AFSANET from the USAID Vice President

April 5 , 2007

Please send any questions or comments to AFSA/USAID Vice President Francisco Zamora at fzamora@usaid.gov.

THIS AFSANET IS OF INTEREST TO USAID EMPLOYEES ONLY. PLEASE DISREGARD IF YOU ARE NOT A USAID MEMBER.

 As most USAID employees are aware, the Lafayette Federal Credit Union has been experiencing a tumultuous time since last summer. Most recently, a proposal to convert LFCU from a non-profit credit union to a for-profit banking institution was scuttled by alleged mishandling of the voting process.

AFSA has become aware of a recent change in LFCU voting procedures. On May 19, an important vote is coming up. This concerns possible board recalls as well as an election of new board members. In January, LFCU decided to change its bylaws so that only people who are actually present at the meeting may cast a vote. This effectively disenfranchises all Foreign Service Officers serving abroad. AFSA has so far merely acted as a conduit of information regarding the LFCU issue. However, now that the board has made a move that adversely affects our members, we feel we must take action.

We urge all USAID members of LFCU to contact the board to express displeasure and outrage over this decision. You are members of this credit union and deserve to have a voice in its administration. Please e-mail board@lfcu.org and rpolhamus@lfcu.org with your thoughts.

Yet again, AFSA is not telling you how to vote on May 19. We are simply urging you to demand the opportunity to vote while you are serving your country overseas.

Please contact me at fzamora@usaid.gov if you have any questions.