The deadline for the Secretary of State Awards for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) has been extended to July 31, 2025. Please submit nominations using this form.

Do you know an exceptional overseas volunteer who has made a positive and lasting impact in their host country, supported morale and well-being within the Embassy or Consulate community, or helped others in an emergency? 

Please consider recognizing their work and inspiring others by submitting a nomination for this prestigious award administered by AAFSW!

Volunteer opportunities are a key to good morale and a sense of purpose at many overseas missions. And volunteers within the U.S. foreign affairs community consistently demonstrate remarkable achievements, even during a few short years at post. 

Examples from past 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