Our Fundraising & Family Crisis Fund: Supporting our Families/Spouses in Transiton

Tales of Survivors of the DOS Divorce and Separation Process The Department of State (DOS) views divorce as a private civil matter to be addressed by a civilian court. When the separation becomes difficult, including physical harm and non-physical harm, harassment and emotional abuse, the spouse is left with “a sense of loss and powerlessness”. The Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) provides somewhat ad hoc advice, most often referring spouses at risk to AAFSW. DOS does not provide access to free legal assistance services, or no legal assistance offices to visit. Over the past two years, as the Spouse in Transition Chair, I have heard and witnessed too many men and… Read More

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Our BookRoom

BookRoom, which sells used books of all kinds, is located in “Foggy Bottom Mall” in the basement of the State Department’s HST Building. It’s open November through September (closed during AAFSW’s Art & BookFair each October) during weekday lunchtime hours: 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. Drop in to get some bargain reading material, and support AAFSW at the same time!

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Our Art & BookFair

Starting with a “Book Mart” in October, 1961, AAFSW has held a book sale every year at the State Department. This October, the Art & BookFair will once again offer books and treasures from all over the world. Our donors from the Foreign Service community have lived everywhere, and customers come to this sale knowing that they can find truly unique international items. This sale has raised $55,000 to $100,000 annually. Over the years that has added up to more than a million dollars. AAFSW uses Art & BookFair funds to finance scholarships and many other activities in support of the Foreign Service community, from our website to informational programs… Read More

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Realities of Foreign Service Life

Mention a diplomatic career and most people imagine high-level meetings, formal dress and cocktail parties. Few stop to think that behind the occasional glitter of official functions are thousands of families facing all the routines and crises of life, far from home, relatives, and friends, in unfamiliar and sometimes unfriendly countries. The Realities series (Volumes 1 and 2) provides reflections and perspectives on the realities of Foreign Service life as experienced by members of the Foreign Service community around the world. The writers share their unvarnished views on a wide variety of topics they care about: Maintaining long-distance relationships Raising teens abroad Schooling and housing abroad Dealing with depression Employment… Read More

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Our Awards

AAFSW sponsors or assists with several awards for adult Foreign Service family members.The Secretary of State’s Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA). The annual AAFSW/Secretary of State’s Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) recognizes the outstanding volunteer activities of U.S. Government employees, family members, and members of household over the age of 18 serving overseas.Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members Award (CCE-EFM)The CCE-EFM 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 receives a cash… Read More

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