Letter from the President December 2021

Happy Holidays!

Last month, AAFSW hosted its annual awards ceremony honoring the recipients of the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA), the Tragen Award, the CCE-EFM Award, and the Dorman Award. Giving is Receiving. This sentiment has been shared over and over again by previous winners. Rarely do you meet someone who is volunteering because they want recognition or financial reward. This is why the SOSA award in particular is so special. It gives AAFSW the opportunity to honor overseas volunteers for their exemplary service. AAFSW was thrilled to have recorded remarks from Secretary Blinken who was unable to attend in person due to his travel schedule and excited to have Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Brian McKeon, attend in person. If you missed the awards ceremony, check out the recording on AAFSW’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Hz2edT5446Q

AAFSW is excited to launch our first ever online auction!  The auction will go live on December 13 at noon and run for one  week. There are many great items available including rare books, services from EFMs, and artwork. Check out https://www.aafsw.org/aafsws-2021-virtual-auction/ for all the details. The money raised will go towards AAFSW scholarships, programs and more.

Stay tuned in the New Year as we announce the specifics of two new projects. We are excited about these projects and are certain you will be, too.

Have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Lara