American Foreign Service Association
@afsaorg.bsky.social
Championing America's diplomats since 1924
The treatment of feds, including attacks on their unions, is unprecedented. AFSA’s Sharon Papp shares what she’s seeing & why it’s so concerning.
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
November 17, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The treatment of feds, including attacks on their unions, is unprecedented. AFSA’s Sharon Papp shares what she’s seeing & why it’s so concerning.
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...
We applaud Congress for ending the shutdown and getting federal employees back to work. But the damage is real.
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
November 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM
We applaud Congress for ending the shutdown and getting federal employees back to work. But the damage is real.
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines.
Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR
Reposted by American Foreign Service Association
Former Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili recalls how his parents secretly tuned in to Voice of America during Soviet times — “a voice that helped win two world wars: against fascism and against lies.”
He urges America to keep that voice alive in today’s era of disinformation.
#SaveVOE #VOEGeo
He urges America to keep that voice alive in today’s era of disinformation.
#SaveVOE #VOEGeo
The Voice of America: The Sound of Truth
The Voice of America: The Sound of Truth In a powerful tribute, Former Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili recalls how his parents listened secretly to the Voice of America during the Soviet era — a rare connection to truth beyond propaganda. He says the Voice of America “helped win two world wars — against fascism and against lies,” and urges America to keep that voice alive in today’s age of disinformation. #SaveVOE #VOEGeorgia #PressFreedom #short
youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It's a month of feds being used as political pawns.
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
October 31, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It's a month of feds being used as political pawns.
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests.
Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ
@miamiherald.com
Jamaica’s economy is tightly connected to U.S. trade, tourism, and migration. Sending aid isn't just the moral thing to do, it also can help prevent regional disruption that can affect American jobs, supply chains, and markets.
www.miamiherald.com/news/weather...
Jamaica’s economy is tightly connected to U.S. trade, tourism, and migration. Sending aid isn't just the moral thing to do, it also can help prevent regional disruption that can affect American jobs, supply chains, and markets.
www.miamiherald.com/news/weather...
As Caribbean dreads Hurricane Melissa’s destruction, it can no longer count on USAID
When catastrophic Hurricane Dorian became the strongest storm ever to hit The Bahamas six years ago, submerging the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama under floodwaters, the U.S. government was among t...
www.miamiherald.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
@miamiherald.com
Jamaica’s economy is tightly connected to U.S. trade, tourism, and migration. Sending aid isn't just the moral thing to do, it also can help prevent regional disruption that can affect American jobs, supply chains, and markets.
www.miamiherald.com/news/weather...
Jamaica’s economy is tightly connected to U.S. trade, tourism, and migration. Sending aid isn't just the moral thing to do, it also can help prevent regional disruption that can affect American jobs, supply chains, and markets.
www.miamiherald.com/news/weather...
The shutdown hurts civilian federal employees stationed overseas, too:
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
‘I have no idea what I’m going to do:’ Feds abroad fret about making rent without pay or subsidies during shutdown
Some employees say their foreign landlords have little sympathy for their “U.S. issue.”
www.govexec.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:41 PM
The shutdown hurts civilian federal employees stationed overseas, too:
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
“I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. And that is exactly what I’m doing here today, and I love this country.” Feds speak out during this weekend's protests via @motherjones.com
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The federal workers who showed up at "No Kings" are not the villains in this story
A shutdown, mass firings, political hacks aiming to traumatize them: It's been a rough year for dedicated civil servants.
www.motherjones.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:32 PM
“I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. And that is exactly what I’m doing here today, and I love this country.” Feds speak out during this weekend's protests via @motherjones.com
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The Peace Summit in Egypt, and Shutdown Lessons From U.S.A.I.D.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
The Peace Summit in Egypt, and Shutdown Lessons From U.S.A.I.D.
Podcast Episode · The Daily · 10/14/2025 · 37m
podcasts.apple.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The Peace Summit in Egypt, and Shutdown Lessons From U.S.A.I.D.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Using federal workers as pawns to maximize the negative impacts of a shutdown isn’t just partisan and reckless, it’s also bad for America. It jeopardizes the vital services we all depend on. AFSA stands with all public servants. www.axios.com/2025/10/07/t...
Scoop: White House memo says furloughed federal workers aren't entitled to backpay
A move to deny backpay to up to 750,000 furloughed workers would dramatically escalate Trump's pressure on Democrats to end the shutdown.
www.axios.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Using federal workers as pawns to maximize the negative impacts of a shutdown isn’t just partisan and reckless, it’s also bad for America. It jeopardizes the vital services we all depend on. AFSA stands with all public servants. www.axios.com/2025/10/07/t...
As we await news of a possible government shutdown, we've temporarily lifted the paywall on our checklist of essential documents. Check it out: afsa.org/virtual-go-bag
September 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM
As we await news of a possible government shutdown, we've temporarily lifted the paywall on our checklist of essential documents. Check it out: afsa.org/virtual-go-bag
We call on the Office of Personnel Management to immediately issue detailed information to agencies and employees about the potential layoffs, so Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel alike can prepare for what may come.
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
September 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM
We call on the Office of Personnel Management to immediately issue detailed information to agencies and employees about the potential layoffs, so Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel alike can prepare for what may come.
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
afsa.org/afsa-stateme...
Even during COVID, we didn’t see this many ambassadorship vacancies.
