Watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc7y2FnIUdQ 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) and Kansas political, business, and community leaders convened in a virtual town hall to discuss how America’s investments in diplomacy and development programs help support the well-being and safety of Kansans and Americans across the country.  From stopping the global Covid-19 pandemic to supporting economic competition, there was widespread consensus that U.S. global engagement is good for the health, economic, and national security of American families.

“Kansas farmers, ranchers and manufacturers export $11.6 billion worth of products each year, meaning foreign markets are vital to our state’s economy and job security,” said Senator Moran. “The diligent efforts of America’s diplomats and the generosity of our nation’s international assistance – through efforts to eradicate global hunger and enhance global health – stabilizes export markets, mitigates foreign threats against the U.S. and allows us to live up to our moral responsibilities as human beings to care for others. I’m grateful for the work the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition undertakes for America’s investments in diplomacy, development, and global health that benefit families across Kansas and the United States.”

The event also showcased three personal stories from local Kansas leaders as part of USGLC’s Foreign Aid: What’s It Worth campaign. In graphics and ads released yesterday, Lt. Colonel Rick Burns (Ret.), Founder and President, Karadah Project; Kent Winter, President, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association; and Courtney Brooks, Executive Director, Global Ties KC are speaking out to highlight the important return on America’s investments in diplomacy and development across the state.  Campaign graphics are available here.

“As we heard, Senator Moran is an incredible champion of America’s role in the world who gets what it’s worth for Kansans when America steps up on the global stage – particularly during the global pandemic,” said Liz Schrayer, USGLC President and CEO. “As Co-Chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and a key member on the powerful Appropriations Committee, he is clearly a leader in the U.S. Senate on fighting global hunger and demonstrating how our nation’s diplomacy and development programs deliver for American families.”

Last month, the USGLC unveiled its new nationwide “What’s It Worth” campaign to highlight the countless benefits of U.S. investments in America’s global engagement on Americans’ everyday lives. Launched at the USGLC’s 2021 Global Impact Forum, “Foreign Aid: What’s It Worth” is USGLC’s largest campaign investment ever and will showcase the impacts of diplomacy, development, and global health on America’s health, safety, and economic interests.  This multi-year education and advocacy messaging campaign is being deployed across social media and digital platforms, including digital ads, and through local and regional events.