AFSA’s Foreign Service Champions Award honors the accomplishments of influential non-career members of the foreign affairs community who have made meaningful contributions to diplomacy and the Foreign Service. AFSA established this award in 2021 to bring greater recognition to those who have demonstrably championed the Foreign Service’s critical role in U.S. foreign policy and have had an enduring and positive impact on the institution of the Foreign Service as well as the diplomatic profession.

By giving this award, AFSA seeks to expand its recognition of individuals who have shown a committed dedication to the Foreign Service and increase the visibility of and support for AFSA’s work outside of the Foreign Service.

The AFSA Governing Board has determined the criteria guidelines to be as follows.

• The ideal nominee will have demonstrably championed the Foreign Service’s critical role in U.S. foreign policy and have had an enduring and positive impact on the institution of the Foreign Service as well as the diplomatic profession.
• Nominees may be current members of Congress, think tanks, the military, or organizations who are actively engaged with the foreign affairs community. Any individual not currently active duty in the U.S. Foreign Service is eligible to receive the Award for their work. Should a nominee be retired from their field their continued impact on the FS after retirement should be considered.
• Meaningful contributions to diplomacy and the FS may manifest through an individual or organization’s dedicated advocacy for the strengthening of the Foreign Service, introducing specific legislation relevant to the FS and diplomacy, engaged participation in select committees that champion diplomacy, as well as a sustained commitment to the FS community.
• The nominees must be able to attend the awards ceremony in person.

The presentation takes place during AFSA’s annual Awards Ceremony, typically in October at the Department of State. A distinguished individual who has worked with the recipient is asked to present the award.

For information on these awards, please contact AFSA's Programs and Member Engagement department. They are available at member@afsa.org.