Dedicated Public Servants Launch Grassroots Effort to Preserve USAID’s Legacy
A growing network of current and former federal employees, fueled by concern over potential dismantling of public services, are utilizing instagram and other platforms to document and defend the work of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These “alt accounts,” like @FriendsofUSAID, are emerging as a vital, volunteer-driven effort to preserve institutional knowledge and counter narratives that threaten the agency’s mission.
The movement gained momentum with a video released on July 4th featuring current and former federal workers reciting their oath of office. The project, according to one participant named Sam, benefited significantly from the guidance and support of the team behind @FriendsofUSAID.”Just by talking to each other,I think we’re able to produce something a lot better,” Sam stated,praising the agency’s generosity,thoughtfulness,and organizational skills.
The origins of this grassroots activism are described as somewhat accidental. Following a demonstration involving individuals nicknamed the “DOGE bros,” one participant, Alex, spontaneously registered an Instagram handle, sparking a wider effort.
Legal scholar Kim Scheppele,who studied Hungary’s transition to democracy and subsequent authoritarian shift under Viktor Orbán,draws parallels to the current situation. She recounts how dissenting judges and staff in Hungary,after Orbán came to power in 2010,published analyses of how the constitutional court should have ruled,aiming to preserve legal principles even as the court’s integrity eroded. Orbán ultimately consolidated power and invalidated those precedents in 2013, forcing the dissenting authors to seek new employment.
Rachel and veronica, the driving forces behind @FriendsofUSAID, initially believed their work would be short-lived, anticipating intervention from Congress or the courts. Rachel’s husband initially supported the effort, believing it would only last “another week.” Though, the sustained nature of the work has created financial strain, leading to ”really hard conversations” and increased expenses for therapy, according to veronica. Despite the personal cost, her husband recognizes the ”joy this work has brought me and sense of purpose” and remains supportive.
Despite pitching major foundations and donors in May, the group has yet to secure funding. However, the emotional rewards are significant. veronica recounts a deeply moving encounter with a former USAID mission director who embraced her in tears, expressing gratitude for the support and feeling of solidarity provided by @friendsofusaid during a period of “utter and complete silence.”
Ultimately,the volunteers are motivated by a desire to act with integrity.”I want to be able to tell my kids that I tried,” Veronica explained. “In 20, 30 years, when they ask me, ‘Mom, what did you do when our democracy came under fire and rights were being taken away and agencies were being closed? What did you do?’ And I want to be able to give them an answer that I’m proud of.”
This effort represents a dedicated attempt to safeguard the legacy and principles of USAID amidst growing concerns about the future of public institutions.
