raise their first $1,000. While we invite you to volunteer with us - and perhaps even take on a leadership role within the organization depending on your time commitment - we only invite people to join the Board who are willing to fundraise and meet their quarterly commitment. You can meet this commitment by writing a check, holding a local event at your house or a bar, sponsoring one of our events, selling tickets to one of our events, talking with friends and family, or engaging leaders in the private sector. Since the Alliance is a Political Action Committee, contributions are not tax deductible.

Benefits of Serving on the Board

1. Legacy: Your financial contribution as a Board Member could be the final nudge needed to pressure a key member of the Appropriations Committee in Congress to support foreign aid. Effectively, by serving on the Board, you may be responsible for restoring $40 billion in funding for US foreign aid and saving 14 million lives. That’s a legacy. 

2. Recognition: Board members are publicly recognized as national leaders in our movement. They will be prominently featured on our website, in LinkedIn posts, and at events with policymakers across the country.

3. Networking: The Advisory Board will have separate quarterly meetings and networking opportunities. Our Board includes CEOs, venture capitalists, a major general, a former Member of Congress, and leaders in diplomacy and development. Board Members have had the opportunity to attend the World Bank Annual Meetings and two Board Members even started a business together. 

4. Policy: Our Board will vote on critical policy and organizational decisions.

5. Events: Board Members will be invited to events with Ambassadors, Members of Congress, and other leaders in DC and across the country. Our next event is in DC on November 12 and will feature a former ambassador. You can RSVP here: https://givebutter.com/foreignaid

Other Opportunities to Help Us Grow.

If you are interested in volunteering at our organization, but not joining the Board or meeting the quarterly commitment, please send a cover letter and resume to govrelations@A4AL.org. Your letter should describe your skillset, how much time you have to volunteer, and how you seek to help our organization in one of the following areas:

Speaking at, planning, or promoting events

Advising our organization on policy - we are especially interested in recruiting veterans and national security leaders

Meeting with Members of Congress and their staffs

Recruiting others to join the organization

Creating content for our communications team

Writing for our think tank

Organizing on college campuses

Building a coalition of business and organizational partners

Organizing in your local community

Supporting congressional campaigns

Fundraising

You can make a donation at https://givebutter.com/A4AL or by mailing a check to 5185 MacArthur Blvd NW, Suite 403, Washington, DC 20016.