AFSA and the Smithsonian Associates present a program on diplomacy and the Foreign Service.

Members of the U.S. Foreign Service are the face of America in countries around the globe. From ambassadors to embassy staffers, their posts are demanding, important, and often difficult ones. How does someone enter the world of diplomacy—and what do they find there? Take a rare opportunity to get answers from men and women whose careers are spent in diplomatic Washington as you go inside the American Foreign Service Association and the U.S. Department of State.

10 a.m. to 12 noon   At the American Foreign Service Association: Training for Diplomacy
Location: American Foreign Service Association (2101 E St. N.W.)

Spend the morning at the American Foreign Service Association in Foggy Bottom to learn from a veteran diplomat how our embassy system works. First, get an overview of the foreign service program, the State Department, and the Foreign Service Institute, where officers and staff receive their preparation for their posts. Learn what our diplomats and development experts do; what a typical day at a U.S. embassy is like; and how diplomatic families cope on overseas assignments. The speaker is Foreign Service officer and author Matthew Palmer.

A second session takes a closer look at the life of a U.S. ambassador abroad. How does an aspiring diplomat become an ambassador? What are their duties? How do they and their families handle potential threats and dangers overseas? An ambassador brings a chief-of-mission’s work to life. The speaker is the new President of the American Foreign Service Association, Ambassador Barbara Stephenson.

12 to 1 p.m.  Lunch

Enjoy a boxed lunch at the American Foreign Service Association headquarters.   

1:30 to 4 p.m.  At the State Department: Democracy in Action
Location: U.S. Department of State (21st St between C and D Sts. N.W.)

Take a short walk to the State Department, the hub of international affairs and American diplomacy, to observe a typical briefing on a hot topic and learn how the department’s 24-hour operations center monitors crises around the world. The afternoon ends with members of the Foreign Service Institute discussing how they provide diplomats and staff members the practical tools to navigate the worlds of domestic politics and foreign affairs.

No tickets sold at the door. Dress is business casual. A valid ID is required to enter the State Department.

Click here for additional information and to reserve a space.