Annual Awards Now Open

26 Years of SOSA! Seeking Outstanding Volunteers Abroad

The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW) presents annually the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) to recognize the most exceptional volunteer efforts by Foreign Service employees and family members abroad. During its 26 year history, the program has honored more than 100 awardees chosen from over 130 diplomatic missions.

This year it could be you or someone at your post!

If you know someone who has provided immeasurable time, effort and care to improving life for others at post or in the local community, please nominate them for the 2016 SOSA Award. Nominees can be Foreign Service Officers, spouses, family members, EFM domestic partners, or Members of Household. All members of the Foreign Service are encouraged to present nominations. A panel selects recipients from each of the six regional bureaus. Winners will receive a $2500 cash reward, a certificate signed by the Secretary of State, and a pin commemorating the awards ceremony. Travel to Washington, DC will be paid for by regional bureaus. Nominations must be received by June 30, 2016. The award ceremony will be held in the Benjamin Franklin Room at Department of State on November 10, 2016.

Specific details on criteria, eligibility and nomination and selection process can be found in ALDAC cable 16 STATE 38408 issued April 7, 2016. You may also contact your CLO or Management Officer for additional information. Please feel free to contact AAFSW with any questions regarding the 2016 SOSA Award by email office@aafsw.org, phone: 703-820-5420.

Nominations may be submitted on the AAFSW website at http://www.aafsw.org/nominate-sosa-recipient/, or emailed (Word documents only) to office@aafsw.org. To review additional information on the outstanding accomplishments of recent recipients please visit http://www.aafsw.org/services/sosa.

Karen Mehring
SOSA Coordinator

 

In Quest of a Champion of Career Enhancement for EFMs

The AAFSW “Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members” Award (CCEEFM) was developed by AAFSW’s EFM Employment Committee to recognize and incentivize those who go above and beyond their job descriptions and routine daily activities to promote the cause of employment and career development for Foreign Service family members.

The winning individual or group will receive a cash award of $750 and will be honored at the November 10 ceremony. Nominations may be submitted on the AAFSW website at http://www.aafsw.org/cce-efm-award-nomination/, or emailed (Word documents only) to office@aafsw.org. Nominations are due by June 30, 2016.

Specific details on criteria, eligibility and nomination and selection process can be found in ALDAC cable 16 STATE 38408 issued April 7, 2016. You may also contact your CLO or Management Officer for additional information. Please feel free to contact AAFSW with any questions regarding the 2016 CCE-EFM Award by e-mail office@aafsw.org, phone: 703-820-5420.

 

Seeking Exceptional Family Member Advocate

Since 2006, Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired (DACOR) has presented the Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award. This award recognizes a family member who has effectively advocated for family member rights and benefits, as did the late Eleanor Tragen, a long-time AAFSW member. The award is funded by the income from a gift to DACOR Bacon House Foundation from her husband, retired Foreign Service Officer Irving Tragen.

DACOR is seeking nominations for such an individual. Nominees can be Foreign Service Officers, spouses, family members, EFM domestic partners, or Members of Household. All members of the Foreign Service are encouraged to present nominations. Nomination deadline is June 20, 2016. The recipient of the 2016 Tragen Award will receive a $2000 cash gift at the November 10, 2016 awards ceremony.

Specific details on criteria, eligibility and nomination and selection process can be found in ALDAC cable 16 STATE 38408 issued April 7, 2016.

You may also contact your CLO or Management Officer for additional information. Please feel free to contact Susan Cimburek of DACOR with any questions regarding the 2016 Tragen Award by e-mail secimburek@dacorbacon.org, phone: 202-682-0500 ext. 14 or fax: 202-842-3295.