American Foreign Service Association
@afsaorg.bsky.social
Championing America's diplomats since 1924
Since January, executive orders have rolled back collective bargaining rights across the government—a serious blow to unions and workers. Watch our discussion “The War on Federal Labor Unions” for what this means for federal employees, organized labor, and democracy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=la_x...
November 24, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Since January, executive orders have rolled back collective bargaining rights across the government—a serious blow to unions and workers. Watch our discussion “The War on Federal Labor Unions” for what this means for federal employees, organized labor, and democracy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=la_x...
The treatment of feds, including attacks on their unions, is unprecedented. AFSA’s Sharon Papp shares what she’s seeing & why it’s so concerning.
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
November 17, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The treatment of feds, including attacks on their unions, is unprecedented. AFSA’s Sharon Papp shares what she’s seeing & why it’s so concerning.
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
We applaud Congress for ending the shutdown and getting federal employees back to work. But the damage is real.
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
November 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM
We applaud Congress for ending the shutdown and getting federal employees back to work. But the damage is real.
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
It's a month of feds being used as political pawns.
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
October 31, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It's a month of feds being used as political pawns.
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
As we await news of a possible government shutdown, we've temporarily lifted the paywall on our checklist of essential documents. Check it out: afsa.org/virtual-go-bag
September 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM
As we await news of a possible government shutdown, we've temporarily lifted the paywall on our checklist of essential documents. Check it out: afsa.org/virtual-go-bag
We call on the Office of Personnel Management to immediately issue detailed information to agencies and employees about the potential layoffs, so Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel alike can prepare for what may come.
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
September 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM
We call on the Office of Personnel Management to immediately issue detailed information to agencies and employees about the potential layoffs, so Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel alike can prepare for what may come.
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩!
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
September 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩!
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
From the data we've collected from fired State employees, here's what was lost on 7/11:
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
September 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
From the data we've collected from fired State employees, here's what was lost on 7/11:
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
This Labor Day feels different.
September 1, 2025 at 4:29 PM
This Labor Day feels different.
The 2025 Foreign Service promotion lists reveal a stunning contradiction: according to our estimates, at least 10 of those promoted were also among the 264 FS laid off on July 11.
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
August 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The 2025 Foreign Service promotion lists reveal a stunning contradiction: according to our estimates, at least 10 of those promoted were also among the 264 FS laid off on July 11.
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
On Aug. 15, every fired USAID career diplomat serving overseas will return home with their families. This marks another chapter in the dismantling of the agency. Explore a few firsthand accounts members shared with us: servicedisrupted.org/stories
August 13, 2025 at 1:43 PM
On Aug. 15, every fired USAID career diplomat serving overseas will return home with their families. This marks another chapter in the dismantling of the agency. Explore a few firsthand accounts members shared with us: servicedisrupted.org/stories
With the dismantling of USAID and weakening of our diplomatic corps, adversaries like China are taking the opportunity to flex their soft power. See what's at stake and how you can help: www.servicedisrupted.org
August 8, 2025 at 2:36 PM
With the dismantling of USAID and weakening of our diplomatic corps, adversaries like China are taking the opportunity to flex their soft power. See what's at stake and how you can help: www.servicedisrupted.org
Why invest in global health?
Nidhi Bouri, a former USAID official, led response efforts to some of the deadliest outbreaks, including Ebola & mpox.
She’s seen how international efforts to prevent the spread of diseases help protect our health and safety at home. Read: afsa.org/putting-amer...
Nidhi Bouri, a former USAID official, led response efforts to some of the deadliest outbreaks, including Ebola & mpox.
She’s seen how international efforts to prevent the spread of diseases help protect our health and safety at home. Read: afsa.org/putting-amer...
July 30, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Why invest in global health?
Nidhi Bouri, a former USAID official, led response efforts to some of the deadliest outbreaks, including Ebola & mpox.
She’s seen how international efforts to prevent the spread of diseases help protect our health and safety at home. Read: afsa.org/putting-amer...
