1. The Member Survey: We want to thank everyone who participated in our recent member survey. We are very pleased with the number of responses we got; in fact, you had so much on your mind that it is taking us longer than anticipated to work through the responses. We want to make sure we get through everything in a thorough manner before we publicize the results. Look for an AFSAnet message shortly after the holidays in which we lay out the raw numbers and offer some in-depth analysis of the commentary we received from the field.

2. Blog Update: In response to member suggestions, we have re-formatted our blog so that the background allows for easier reading than before. We urge you to visit the blog regularly, as we post there frequently and members themselves contribute a lot of lively commentary. Currently, there is a very frank back-and-forth regarding a post on the possible end of the EXO backstop at USAID. To visit the blog, go to www.afsa.org/usaid and click on the blog link at the top of the page.

3. Lafayette Credit Union News: The deadline for LFCU members to send in their votes regarding the proposed conversion to a for-profit financial institution was this past Saturday, December 16. AFSA has not taken on the role of advocate for either position, but we have frequently reminded members to know all sides of the issue before casting a vote. We hope you did so. At present, we have heard from the anti-conversion camp that they are polling members to make sure everyone received a ballot and that the voting process did not experience any irregularities. As always, AFSA will keep a close eye on these proceedings and try to keep the membership updated.

4. USAID and the Foreign Service in the News:

a) A scholar at the American Enterprise Institute has written an article entitled "USAID’s Health Challenge: Improving U.S. Foreign Assistance." It’s an interesting read.

b) Al Kamen speculates on the rumor that USAID Administrator Tobias is leaving the Agency.

c) The Federal Diary covers AFSA’s number one priority, overseas comparability pay.

5. The Journal is Out: The December edition of the Foreign Service Journal came out last week and should have reached most members by now. The cover subject is the Middle East – not exactly a dry well from which to draw. Your humble AFSA VP has a column in this month’s issue – you may read it by visiting http://www.afsa.org/fsj/dec06/aidvoice.pdf.

6. Still Looking for Presents? AFSA is offering a holiday discount on purchases of five or more copies of its international bestseller, "Inside a U.S. Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works for America". The regular price is $12.95, but you can get 5 books for $45 if you order now. This book is a great gift for family and friends who still keep asking you what the Foreign Service is and how an embassy works. Go to www.afsa.org/inside for more information and to order, or call (847) 364-1222. Questions? E-mail embassybook@afsa.org.

7. In and Out: As I mention above, the AFSA/AID staff will be available on a less regular basis than normal over the holidays. I will be away from December 18 through January 8, but I will check my e-mail (fzamora@usaid.gov) very regularly. Senior Labor Management Advisor Doug Broome will likewise be away from December 19 through December 26. Doug will be happy to take calls at his home in urgent cases. My assistant, Asgeir Sigfusson, will be away from December 20 through December 27. Bottom line: The AFSA/AID office will be closed to regular business during the week from December 20-26. Happy Holidays, everyone!