1. Summary:  This is AFSA’s annual call for nominations for our prestigious constructive dissent and exemplary performance awards.  Both dissent award winners and exemplary performance winners receive a $2,500 cash prize and are honored at a ceremony at the State Department which has typically been attended by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of State.  But no one can win unless someone nominates them.  The deadline for nominations is February 29, 2008.  End of Summary.

CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT AWARDS

2. Few will dispute that our Foreign Service is currently facing some of the most turbulent and challenging times in its history.  Our Service is stretched to near the breaking point to meet the needs of U.S. diplomatic engagement, serving in increasing numbers of unaccompanied and dangerous posts.  Hundreds of unarmed diplomats are being sent to combat zones and other areas of instability where they are using their diplomatic skills to promote our nation’s vital interests.

3. This situation facing today’s Foreign Service makes AFSA’s Awards Program more relevant than ever.  Now is the time to honor those who have the courage to speak out forthrightly, using appropriate channels, to express alternative points of view, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to demonstrate professional courage and integrity.  The way to honor them is by nominating them for one of our AFSA Constructive Dissent Awards.  

4. AFSA does not make dissent awards based on superior performance of duties, however exceptional.  Rather, we recognize colleagues for serving our country in the best possible way: by taking a stand for what they believe is right; by confronting the status quo; by asking tough questions; by offering alternative solutions; and by giving the best possible counsel we are trained to give.

5. Last year, due to a lack of qualifying nominations, AFSA presented only two awards for constructive dissent, both to mid-level officers.  We need our dissenters now more than ever.  Nominating a colleague for an AFSA Award is the perfect response to those who have questioned the loyalty, dedication and courage of the men and women who have chosen to serve their country abroad, often at great risk or hardship to themselves and their families.  Please help us honor the qualities which exemplify the best in public service.

6. Dissent awards are offered in four categories:

-- The Tex Harris Award for a Foreign Service Specialist.
-- The Averell Harriman Award for a junior officer (FS 06-04).
-- The William Rivkin Award for a mid-career officer (FS 03-01).
-- The Christian A. Herter Award for a senior officer (FE/OC-FE/CA).

Winners receive a cash prize of $2,500 and will be honored at a ceremony in late June in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the State Department.

EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE

7. AFSA also offers three annual awards for exemplary performance of assigned or voluntary duties at an overseas post that constitutes an extraordinary contribution to effectiveness, professionalism and morale.  The awards are:

--The Delevan Award, for a Foreign Service Office Management Specialist who has made a significant contribution to post or office effectiveness and morale beyond the framework of his/her job responsibilities.

--The M. Juanita Guess Award, for a Community Liaison Officer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, initiative or imagination in assisting the families of Americans serving at an overseas post.

--The Avis Bohlen Award, for a Foreign Service eligible family member whose relations with the American and foreign communities at post have done the most to advance the interests of the United States.

Winners receive a cash prize of $2,500 and will be honored at a ceremony in late June in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the State Department.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES
      
8. Information on nomination procedures and guidelines can be found in the December 2007 issue of AFSA’s Foreign Service Journal on page 53, or on ourrds/index.cfm>.  There is a hyperlink to articles about the AFSA 2007 award winners, as well as a listing of all past award winners.  The deadline for submitting nominations is February 29, 2008.

9. Under the supervision of the AFSA Awards and Plaque Committee, chaired by Ambassador John Limbert, all nominations are reviewed and vetted.  Submissions that do not meet the stated criteria, as determined by our judges and the Awards & Plaque Committee, will not be considered.  All nominations will be acknowledged.

10. Questions about any of the awards may be directed to Barbara Berger, Coordinator for Professional Issues, at berger@afsa.org, Tel: 202-338-4045, ext.521; fax: 202-338-6820.

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To support AFSA in the CFC, visit,

http://www.afsa.org/scholar/ - AFSA Scholarship Fund - CFC 11759 or
http://www.afsa.org/CFCFAD.cfm& - Fund for American Diplomacy - CFC
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