Thanks to AAFSW member Nicole Schaefer-McDaniel for her work in putting together this handy reference.
The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW)
- Non-profit organization that brings together, supports and advocates for Foreign Service family members and employees.
- Tagline: “Where the Foreign Service Becomes a Community.”
- Publications including Realities of Foreign Service Life, Foreign Service Companion books, huge online presence (“livelines” Yahoo Group and numerous moderated Facebook groups connect members globally and answer all those “little” big questions), advocacy groups (e.g., for spousal employment), programs and networking events, scholarships, awards for volunteers abroad.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)
- Professional association and labor union of the United States Foreign Service.
- Focus on Foreign Service employees.
- Advocates for the employee and bargaining agent for pay, assignments and grievances, among other things.
- Publications include The Foreign Service Journal and Inside a US Embassy, a yearly tax guide and various newsletters.
- Offers scholarships and awards.
Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF)
- Organization dedicated to the support of children of employees of the US Foreign Affairs Agencies.
- Focus on children and families.
- Resources: youth newsletter, parent newsletter, re-entry workshops for youth, college workshop, annual family picnic and events, youth mentoring.
- Offers academic merit award, and art, essay, video, and community service youth awards.
- GLIFAA represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) personnel, their families and their straight allies in foreign affairs agencies of the U.S. Government. Officially recognized as a State Department and USAID employee association, GLIFAA advances diversity and workplace equity in U.S. foreign affairs agencies and human rights for LGBT people around the world.
- Events: meetings, networking opportunities, Pride Month, seminars/briefings, advocacy – sign up for the GLIFAA newsletter at www.glifaa.org for dates/ locations.
- Organization of foreign affairs professionals that fosters professional and social networking through lectures, discussion groups, post reunions, and other events.
- Maintains the DACOR Bacon House, a historic house and offers it to members and others for meetings, luncheons, dinners, receptions, weddings and other special events.
- Members can also use the house’s facilities, including its guest rooms, and can sponsor their guests to use facilities as well.
- Focus on retired and current Foreign Service employees, including those in the civil service; academics, journalists, consultants and others working in the international arena.
- Organization to help retired, aging members of the American Foreign Service and their spouses gain access to resources and/or provide financial support for medical and basic living expenses.
- Large network of Geriatric Care Managers to assist with long-term planning.
- Newsletters/brochures and educational seminars.
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