President’s Letter January 2021

New Year, New Opportunities

I for one am excited about what 2021 has in store. Like many of you, 2020 was a unique year, thanks in large part to the pandemic, which added another layer of stress to my life and probably yours.  We’ve talked about the big changes that took place in 2020 from teleworking, never ending cycle of zoom meetings, virtual school, missed holidays and vacations, authorized departures and more.  

Yet, as 2020 came to a close, AAFSW asked our amazing community for end of the year donations. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity.  We received over $2000 in donations, which will allow AAFSW to continue providing support to our members and the larger Foreign Affairs community through our services and programs. AAFSW accepts donations throughout the year.  If you would like to donate in 2021, please go here.

Are you looking for new experiences and opportunities in 2021? Would you like to make a positive difference in your Foreign Affairs community?  AAFSW would love for you to join our team and share your skills, ideas and time.   We thrive on the dedication of our volunteers.  

AAFSW has more for our members in 2021. We are revamping our Global Link Express and adding a supplement with articles of interest to you.  Keep an eye out for this supplement email in your inbox! Did you know in addition to Livelines, AAFSW’s moderated, email-based resource for all things foreign service, AAFSW administers three additional groups: FS Pets, FS Parents and FS Special Needs? These three groups are now on Groups.io platform since Yahoo Groups dissolved last month. This platform offers members the opportunity to engage with peers on specific topics in a closed, private setting that is not on social media.  If you are interested in becoming a member of these groups, email office@aafsw.org.

Be on the lookout for ALDAC cables and AAFSW announcements regarding scholarships and awards. In the coming months, AAFSW will be accepting applications for scholarships, as well as, nominations for SOSA and CCE-EFM awards.  As always, we will continue to provide interesting programs for you!

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have – AAFSW is here to help you navigate your life as a member of the foreign affairs community.

Happy New Year!

Lara