For over 100 years, AFSA has been the professional home, legal muscle, and collective voice of the U.S. Foreign Service. Your membership is how you protect your career, stand with your colleagues, and keep American diplomacy strong — just as AFSA has done since 1924.
On this page you can join AFSA, renew your membership, explore benefits, and access member services.
Active-Duty
The active-duty membership is for anyone currently employed by the United States Foreign Service.
Alumni
The alumni membership is for U.S. Foreign Service annuitants, spouses, and former USFS employees.
AFSA also offers an associate membership for anyone outside the active-duty or retired/former U.S. Foreign Service. Learn more about the associate membership.
Built by the Foreign Service. Run by the Foreign Service.
Founded in 1924, AFSA is the professional association and union for Foreign Service professionals, historically serving across six agencies: the State Department, USAID, the Foreign Commercial Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
We have represented this community through every administration for over a century — and we are governed entirely by the people we represent. Every two years, members elect their own Governing Board. When AFSA speaks, it's because the membership said so.
What Your Membership Does for You
From the day you join to long after you retire, AFSA has your back.
The only org that will go to court for your career. And win.
Legal counsel when your career is on the line.
$530,000 in college scholarships awarded in 2026 alone.
Your voice on Capitol Hill — with a track record.
The Foreign Service Journal: the publication of record for your profession.
A community that understands your life.
Think of it as the best insurance policy you'll ever buy. You may never need it. Until the day you do.
> View the full list of member benefits here.
Your Representation at AFSA: Who We Are
AFSA is governed by elected representatives who advocate for the interests of all members of the U.S. Foreign Service.
- Founded in 1924, AFSA proudly represents six foreign affairs agencies, with representatives from State, USAID, FCS, FAS, USAGM, and APHIS.
- The AFSA Governing Board is elected by the membership every two years and is composed of representatives from each AFSA constituency.
- AFSA serves as the exclusive representative in labor-management matters for members of the U.S. Foreign Service.
> Learn more about AFSA governance here.
“’Don't be a free rider.’ That's what one of my Foreign Service colleagues told me when I was a young FSO, wondering whether I could save a few bucks by canceling my membership. He reminded me of all the important ways that AFSA supports, represents, and defends our community collectively—and many of us individually.”
USAID Foreign Service Officer
“I've been an AFSA member for 18 years. I've never been prouder or more grateful for this union than I am right now.”
former Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security
“As members of the U.S. Foreign Service, we are committed to upholding the principles of our Constitution—including the essential concept of checks and balances. AFSA is the embodiment of that principle within our profession. At a time when the Foreign Service is facing unprecedented challenges, AFSA is the institutional safeguard—our collective check against overreach, injustice, and indifference.”
“I urge all members to do what I did: Switch your AFSA dues to direct payments. Now more than ever, we need to show our support in action. They’ve been there for us for over 100 years. Let’s be there for them.“
USAID Foreign Service Lateral
“Over the past few months, AFSA has provided critical information and support - including through the AFSA Legal Fund. I'm particularly grateful for our USAID reps' ongoing advocacy, outreach, and encouragement in these tough times. Switching my membership to direct payment was an easy decision - AFSA is doing good work and I want to be part of continuing to make it possible.”
Contact Us!
Our team stands ready to assist you with any questions about your membership. You can reach us anytime at member@afsa.org.
- Christine Miele, Director of Membership and Programs
- Mouna Koubaa, Membership Operations Coordinator, (202) 719-9701