2019 Secretary of State Award Recipients

This year, five of the six geographical bureaus submitted nominations for the Secretary of State Award for outstanding volunteerism abroad. The winners and their projects are: 2019 Winner for Bureau of African Affairs, Marcus W. Lamb Marcus, an Information Programs Officer, was part of the IRM team while posted to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Marcus worked closely with a local organization, Apps and Girls, which promotes IT skill building for Tanzanian girls ages 14-24 who cannot continue their traditional education. Marcus volunteered during his free time, at night and during the weekends for over a year. And taught two classes in IT fundamentals, and coding and networking. However, after teaching… Read More

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2019 AAFSW Awards Ceremony

2019 AAFSW Awards – Including the SOSA Ceremony Wednesday, November 20, 2019 Department of State     On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, AAFSW held its 29th annual AAFSW Awards Ceremony, including the SOSA program, which was presented by AAFSW President, Dr. Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen, in the Benjamin Franklin Reception Room in the Department of State. The ceremony highlighted the exceptional volunteer work of ten remarkable individuals. The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide are grateful to have the continued financial support of former Secretary of State James Baker and his wife Mrs. Susan Baker, who helped establish this award in 1990 to recognize the goodwill of Americans for exceptional… Read More

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January Wellness Workshop: New Year, New Habits

Get ready for a fresh, healthy start in the New Year! In this 90-minute interactive workshop, you’ll develop your own personal plan to take your well-being to the next level. You’ll learn powerful techniques to overcome barriers and make your new habits enjoyable and sustainable. Whether you’re trying to reduce stress, sleep better, get more exercise, lose weight, improve your relationships, or be more effective at work, you’ll gain something from this workshop that you can implement NOW to create positive change. Your workshop leader is certified health coach and AAFSW volunteer Patricia Linderman. Find out more about her work at www.fierceafter45.com. Date: Tuesday, Jan. 14 Time: 1 – 2:30… Read More

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Mexican Cultural Institute’s Annual “Day of the Dead Altar”

On November 8th, AAFSW members enjoyed a guided tour of the Mexican Cultural Institute’s annual “Day of the Dead Altar.” This is a special day that takes place on November 1 and 2 where people believe that the souls of the departed return to earth to visit their families. We keep them alive in memory and spirit. This year, Mexican artist Enrique Quiroz created the altar, or ofrenda, which honors prominent Mexican figures who passed away this year, including artist Francisco Toledo, humanitarian Miguel León Portilla, and singer José José. The ofrenda also honors the victims of the El Paso shooting that happened in August. During the day of the… Read More

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