The world around us is getting smaller every day as global crises like food insecurity, supply chain disruption, global health, conflict, and a rapidly changing climate are impacting the health and livelihoods of Americans here at home. From empty grocery shelves to high gas prices, families and communities from across the Heartland are experiencing firsthand the local impacts of global issues.

With that in mind, nearly 40 mayors and governors in 11 states across the Heartland issued proclamations marking U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Day on August 30^th. The Republican and Democratic governors highlighting the day included Tony Evers of Wisconsin, Eric Holcomb of Indiana, Laura Kelly of Kansas, Mike Parson of Missouri, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, alongside mayors from dozens of communities including Bloomington, Lincoln, Sioux City, Gary, Lansing, Green Bay, Toledo, and Minnetonka.

“These elected officials—Democrats and Republicans—represent 45 million Americans. One out of seven Americans are speaking out about why leading globally matters locally, to our economy, to our jobs, to our security, to our values,” said Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.

These leaders’ commitment underscores why U.S. leadership in the world is vital to advance the economic, health, and security interests of American families across the Heartland. Together, they know that what happens around the world directly impacts their community’s success and prosperity, and they are taking a stand on the importance of America’s global leadership and showcasing what’s it worth to communities across America’s Heartland.

U.S. Heartland Global Leadership Day coincided with USGLC’s 2022 Heartland Summit which took place in-person and virtually simultaneously across three Heartland cities: Minnetonka, Minnesota; West Lafayette, Indiana; and Wichita, Kansas. Leaders from across America’s Heartland gathered to unpack how strategic investments in agriculture, digital technology, and global development are creating jobs at home and abroad, feeding the hungry, reducing poverty, and keeping America safe.

In case you missed it, you can watch the full 2022 Heartland Summit here. Also, check out our event photo album here.