Who: Foreign Affairs agency employees (all agencies), EFMs, MOHs, kids and retirees, abroad or in the US. Organized by the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW), a volunteer organization for mutual support within the Foreign Service community.

Why: To celebrate the great spirit of volunteerism in the foreign affairs community, especially in this pandemic year, which is also the 30th anniversary of the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA).

When: Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, 2020.

How to Enter: Send an email and photo (preferably “in action”) to office@aafsw.org with: (1) Your name and location; (2) one sentence describing your volunteer work in 2020; (3) your completion of this sentence: “I Volunteer in 2020 Because …”

Here’s a printable sign you can hold up in your photo (not required).

Patricia Linderman holds up our 2020 poster while volunteering with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps.

What Can You Win?: Five winners will receive a $20 gift card: Most Unusual, Most Inspiring, Best Photo, Greatest Impact, and Judges’ Choice. More importantly, your entry will be posted on AAFSW’s social media and website to be shared widely, and you’ll win the satisfaction of inspiring others to give back to their communities in diverse ways!

Notes: Multiple submissions are welcome if you participate in more than one volunteer activity. Our campaign committee members may submit entries but are not eligible for prizes. Contact office@aafsw.org with any questions, and please share with others in the FS community!