1. Entering the Blogosphere: In an effort to increase our members’ involvement in the work AFSA does, I have tentatively dipped my toes into the turbulent waters of blogging. The need for this became apparent to me from reading the many comments we have gotten related to the Lafayette Federal Credit Union plans to become a commercial bank. There is a need for such a forum for AFSA member input to inform others and express concerns on issues which affect us all. I expect that most readers know what a blog is, but for the uninitiated, a “blog” stands for web log – in effect, an electronic journal on the Internet. What I want to do is keep members updated on what we are working on day by day, and I am also making an effort to solicit comments. I will update the blog regularly, and readers can comment on each entry. This feature will act as a supplement to these regular AFSANET messages. You will find the blog at http://www.afsa.org/usaid. Click on the (unmistakable) blog link. If you want to leave a comment (which you can do under your own name or anonymously), simply click on the “comment” link at the end of each posting. Please keep it civil, folks. We will immediately delete any comments that include derogatory or inflammatory statements. We will respond to comments when necessary, and will use them to incorporate member views into our work. As you will see, we are using a commercial host for our blog. AFSA takes no responsibility for any links or advertising overseen by that commercial host. It is my hope that this new enterprise will increase the transparency of AFSA’s work, and – as an added bonus – the oftentimes murky procedures of the Agency. If you like the blog (or don’t) please let me know.

2. The Journal is Out: The September edition of the Foreign Service Journal is now out and making its way through the postal system. The focus of this month’s issue is reform at the United Nations, which somehow never seems to leave the spotlight. AFSA members can access the entire Journal electronically at www.fsjournal.org. If you haven’t been receiving your copy lately, please go to http://www.afsa.org/comment.cfm and update your address.

3. Heritage Celebration: AFSA encourages all to observe the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, designated as September 15 through October 15, 2006. A commemorative program will be held on Tuesday, September 19, from 10 to 11 am in the RRB Atrium. The keynote speaker will be John Quinones, the co-anchor of ABC’s Primetime Live.

4. Come on Down: The AFSA office remains open to anyone who wants to come by for a visit. We very much enjoy meeting our members and hearing their views. We are located in RRB 2.10-C. My personal contact coordinates are fzamora@usaid.gov and 202-712-1631. Doug Broome, our Senior Labor Management Advisor, is at dbroome@usaid.gov or 202-712-0947. Our main office number is 202-712-1941. If you need to speak with the AFSA retirement folks, the membership department, or other experts, please call AFSA HQ at 202-338-4045.