Nidhi Bouri, a former USAID official, led response efforts to some of the deadliest outbreaks, including Ebola & mpox.
She’s seen how international efforts to prevent the spread of diseases help protect our health and safety at home. Read: afsa.org/putting-amer...
America is growing more protectionist, and our adversaries are taking notice.
July 29, 2025 at 7:18 PM
America is growing more protectionist, and our adversaries are taking notice.
July 25, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Even as China doubles down on exerting global influence, recklessness weakens the Foreign Service.
Our soft power has experienced a profound loss with unlawful cuts at USAID and USAGM.
Now, State Department layoffs deal another blow, leaving us exposed in an complex world.
Our soft power has experienced a profound loss with unlawful cuts at USAID and USAGM.
Now, State Department layoffs deal another blow, leaving us exposed in an complex world.
July 25, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Even as China doubles down on exerting global influence, recklessness weakens the Foreign Service.
Our soft power has experienced a profound loss with unlawful cuts at USAID and USAGM.
Now, State Department layoffs deal another blow, leaving us exposed in an complex world.
Our soft power has experienced a profound loss with unlawful cuts at USAID and USAGM.
Now, State Department layoffs deal another blow, leaving us exposed in an complex world.
We're pleased to announce Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the winner of AFSA’s 2025 Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award.
We honor her leadership, mentorship, & dedication to the Foreign Service community.
Read about her distinguished career: bit.ly/3GZEolX
We honor her leadership, mentorship, & dedication to the Foreign Service community.
Read about her distinguished career: bit.ly/3GZEolX
July 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
We're pleased to announce Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the winner of AFSA’s 2025 Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award.
We honor her leadership, mentorship, & dedication to the Foreign Service community.
Read about her distinguished career: bit.ly/3GZEolX
We honor her leadership, mentorship, & dedication to the Foreign Service community.
Read about her distinguished career: bit.ly/3GZEolX
1,353 public servants are no longer at the State Department.
They were RIFed while preventing fraud, supporting U.S. citizens, and advancing diplomacy.
Now, some are speaking out anonymously about the work that’s been disrupted and what’s at stake for America.
They were RIFed while preventing fraud, supporting U.S. citizens, and advancing diplomacy.
Now, some are speaking out anonymously about the work that’s been disrupted and what’s at stake for America.
July 23, 2025 at 5:05 PM
1,353 public servants are no longer at the State Department.
They were RIFed while preventing fraud, supporting U.S. citizens, and advancing diplomacy.
Now, some are speaking out anonymously about the work that’s been disrupted and what’s at stake for America.
They were RIFed while preventing fraud, supporting U.S. citizens, and advancing diplomacy.
Now, some are speaking out anonymously about the work that’s been disrupted and what’s at stake for America.
AFSA welcomes John “Dink” Dinkelman as our new president.
A member of the Senior Foreign Service, Dinkelman takes on this role after receiving a RIF notice from the State Department.
He now leads AFSA in representing 16,700+ members across six foreign affairs agencies.
More: afsa.org/press
A member of the Senior Foreign Service, Dinkelman takes on this role after receiving a RIF notice from the State Department.
He now leads AFSA in representing 16,700+ members across six foreign affairs agencies.
More: afsa.org/press
July 15, 2025 at 7:54 PM
AFSA welcomes John “Dink” Dinkelman as our new president.
A member of the Senior Foreign Service, Dinkelman takes on this role after receiving a RIF notice from the State Department.
He now leads AFSA in representing 16,700+ members across six foreign affairs agencies.
More: afsa.org/press
A member of the Senior Foreign Service, Dinkelman takes on this role after receiving a RIF notice from the State Department.
He now leads AFSA in representing 16,700+ members across six foreign affairs agencies.
More: afsa.org/press
“You are true patriots."
Even as the U.S. is gutting its diplomatic workforce, we want to underscore to our RIF'd friends & colleagues: your work matters, your service has been indispensable, you’ll be missed.
