Not only did we kickoff InterAction’s Forum with three former heads of state, InterAction had the privilege of welcoming eight new organizations into our membership. These newest members truly represent the breadth and depth of both InterAction’s work and the work of our collective NGO community, from providing medical supplies to humanitarian projects worldwide to supporting clean water projects in Ethiopia to advocating for the democratization of international development finance.

It is my pleasure to introduce InterAction’s eight new members:

River blindness (onchocerciasis) has been known to humankind since “biblical times.” It was second only to cataract as a cause of blindness in Sierra Leone until recently – It used to be so common in some highly-affected riverside villages that people accepted the inevitability of visual impairment from their mid-30s. The parasite that causes onchocerciasis, Onchocerca volvulus, was first identified in 1874 and its transmission as larvae by blackflies was first documented in 1926 in Sierra Leone.

Last November’s presidential election in the United States was one of the most consequential and divisive in recent history. With both parties playing to very divided political bases and strong anti-establishment sentiments in many parts of the nation, the question of what role the United States should play as a global leader received scant discussion on the national stage.

At this moment, when institutions and norms of governance, economics, and human relationship are being questioned, finding common ground for discussion, much less progress, feels elusive. During this time of uncertainty it is essential for civil society all over the world to remember and renew our core values and mission. InterAction and our members are counted among the internationalists.

For 15 years, InterAction’s photography contest has focused on incredible humanitarian and development work. Once again, we encourage you to submit your most powerful photos that illustrate innovative, effective, and inspiring efforts in humanitarian assistance and international relief and development.

I grew up in the deep south of Reagan’s America. My father was a veteran and I lived near two Air Force bases, so just about everyone around me talked constantly about how great this country is. Maybe that is why during Rex Tillerson’s confirmation hearing for Secretary of State yesterday, some deep seated part of me couldn’t help but love his metaphor for the state of the world. “…We’ve got a tough hand of cards … and we’re just gonna play that hand out... because what I know is that America still holds all the aces.”