The Foreign Service Journal, October 2014

60 OCTOBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS DACOR Keeps Foreign Service Community Connected DACOR considers itself the home of the Foreign Service community. Founded in the 1950s by a group of FSOs concerned about retirement issues, DACOR has grown into an organization that o‹ers a rich array of programs serving the professional and social needs of the broader interna- tional relations community. Often seen as tradition- bound and, let’s face it, “older,” DACOR is embracing change and proving that it hasn’t been around for more than 60 years by accident. The organization is led by volunteer members who are keenly aware of the chal- lenges of life in the Foreign Service. They are also mindful that with each decade DACOR has adapted to provide the programs and services needed. Despite all the ways people now stay connected electroni- cally, bringing people together is a top priority at DACOR. Executive Director Susan Cimburek says, “With the elegant DACOR Bacon House as a meeting place, why not get together here?” To encourage this, from June through August DACOR hosted Thursday cocktail hours on the Bacon House patio, where members and guests could relax in this private oasis in the middle of the city and enjoy the almost perfect weather Washington experienced this summer. DACOR also hosts post reunions to help the foreign a‹airs community remain connected. So far this year, more than 200 active-duty and retired Foreign Service members have attended reunions for Turkey, Central America and sub-Saharan Africa. Cimburek says to watch for reunions for Ger- many, Mexico and China in the coming months. DACOR has also been expanding its programs to keep members connected professionally. Most remem- ber the Bacon House for two things: the A-100 class reception held there shortly after receiving their first post assignment, and the luncheon co-sponsored by DACOR and AFSA following the Job Search Program. This year, DACOR began hosting receptions for newly DACOR members and guests gather in the Bacon House garden at the Turkey Post Reunion on June 5. DACOR appointed deputy chiefs of mission and principal o•cers. DACOR sees these programs as important elements in its e‹orts to support Foreign Ser- vice members and it hopes to become a go-to network at critical career junctures. Cimburek acknowledges the importance of virtual communities, and the recently launched DACOR website (www.DacorBacon. org) includes a members-only section to foster connections. Through an online directory and member blog, DACOR is enabling members to find lost colleagues, catch up, and share news and views. Whether you are active- duty or retired, posted abroad or inWashington, DACOR urges you to take a look at what it has to o‹er. Next time you’re inWashington, why not stop by for a visit? n –Compiled by Debra Blome, Associate Editor DACOR’s Bacon House in Washington, D.C. DACOR

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