Membership Eligibility

Who Can Join?

Regular membership in AAFSW is open to all employees of the U.S. foreign affairs agencies and their adult family members who have served or are subject to serve at a U.S. diplomatic mission. From its origin as a group of female spouses, AAFSW has expanded its membership to include the whole Foreign Service community, active and retired.

Conditional membership in AAFSW is for those in the process of being hired by one of the U.S. foreign affairs agencies. If you have an offer of employment, but are waiting for your medical or security clearances, this category is for you and your adult family members. Conditional memberships are converted to regular memberships as soon as you notify the AAFSW office that you have begun training. If you are not converted within one year, the membership is ended.

Associate membership in AAFSW is for those individuals who have an active interest in US foreign affairs but who are not dependents of US diplomats.  Associate members must be sponsored by a current AAFSW member in good standing, and must submit a letter from that sponsor with their application. Download the Associate Member Application and Recommendation form.

What Does Membership Cost?

Regular Membership:

$40 for one year
$80 for two years
$110 for three years
$135 for four years
$160 for five years

Conditional Membership: $40 for one year

Associate Membership: $45 for one year

Please direct questions about membership eligibility to membership@aafsw.org.