Insights
From Acting
Administrator
Alonzo Fulgham
FrontLines - March 2009
I write this prior to departing for the Middle East, where I will be privileged to represent the Agency at the International Donors Conference in Support of the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza, and to visit our missions in Cairo and Amman. I look forward to highlighting the important and painstaking work our missions undertake throughout the region to help create a brighter future for its citizens.
I was proud to see USAID’s work featured prominently during Secretary of State Clinton’s recent visit to Indonesia and expect that our Agency’s contributions will continue to be highlighted in her travel schedule during the months and years ahead. As development specialists, we have dozens of stories to tell—and we need to continue to tell them well.
Even as Secretary Clinton and Deputy Secretary Jacob Lew make the case for a strengthened and revitalized role for development as an essential element of U.S. “smart power,” we are taking that same message to Congress, the Office of Management and Budget, the National Security Council, and the First Lady’s Office. Among other things, that includes working to ensure sufficient funds to rebuild the Agency, and that USAID is seen as a resource on development policy and implementation.
As we together engage in this important work, let me note three areas where we can all make a difference:
Leadership: USAID has the largest concentration of knowledge and know-how about development in the U.S. government. We should be proactive in making that knowledge available across other departments and agencies. Our ability to engage on important development issues depends upon our ability to demonstrate our skill, commitment, and creativity. Leading by example, we become the source of good ideas and sound, pragmatic advice. We also make ourselves indispensable as far as any discussions related to development are concerned.
Outreach: USAID already participates in policy discussions on issues from food security and climate change to future approaches to Iraq and Afghanistan. Here again, we have a wealth of expertise as well as hands-on experience. Within the U.S. government, USAID staff assigned to State, the combatant commands and the National Security Council enrich the debate immeasurably. We can all look for ways to further share that experience, not only within the foreign policy community but among the broader American public as well.
Communication: There is no doubt that effective communication helps us all to do our jobs better. Yet, communication within the Agency has historically been one of our greatest challenges. As a result, we have put in place three systems to improve the flow of information within Washington and between Washington and the field.
First, we have reinstated the Chief Operating Officer’s biweekly update to the Agency. (Visit http://inside.usaid.gov/COO/ to read previous updates.) Second, we recently launched the USAID “Sounding Board” (http://communities.usaid.gov/soundingboard/), an initiative aimed at promoting Agency innovation and reform. I want to encourage all of our people in the field and in Washington to contribute your best thinking to this important initiative. I look forward to sharing your ideas with the Secretary and with the next Administrator.
Third, the Office of the Chief Operating Officer has launched a blog entitled “AIDSPEAK” (http://communities.usaid.gov/coo/) to keep the Agency abreast of key events and issues and to foster a dialogue amongst USAID personnel. I encourage you to visit AIDSPEAK and to let us know (aidspeak@usaid.gov) what we can do to improve the site.
Finally, let me close by once again expressing my appreciation for your hard work as well as your continued skill and commitment in the midst of this historic transition.
★
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