When the U.S. falters, our adversaries are quick to step in:
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
When the U.S. falters, our adversaries are quick to step in:
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
Trump is breaking US diplomacy, State Department staffers say
More than 60 ambassadorships don’t even have a nominee, while diplomats are told they’re being evaluated on their “fidelity.”
www.politico.com
September 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Even during COVID, we didn’t see this many ambassadorship vacancies.
When the U.S. falters, our adversaries are quick to step in:
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
When the U.S. falters, our adversaries are quick to step in:
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
Per @reuters.com, top U.S. diplomats working on Syria have been pushed out:
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Per @reuters.com, top U.S. diplomats working on Syria have been pushed out:
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
The State Department’s independent watchdog is set to launch 25 new reviews into U.S. foreign assistance.
We're eager to hear how the agency is handling the transfer of nearly 1,000 programs from USAID. 🤔
www.devex.com/news/state-d...
We're eager to hear how the agency is handling the transfer of nearly 1,000 programs from USAID. 🤔
www.devex.com/news/state-d...
State Department watchdog office expands foreign aid investigations
The State Department's OIG will be launching 25 new projects into the country's foreign assistance work, with a focus on how the State Department is managing the transfer of nearly 1,000 programs from...
www.devex.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
The State Department’s independent watchdog is set to launch 25 new reviews into U.S. foreign assistance.
We're eager to hear how the agency is handling the transfer of nearly 1,000 programs from USAID. 🤔
www.devex.com/news/state-d...
We're eager to hear how the agency is handling the transfer of nearly 1,000 programs from USAID. 🤔
www.devex.com/news/state-d...
Turns out the mass firing of 25K probationary feds was illegal.
Interesting.
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
Interesting.
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
Trump's mass probationary firings were illegal, judge concludes, but he won't order re-hirings
Agencies will have to send new letters to 25,000 impacted staff explaining the decision.
www.govexec.com
September 16, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Turns out the mass firing of 25K probationary feds was illegal.
Interesting.
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
Interesting.
www.govexec.com/workforce/20...
"Our Foreign Service [members] would never seek to [go on] strike. Like military officers, they take their oath to defend the Constitution seriously and serve with pride in many difficult locations." - From an op-ed by AFSA member Ambassador Day Mount: www.capenews.net/falmouth/opi...
www.capenews.net
September 15, 2025 at 5:47 PM
"Our Foreign Service [members] would never seek to [go on] strike. Like military officers, they take their oath to defend the Constitution seriously and serve with pride in many difficult locations." - From an op-ed by AFSA member Ambassador Day Mount: www.capenews.net/falmouth/opi...
"What we’re seeing in the diplomatic corps right now is fear."
Read AFSA's John Dinkelman's frank assessment of the current climate at the State Department.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
Read AFSA's John Dinkelman's frank assessment of the current climate at the State Department.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
U.S. diplomats say they are reluctant to share inconvenient truths with the Trump administration
"What we’re seeing in the diplomatic corps right now is fear," John Dinkelman, president of the American Foreign Service Association, told NBC News.
www.nbcnews.com
September 11, 2025 at 12:34 PM
"What we’re seeing in the diplomatic corps right now is fear."
Read AFSA's John Dinkelman's frank assessment of the current climate at the State Department.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
Read AFSA's John Dinkelman's frank assessment of the current climate at the State Department.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩!
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
September 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩!
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store.
Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas!
1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy
2. Loyal to the Constitution
3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
4. USA Needs USAID!
5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA
From the data we've collected from fired State employees, here's what was lost on 7/11:
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
September 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
From the data we've collected from fired State employees, here's what was lost on 7/11:
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
—20 Chinese speakers
—17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers
—14 Arabic speakers
—4 Farsi speakers
—4 Korean speakers
And that’s only a partial list.
At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.
This Labor Day feels different.
September 1, 2025 at 4:29 PM
This Labor Day feels different.
The State Dept layoffs are just the latest blow to the Foreign Service. They come after the dismantling of USAID & USGM. The push for deferred resignations has meant losing many colleagues. These attacks weaken diplomacy and leave staff to pick up the pieces.
federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/20...
federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/20...
State Dept promotes several diplomats after sending them layoff notices
American Foreign Service Association said the department’s decision to promote individuals after eliminating their positions “defies logic.”
federalnewsnetwork.com
August 27, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The State Dept layoffs are just the latest blow to the Foreign Service. They come after the dismantling of USAID & USGM. The push for deferred resignations has meant losing many colleagues. These attacks weaken diplomacy and leave staff to pick up the pieces.
federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/20...
federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/20...
The 2025 Foreign Service promotion lists reveal a stunning contradiction: according to our estimates, at least 10 of those promoted were also among the 264 FS laid off on July 11.
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
August 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The 2025 Foreign Service promotion lists reveal a stunning contradiction: according to our estimates, at least 10 of those promoted were also among the 264 FS laid off on July 11.
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims.
Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...
Ambassador Burns’ article is a must-read, not only for those who support our dedicated (and recklessly decimated) federal workforce, but also for those who believe the firings are justified.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
A Letter to America’s Discarded Public Servants
You all deserved better.
www.theatlantic.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Ambassador Burns’ article is a must-read, not only for those who support our dedicated (and recklessly decimated) federal workforce, but also for those who believe the firings are justified.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...