AFSA engages in vigorous outreach to the media, always with the intent of telling the story of the Foreign Service to the public at home and abroad. To that end, we have developed long-standing relationships with the journalists who cover diplomacy and federal worker issues.
On this page, you will find links to the most recent stories concerning those issues affecting AFSA's membership and the Foreign Service community at large. You will also find AFSA's press releases, which reach hundreds of media outlets and create awareness of what AFSA advocates for on behalf of its members.
Director of Communications Tom Switzer handles all media issues at AFSA. For press inquiries or requests for comment/quotes, please contact him at switzer@afsa.org or 202-944-5501.
Most Recent Press Releases
April 27, 2012
Undersecretary of State Maria Otero to Honor Fallen Foreign Service Members on Foreign Affairs Day, May 4
Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Maria Otero will give remarks during AFSA’s Memorial Plaque Ceremony at the Department of State on Friday, May 4, in the C Street (Diplomatic) lobby of the Department of State, at 10:25 a.m. The event, part of the annual Foreign Affairs Day celebration, honors members of the Foreign Service who have lost their lives while serving the United States overseas in the line of duty or under heroic or other inspirational circumstances.
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November 15, 2011
AFSA Teams Up with Semester at Sea and Booz Allen Hamilton for Annual High School Essay Contest
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the professional association of the U.S. Foreign Service, is announcing a new partnership with the world-renowned Semester at Sea study abroad program and technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton to increase the scope of its international education activities for America’s students.
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November 10, 2011
AFSA Responds to Governor Rick Perry's Negative Comments on the U.S. Foreign Service
Texas Governor Rick Perry's comments about members of the U.S. Foreign Service during a Nov. 7 radio interview
reflect a serious misunderstanding of their role in promoting American
interests overseas. Diplomacy is rightly recognized as the first line
of defense and a vital instrument for ensuring national security, along
with the military. Foreign Service professionals carry out their role
with exemplary dedication all over the world, including war zones and
other dangerous regions.
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November 10, 2011
AFSA and Booz Allen Hamilton Partner on New Speaker Series
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is announcing a new partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton, one of the world’s premier global strategy and technology consulting companies. The partnership is producing a series of lectures featuring noted professional leaders and diplomatic experts throughout 2011 and into 2012 that are designed to advance discussion about America’s crucial need for “smart” diplomacy and development, especially to provide today’s Foreign Service personnel the needed essential skills required in the challenging environment in which they work.
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August 2, 2011
Significant Foreign Service Pay Cuts Threaten National Security
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the professional association and labor union of the United States Foreign Service, expressed strong opposition today to moves in the House to cut the pay of the Foreign Service serving overseas by 16% on top of the 8% pay cut already being imposed.
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July 15, 2011
AFSA President Susan R. Johnson Re-Elected for a Second Term
Susan R. Johnson was re-elected President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) in AFSA's biennial Governing Board elections. All active and retired AFSA member worldwide (nearly 16,000) were eligible to vote in these elections. Ms. Johns and the other new Governing Board members assume their duties on July 15.
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May 2, 2011
AFSA Statement on the Death of Osama bin Laden
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the professional association of the U.S. Foreign Service, has issued the following statement on the death of Osama bin Laden.
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April 28, 2011
Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg to Honor Fallen Colleagues on Foreign Affairs Day, May 6
Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg will give remarks during AFSA’s Memorial Plaques Ceremony at the Department of State on Friday, May 6, in the C Street (Diplomatic) lobby of the Department of State, at 10:25 a.m. The event, part of the annual Foreign Affairs Day celebration, honors those colleagues who have lost their lives while serving their country overseas in the line of duty or under heroic or other inspirational circumstances.
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April 22, 2011
AFSA Announces the Publication of "Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work"
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the professional association of the U.S. Foreign Service, is proud to announce the publication of the brand-new edition of its popular book, Inside a U.S. Embassy. The book is the essential guide to the Foreign Service and an introduction to the American diplomats who serve their country abroad.
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December 14, 2010
AFSA Statement on the Passing of Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the professional association of the U.S. Foreign Service, deeply regrets the passing of Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Department of State. Ambassador Holbrooke was a longtime supporter of the U.S. Foreign Service.
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December 3, 2010
WikiLeaks Draws Attention to Our Diplomats but Undermines Diplomacy
The American Foreign Service Association concurs with the Department of State that the recent WikiLeaks disclosures are irresponsible, regrettable and damaging to U.S. national interests. AFSA President Susan R. Johnson noted that “WikiLeaks cannot justify these actions in the name of transparency.” Johnson, a veteran of the career Foreign Service, added that “confidentiality is the norm in business, law, medicine and other professions and is a particularly critical element of successful diplomacy and foreign relations.”
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October 26, 2010
AFSA Book Notes Event featuring Ambassador Jack Matlock, November 4 at 11 am
The American Foreign Service Association cordially invites you to a fascinating event featuring Ambassador Jack Matlock, former U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union and former Special Advisor to the president on Soviet Affairs and International Security. Amb. Matlock will be discussing his highly acclaimed latest book, Superpower Illusions: How Myths and Ideologies Led America Astray—and How to Return to Reality.
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October 6 , 2010
AFSA Announces Special Oct. 28 Program on the 20th Anniversary of German Reunification
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is pleased to host a unique public program on October 28 at 10:00 AM, where our panel of experts will discuss the impact on the Foreign Service, foreign policy, global diplomacy, and European security of the historic events which led to the end of the Cold War.
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