Professor Reich joins us to share a message of support in the face of these reckless cuts
Even as the U.S. is gutting its diplomatic workforce, we want to underscore to our RIF'd friends & colleagues: your work matters, your service has been indispensable, you’ll be missed.
Professor Reich joins us to share a message of support in the face of these reckless cuts
July 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
“You are true patriots."
Even as the U.S. is gutting its diplomatic workforce, we want to underscore to our RIF'd friends & colleagues: your work matters, your service has been indispensable, you’ll be missed.
Professor Reich joins us to share a message of support in the face of these reckless cuts
Even as the U.S. is gutting its diplomatic workforce, we want to underscore to our RIF'd friends & colleagues: your work matters, your service has been indispensable, you’ll be missed.
Professor Reich joins us to share a message of support in the face of these reckless cuts
Today's purging of State Dept. employees is a blow to our global influence. The impact will echo for years. AFSA stands with the workforce & Americans who know that professional, non-partisan diplomacy is not expendable. We won't stop fighting to defend it.
Read our statement: afsa.org/press
Read our statement: afsa.org/press
July 11, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Today's purging of State Dept. employees is a blow to our global influence. The impact will echo for years. AFSA stands with the workforce & Americans who know that professional, non-partisan diplomacy is not expendable. We won't stop fighting to defend it.
Read our statement: afsa.org/press
Read our statement: afsa.org/press
We are deeply grateful to Hui Jun Tina Wong for her service on the AFSA Board of Directors. She's helped lead the organization during an incredibly difficult time, and we thank her for her unwavering support of the Foreign Service community.
Read the full article: afsa.org/foreign-serv...
Read the full article: afsa.org/foreign-serv...
July 10, 2025 at 7:02 PM
We are deeply grateful to Hui Jun Tina Wong for her service on the AFSA Board of Directors. She's helped lead the organization during an incredibly difficult time, and we thank her for her unwavering support of the Foreign Service community.
Read the full article: afsa.org/foreign-serv...
Read the full article: afsa.org/foreign-serv...
By forcing these unvetted standards onto the workforce without meaningful consultation, the department is eroding the very foundation of an apolitical Foreign Service that serves the American people—not any single administration.
July 3, 2025 at 7:08 PM
By forcing these unvetted standards onto the workforce without meaningful consultation, the department is eroding the very foundation of an apolitical Foreign Service that serves the American people—not any single administration.
"We're shooting ourselves in the foot," Voice of America's Steve Herman (@newsguy.bsky.social) on what's at stake when diplomacy is dismantled.
Watch the full recording from our Service Disrupted roundtable discussion here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_STb...
Watch the full recording from our Service Disrupted roundtable discussion here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_STb...
July 2, 2025 at 8:01 PM
"We're shooting ourselves in the foot," Voice of America's Steve Herman (@newsguy.bsky.social) on what's at stake when diplomacy is dismantled.
Watch the full recording from our Service Disrupted roundtable discussion here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_STb...
Watch the full recording from our Service Disrupted roundtable discussion here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_STb...
"I saw how you saved lives."
As we mourn the dismantling of USAID it is important to remember the contributions, immense talent, and unwavering dedication of our development colleagues.
Dr. @agawande.bsky.social witnessed that work firsthand.
As we mourn the dismantling of USAID it is important to remember the contributions, immense talent, and unwavering dedication of our development colleagues.
Dr. @agawande.bsky.social witnessed that work firsthand.
July 1, 2025 at 6:10 PM
"I saw how you saved lives."
As we mourn the dismantling of USAID it is important to remember the contributions, immense talent, and unwavering dedication of our development colleagues.
Dr. @agawande.bsky.social witnessed that work firsthand.
As we mourn the dismantling of USAID it is important to remember the contributions, immense talent, and unwavering dedication of our development colleagues.
Dr. @agawande.bsky.social witnessed that work firsthand.