Connection Brings Value to Aid Groups

Strong communities have close ties, and that’s true of the community of which Americares is a part — the nonprofit organizations working to make a more peaceful, healthier world.

Americares maintains strong ties with our peers by being a member of InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based nonprofits working on humanitarian aid and development around the world. Some members are focused on shelter, others on education or livelihood and some, like Americares, on improving health. “We partner to make a greater collective impact,” says Americares President and CEO, Christine Squires, who is the vice-chair on InterAction’s board of directors. “We share best practices and hold each other accountable.” InterAction hosts working groups on a wide range of topics, from logistics to cybersecurity, and many Americares staff, along with Squires, are active participants.

The collective strength of InterAction was key in January, when the U.S. government abruptly cut funding to aid programs. “This was and is an unprecedented time,” says Squires. “InterAction has been a central place to exchange information.” The group shared ideas and expertise needed to protect aid programs — and, critically, the people we all help — from damage or harm as a result of the government’s sudden actions.

But right now, this important alliance is also reeling from the impacts of the federal aid cuts. Like many of its members, in January InterAction lost U.S. government financial support the organization was counting on for future programming.

“One of Americares core values is partnership,” says Squires. “Given these extraordinary times, we are encouraging our supporters to extend their support to InterAction.”

The value of InterAction lies in its broad membership: The group’s 165 members collectively have more than 1,000 years of experience, says Squires. “This alliance demonstrates how effective U.S. nonprofits are,” she says. The proof is in the results: For decades, members have collaborated across borders to solve problems, provide critical aid and improve lives. With support, this impactful work — and the alliance — can continue for years to come.