Events

This event will explore how the shutdown is affecting global aid programs, nonprofit operations, and the broader effective giving landscape. Whether you're a donor, student, policy enthusiast, or just curious about global development, this discussion will help you better understand the situation and how to respond.

Guest Speaker: Cole Landfried

Cole spent at least six years at USAID, first at the Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance and later at the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). He previously worked for an NGO in Myanmar and hails from Georgia. Cole was a member of BHA’s SRG team, a roster of humanitarian experts who rapidly deploy to natural disasters and conflict-affected areas to manage the delivery of US-funded assistance. He has served on many of the Agency’s major humanitarian responses over the past decade, including Gaza, Ukraine,Afghanistan, Syria, the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, and others. Cole recently testified at a House Foreign Affairs Committee shadow hearing on the foreign policy and national security implications of dismantling USAID.

This is a chance to connect with others who care about using their time and resources to make a meaningful difference—even in uncertain times.

Join us for a relaxed and thought-provoking gathering as we unpack the real-world impact of the ongoing USAID shutdown. We’ll explore how it’s disrupting global aid programs, challenging nonprofit operations, and shifting the landscape for effective giving.

Whether you’re a student, donor, policymaker, or someone passionate about global development, this is a space to learn, reflect, and respond.

But this isn’t just about policy, it’s also about people. Come meet fellow effective altruists in a chill environment designed for meaningful conversation and new connections.

Join us for an insightful conversation on the ripple effects of the USAID shutdown — from frontline nonprofits to the future of global development.

Whether you're deep into effective altruism, curious about foreign aid, or just looking to meet thoughtful people doing good in the world, this is your chance to connect, learn, and reflect.