Why USAID Matters

Two veterans of U.S. foreign aid efforts, who will speak in Santa Barbara this week, examine the value of global development efforts to American national interests.

By Christine Sheckler and Bee Bloeser

As Americans, we are rightfully proud of our nation’s tradition of generosity and leadership. From disaster relief to long-term investments in health, education, and economic opportunity, foreign assistance has long been a cornerstone of America’s engagement with the world.

While foreign aid is sometimes misunderstood by the American people as a distant or costly endeavor that helps people abroad but not us, the reality is that it delivers tangible benefits to the American people, strengthens our security, and upholds our values.

At the heart of this effort stood the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), whose work made a critical difference both abroad and at home. With its dismantling in early 2025, how will the U.S. ensure the critical results of international engagement continue, who will do it, and how will it be done? What matters most is that effective foreign assistance continues. What is the path forward?

On Friday in Santa Barbara, veterans of foreign aid programs will address these and related questions in a presentation for Vistas Lifelong Learning entitled “The Life, Death—and Future?—of USAID: Dispatches from the Front Lines.” Registration details are found below.

Investments – not charity. Foreign assistance is a strategic investment in global stability and American security. It is not charity.

When the United States helps countries recover from disasters, fight disease, or build functioning economies, we help prevent the conditions that breed conflict, extremism, and mass migration. By supporting development and democracy, we create partners rather than adversaries, and we encourage open markets that provide opportunities for American exports and businesses.

Consider public health, a domain where USAID’s work was particularly impactful. By supporting efforts to combat deadly diseases like Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and, more recently, COVID-19, USAID helped prevent outbreaks from reaching our shores.

This not only saved lives abroad but protected Americans at home. Similarly, when USAID helped farmers in developing countries adopt better agricultural practices, it often stabilized food supplies and reduced the risk of global hunger and instability, which can have ripple effects on U.S. interests.

The story to date. Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID was established to lead U.S. government efforts in international development and humanitarian assistance.

USAID was the US Government’s “first responder” for humanitarian crises, both natural and manmade. USAID teams were the first on the ground to assess the crisis and convene with other U.S. government entities to collaboratively determine which USG agency(s) had relevant resources and expertise.

Over the decades, USAID partnered with governments, nonprofits, and local communities to address some of the world’s toughest challenges. From rebuilding after earthquakes or tsunamis to supporting access to education for the more vulnerable, USAID’s projects reflect American values and ingenuity.

USAID’s work was about advancing American interests, not just about compassion. By strengthening institutions and promoting transparent governance, USAID helped deter corruption and foster conditions for sustainable growth. This, in turn, created healthier economies and safer societies, outcomes that benefitted both the recipient countries and the American people.

Bottom line. Foreign assistance is a catalyst for a safer, more prosperous world, but its benefits extend directly to Americans. By fostering global stability, USAID’s efforts helped reduce the demand for military intervention, saved taxpayer dollars and American lives.

Economic development abroad translates into new markets for U.S. goods and services, supporting jobs here at home. Moreover, by promoting democracy and human rights, we reaffirm our nation’s core values and inspire goodwill that strengthens diplomatic ties and builds enduring relationships.

Finally, foreign assistance strengthens America’s global leadership.

In a world where rivals seek to expand their influence, USAID’s work demonstrated the enduring power of American partnership and vision. Our investments in foreign aid are smart strategies that make our country safer, more prosperous, and respected worldwide. They are not giveaways.

Foreign assistance is an essential tool for advancing the interests and values of the American people. As we move forward with a new foreign assistance lens, by inculcating USAID’s “best practices,” helping others help themselves, we create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world and a stronger United States.

When debating the merits of foreign aid, let us remember supporting global development is supporting America’s future and the lives of the American people.

Christine Sheckler is a retired Foreign Service Officer and former Peace Corps volunteer, who served with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for 27 years, primarily overseas in conflict and transitional countries. Her assignments included Pakistan, the Caucasus/Georgia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia, Lithuania, Belarus, Sierra Leone, Abu Ghraib/Iraq (embedded with the U.S. military), Egypt, and USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Bee Bloeser is a member of USAID Alumni Association and author of the award-winning historical memoir and USAID story, Vaccines & Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War. A retired speech-pathologist, she lives in Santa Barbara.

On Friday, October 17, from 9:30 a.m.-noon, Vistas Lifelong Learning (VLL), will host a program, “The Life, Death – and Future? – of USAID -- Dispatches from the Front Lines.”

Registration is available here, $20 for VLL members, $30 for non-members.

VLL is a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing intellectually stimulating courses and seminars for adults. Vistas encourages continuous education, social connection, and personal enrichment.