American Foreign Service Association

Good news: the State Department Authorization Act has been included in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed both chambers of Congress and is expected to be signed into law soon. Thanks to AFSA’s tireless advocacy efforts this year, the FY25 State Department Authorization Act now includes important “gifts” for the Foreign Service community: 🎁 Overseas Comparability Pay authority extended to 2034 – the longest extension ever! 🎁 Per diem for new Foreign Service members hired locally, helping new members get started on strong footing. 🎁 Lease and contract termination protections for domestic assignments – offering greater flexibility. These wins reflect AFSA’s commitment to supporting you, your families, and your work around the world. Together, we’re shaping a stronger Foreign Service. Thank you for being part of this mission. 🔗 Learn more about these advocacy wins here: https://bit.ly/3ZK73kq

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating earthquake in Vanuatu. Thinking of our friends and colleagues working at the U.S. Embassy in Port Vila. https://lnkd.in/ewn55X3T

For the high schooler in your life: Winter break is the perfect time to get started on the submission for AFSA’s High School Essay Contest! As a reminder: 👉 First Prize: $2,500, a paid trip to Washington, DC, and an all-expense-paid voyage with Semester At Sea / ISE 👉 Runner-Up: $1,250 and full tuition to the National Student Leadership Conference International Diplomacy Program 👉Deadline: March 1, 2025. For more information and to get started, go to afsa.org/essay

Last-minute gift ideas for the diplomat, history enthusiast, or lifelong learner in your life: 💡For aspiring diplomats: Inside a U.S. Embassy provides an inside look at life and work in American missions around the world. 💡For the diplomacy enthusiast: Our limited-edition centennial merchandise combines comfort with a connection to Foreign Service history—a perfect conversation starter. 💡For the history lover: The Voice of the Foreign Service offers a comprehensive account of the Foreign Service and its union since our establishment in 1924. Start shopping now: Books 👉https://lnkd.in/es-NhgCg and Merch 👉 https://bit.ly/3TUAqyI Happy Holidays!

MEMBERS | More than $400,000 in college aid available! Applications are now open for the 2025 AFSA Scholarship Program, offering over $400,000 in college aid for children of AFSA members. 💡 Need-Based Aid: $260,000+ for undergraduates (awards: $2,000–$6,000). Apply by April 18, 2025. 💡 Merit-Based Scholarships: $150,000+ for high school seniors in categories like academic merit, art, community service, and best essay. Apply by March 10, 2025. Since its inception, this program has awarded $6.9 million to nearly 2,900 Foreign Service youths. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eU7mzUBP #ForeignServiceFamilies #Scholarships

Last night, we wrapped up our centennial year celebrations with a special member happy hour. Thank you to all the members who braved the rain and the wind to join us to celebrate this milestone. Your dedication and support continue to strengthen our profession and our community and ensure the enduring legacy of diplomacy. Here’s to the next 100 years! 🥂✨

As we close out our centennial year, AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi and State Vice President Tina Wong had the opportunity to thank Secretary Blinken for his steadfast support of the Foreign Service and his leadership of the Department of State. Here’s to 100 years of collaboration and a future dedicated to advancing diplomacy and service around the globe. 📸 Department of State

AFSA is hiring: Director of Professional Policy Issues Join AFSA’s senior leadership team as our next Director of Professional Policy Issues, an interesting and important role that shapes the conversation on key challenges and opportunities facing the Foreign Service. This position leads AFSA's internal "think tank," providing strategic insights and thought leadership to advance the Foreign Service profession. Learn more about this exciting opportunity and apply here: https://afsa.org/jobs-afsa

"Everyone has interest in not ceding the diplomatic field to China," AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi interviewed for NPR. https://lnkd.in/eUbrUwqn

🔖 Calling all college students who'll be in the DMV area this spring! We are looking for a spring intern to work with our amazing membership team -- do you know anyone who may be interested?? https://lnkd.in/esErsc4J #jobs #jobopportunity