By Lindsay Coleman-Marsh, Associate Director of Greenheart’s Career Advancement Program for Intern/Trainee
As we look ahead to 2026, our shared advocacy for BridgeUSA programs remains more important than ever. Membership in Americans for Cultural Exchange (A4CE)—the grassroots coalition that amplifies the voices of sponsors, host organizations, and community partners—has declined to nearly half of its previous level. Strengthening this coalition is essential to protecting and advancing cultural exchange programs on Capitol Hill.
In the month of January 2026, The Alliance for International Exchange will be launching a renewed A4CE membership drive, including a coordinated phone bank during the week of January 12. Greenheart, along with other BridgeUSA sponsors, will be mobilizing staff and partners to help grow this network and ensure that our programs are supported by a strong, unified community.
How you can support this effort:
We encourage you to begin sharing information about A4CE with your Host Organizations. Signing up is simple, and every Host Organization that joins adds an important voice to our collective advocacy. A broader membership base helps ensure that policymakers hear clear and widespread support for BridgeUSA programs.
More outreach materials will be available soon, but early engagement from your teams will make a significant impact.
For Host Organizations that have previously joined A4CE:
Please encourage them to renew their participation by completing this brief renewal form. This will help them remain active members of the coalition.
For Host Organizations that are not yet members:
Please ask them to consider joining Americans for Cultural Exchange. Membership provides periodic updates, invitations to webinars, and advocacy action alerts—resources that help Host Organizations stay informed and contribute to the long-term health of cultural exchange programs.
Thank you for your continued partnership and helping your Host Organizations stay engaged in efforts that protect and strengthen the BridgeUSA community. Your leadership makes a meaningful difference.