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AAFSW is seeking nominations for the annual Secretary of State Awards (SOSA). We are accepting volunteer award nominations until April 30, 2021.

Do you know someone at your current or recent post whose tireless volunteer efforts have brought about positive change?

Nominate Exceptional Volunteers for the 2021 Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA).

Volunteer opportunities are vital for happiness and morale at many overseas posts. And Foreign Affairs community volunteers consistently astonish with their remarkable achievements, even during a few short years at post. Examples from the 2020 SOSA award winners include raising tens of thousands of dollars to provide needed supplies to refugees and creating an ongoing “Consular Cup” based on the tournaments in the Harry Potter book series to raise morale in Islamabad.

Nominees can be any USG direct-hire employees under Chief of Mission (COM) authority, their spouses and family members over the age of 18, or their members of household (MOH). The SOSA Award is given for volunteer activities performed abroad while the nominee was posted to a U.S. Mission or on Involuntary Separate Maintenance Allowance (ISMA) status.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>The award honors remarkable service to the mission community, outstanding activities directed towards the host country, or exceptional service in emergency situations. Factors considered in the selection process include: scope and reach of activities, sustainability, ingenuity, and leadership.&nbsp;</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>The SOSA Awards are administered by AAFSW, and recipients, if qualified, are chosen for each of the six regional bureaus by a panel of AAFSW, GCLO and regional bureau representatives, with recipients from each of the six regional bureaus.&nbsp; Winners receive a cash award of $2500 and a certificate signed by the Secretary of State. Travel to Washington, DC for the November ceremony (if held in person at the State Department) will be paid for by regional bureaus.</span>

<b>See “How to Submit a Nomination” below.</b>

<b>Identify a strong Champion of Career Enhancement for EFMs for the CCE-EFM Award</b>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>The AAFSW “Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members” Award (CCE-EFM) was created by AAFSW’s EFM Employment Committee to recognize and incentivize those who go above and beyond their job descriptions or their 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 awards ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>

<b>Wanted: Exceptional Family Member Advocate for the Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award</b>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Since 2006, Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired (DACOR) has presented the Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award.&nbsp; 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.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>DACOR is seeking nominations for such an individual.&nbsp; Nominees can be Foreign Service employees, spouses, family members, or Members of Household.&nbsp; All members of the Foreign Service community are encouraged to present nominations. The recipient of the 2020 Tragen Award will receive a week of free lodging, including travel to and from Washington, DC, if posted abroad, be honored at the November awards ceremony and be honored at a luncheon at DACOR Bacon House.</span>

<b>How to Submit a Nomination</b>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>All members of the Foreign Affairs community are encouraged to present nominations.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Nominations for the SOSA, CCE-EFM and Tragen Awards are due by </span><b>April 30, 2021.</b>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Nominations for all awards should not exceed three pages double-spaced and must include the following information:&nbsp; the nominee’s name, including middle initial; the relationship to the direct-hire employee or retiree; the nominee’s e-mail address; the nominator’s name and relationship to nominee; and a justification for the nomination, including specific actions and qualities that fulfill the award criteria.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Send nominations (as a Word document or PDF) for the SOSA and CCE-EFM Awards to <a href=”mailto:office@aafsw.org”>office@aafsw.org</a>.&nbsp; Send nominations for the Tragen Award to John Bradshaw at DACOR via <a href=”mailto:jbradshaw@dacorbacon.org”>jbradshaw@dacorbacon.org</a>.&nbsp; Nominations for all three awards must be received no later than April 30, 2021.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>You may also contact your CLO or Management Officer for additional information. Please also feel free to contact AAFSW with any questions by e-mail at <a href=”mailto:office@aafsw.org”>office@aafsw.org</a>.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Your nominations help recognize the vital importance and value of volunteer work in the Foreign Affairs community. Furthermore, highlighting these achievements inspires others to pursue projects that create positive change, advance person-to-person diplomacy, and bring more satisfaction and meaning to their time at post.&nbsp; Thank you for supporting these awards!</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Patricia Linderman</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>AAFSW SOSA Chair 2020-2021</span>

We are now taking applications for AAFSW’s annual merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are open to members only; submissions deadline is April 15, 2021.

 

The AAFSW Merit Scholarship for College Students

Current college freshmen, sophomores or juniors continuing college in Fall 2021 are eligible for this scholarship. The application form is on the AAFSW website. Two scholarships are available for $2,500 each.

Click here for the application form. If you prefer the Word version of the application form, contact office@aafsw.org.

 

The AAFSW “Twice Exceptional” Merit Scholarship for High School Seniors, Gap Year, and College Students

Current high school seniors, gap year, college freshmen, and college sophomores with a current IEP, a 504, or equivalent program are eligible for this scholarship.

In 2018 AAFSW introduced the “Twice Exceptional” Merit Scholarship for AAFSW member students with special needs. This scholarship is designed to reward Academic Excellence for high school seniors and/or college students who have shown resilience and have academically overcome adversity due to special needs. The AAFSW Merit Scholarship is meant for high school seniors and/or college students who already have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). a 504, or an equivalent program in place. In 2020, AAFSW plans to grant two “Twice Exceptional” Merit Scholarships to students whose families are current AAFSW members. Each “Twice Exceptional” Merit Scholarship carries a $2,500 monetary award.</span>

Click here for the application form. If you prefer the Word version of the application form, contact office@aafsw.org.

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The AAFSW Judy Felt Memorial Volunteerism Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all students applying for the AAFSW Merit Scholarship for College Students and the AAFSW Twice-Exceptional Merit Scholarship. One scholarship is available for $1,000. Students who submit an application for the AAFSW Merit Scholarship or the Twice Exceptional Scholarship are automatically considered for the Judy Felt Scholarship. (Note: You must apply for a merit scholarship in order to be eligible for the Judy Felt Memorial Volunteerism Scholarship.)

 

The AAFSW Best Essay Scholarship

One scholarship is available for $1,000. All applicants are considered for the Best Essay Scholarship. (Note: You must apply for a merit scholarship in order to be eligible for the Best Essay Scholarship.)

All applicants must be a family member of a current AAFSW member. To join AAFSW, visit here.  Application and supporting materials are due by April 15, 2021.

 

If you have any questions, contact office@aafsw.org or 703-820-5420.

AAFSW runs many campaigns throughout the year, from an annual membership drive to the Art & BookFair to nominating volunteers for the Secretary of State Awards (SOSA). Volunteer with us to share your unique talents with AAFSW!