The debate about U.S. foreign assistance and U.S. development policy is gaining traction. Several major coalitions have been formed to advocate for meaningful reform, and a broad range of actors - ranging from the military to NGOs and from legislators to presidential candidates - are calling for the elevation of foreign assistance to a standing comparable to defense and diplomacy. Multiple initiatives are converging behind a serious push for policy change - throughout 2008 and by a new administration in 2009. Foreign aid reform is an important issue for advocates and activists working on Darfur and similar crises, as our foreign aid policies and programs provide the tools we need to prevent, mitigate and respond to these challenges. This emerging debate, meanwhile, provides an important point of entry for the community to press for meaningful change.
Please join ENOUGH on Tuesday, December 11th at Noon for the first in a series of "Connect the Dots" strategy briefings. Gayle Smith, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and Co-Chair of ENOUGH, will provide participants with an overview of the foreign aid reform debate, update on the current state of play, and discuss how groups working on Darfur and similar crises can engage in this important debate.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP to Andrew Sweet at asweet@enoughproject.org.
