People are coming to Kzoo! And a call to action so they don’t stop
We’re back! Following a slow start to the year, we’ve already welcomed three international exchange groups to Kalamazoo since late April. Two more will arrive before the month is out.
It is hard to put into words how great it feels to make these live connections in Kalamazoo with people from around the world. But don’t worry, we’ll try. Watch for stories soon.
More Good News
We are delighted to share a great piece by Dave Person of NowKalamazoo exploring the local impact of our work through the eyes of several Kalamazooans who recently went on outbound exchanges. Check it out here.
But We Need Your Help
With all this joy in exchanges, there is also a threat to their future.
The federal budget process is moving forward and international exchange programs are at serious risk.
The President's proposed FY26 budget would cut 93% of the U.S. Department of State's international exchange program funding—from $741 million to just $50 million. This would essentially eliminate the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), which funds nearly all the exchanges we implement in Kalamazoo.
What’s at stake:
Vital exchange programs and organizations around the country.
More than 8,000 jobs in the exchange field.
Our ability to keep building meaningful global connections in Kalamazoo.
Take Action
You can make a difference in less than a minute.
Click here to send a letter (drafted for the Global Ties Network in partnership with the Alliance for International Exchange) to your representatives or share on your social networks. Raise your voice in support of international exchange.
Thank You
Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Whether you host, attend, or simply cheer us on—you make these exchanges possible.
We’ll keep doing what we love. And encourage you to engage with our visitors as much as you can in the coming months. You can see who’s coming next here.
Together, we’re connecting the world, right here in Kalamazoo.
In gratitude,
Jodi Hope Michaels and the Global Ties Kalamazoo Team
